Today on May 24, 2023 (Paris), the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark during the 216th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO. We are now officially the Hakusan Tedorigawa UNESCO Global Geopark!

In late 2020, after successfully passing the national endorsement by the Japan Geopark Committee, we officially applied to UNESCO to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. A typical application to UNESCO involves sending in an application dossier, and is followed by an on-site evaluation by designated UNESCO Global Geopark evaluators the following year. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international travel was heavily restricted, and most UNESCO Global Geopark on-site evaluations around the globe were postponed throughout 2020 and 2021. Finally, in October 2022 we were able to welcome two evaluators, and our application process continued smoothly, with a successful nomination being received by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council in December 2022.

And now, today, during the 216th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark!!!

But this designation is not ever-lasting! Unlike UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO Global Geopark must undergo re-validation every four years, in addition to regular reports, in order to maintain their designation. Thus, our designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark is just one big step in our continuous growth as a geopark. In order to maintain our designation, we must continue our activities and work with local communities, with a holistic and bottom-up approach. And so we urge all residents, tourists, and colleagues to continue working and supporting us as we grow and evolve in this new phase!

This new designation brings with it deeper pride in our beautiful area. From the heavy snowfall on the sacred Mt. Hakusan, to the internationally significant fossils of the Kuwajima Fossil Bluff, through the steep Tedori River, large Tedori River Alluvial Fan, Sea of Japan and more. This Hakusan Tedorigawa area has proven to be not only be internationally important at a physical and geological level, but the activities and efforts of our residents have also proven to be of international importance!

Residents of Hakusan City, take pride in the fact that you live in and support an area recognized by UNESCO. And visitors of Hakusan City, see the pride in our hearts, and enjoy the beauty of the area and the people. We look forward to growing with you all as we continue in our goal to create a sustainable society.