Geological Wonders of Aso Geopark

The assignment content revolves around geotourism, a developing field that encompasses the exploration and appreciation of Earth's geological and geomorphological features. The ASO Geopark in Japan is an excellent example of geotourism, featuring five main attractions: Komezuka, Kusaseneri-ga-hama, Nakadake Crater, Sunasenri-ga-hama, and Uchinomaki hot spring. The park also boasts additional features such as the Kukan Eco Museum office and the Hana Asobi garden. Geotourism offers several benefits to a region, including economic stability, integrity, valuable learning experiences for visitors, and skills enhancement for locals. However, it also faces challenges like resource depletion and prioritization of entertainment over education.

GEOTOURISM
GEOTOURISM
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Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................3
Introduction.....................................................................................................................4
Geo tourism.....................................................................................................................4
Principles for Geo tourism.............................................................................................5
1) Integrity............................................................................................................................5
2) International Codes.........................................................................................................5
3) Involvement of Community............................................................................................5
4) Benefit for Community....................................................................................................6
5) Satisfaction of tourists.....................................................................................................6
6) Conservation of Resources..............................................................................................6
7) Protection and enhancement of appeal..........................................................................6
8) Planning............................................................................................................................7
9) Usage of land....................................................................................................................7
10) Market Diversity..........................................................................................................7
11) Interactive Interpretation...........................................................................................7
12) Selection of market......................................................................................................8
13) Evaluation.....................................................................................................................8
Geoparks..........................................................................................................................8
ASO Geopark...........................................................................................................................9
Additional features................................................................................................................10
Benefits of geotourism for a region.............................................................................11
Problems due to geotourism.........................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................12
Bibliography...................................................................................................................13
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Abstract
In this assignment, we have a look at what Geo tourism is and how it affects a particular
region. Our main objective in this assignment is to analyse what geo tourism has to offer for
the development of a region and it also provides an idea as to what its positives and negatives
are.
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Introduction
Geo tourism
Geo tourism is explained as a phenomenon or a feature that maintains or betters the
geographical features that might be distinct for that particular region. It has an effect on the
heritage, the environmental features, culture followed and also the residents who are a part of
the place for quite a long time. The term geo tourism encompasses three main factors that are
very closely related with it and it defines what geo tourism is basically about. (Geo World
travel)
The first relation is responsibility towards the environment. By this aspect it relates to the
commitment of conservation of resources and also the maintenance of the biodiversity.
Cultural responsibility is the second aspect that is focussed here. By this aspect we see that
there should be commitment provided towards the maintenance of the local sensibilities and
this also covers the proper maintenance of the heritage in that local place. The final and the
most important feature that geo tourism covers is the aspect of synergy. This feature shows
that under geo tourism we bring together all the elements of geographical nature to provide
an experience to the travellers that appeals to them as well as on a whole it showcases the
pride of the region. (National Geographic) (Barron) (Hose)
Principles for Geo tourism
Geo tourism principles are defined keeping in mind the effect that they will have on a region.
So in total there are around 13 principles which are to be followed to have a proper effect on
a region:
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1) Integrity
Enhancing the geographical character of a particular area, by developing and also improving
the distinctive features of that area. This also encourages a differentiation in terms of the
market as well as reflects the cultural heritage of that place.
2) International Codes
One has to adhere to the World Tourism Organization’s Global Code of Ethics for tourism
and the tourism charter enlisted by the ICOMOS.
3) Involvement of Community
The tourism related to a region should be strongly linked with the local businesses as well as
civic bodies present in that region. This link would enhance the experience of a consumer
when he/she visits that place. Also, benefits are to be provided to these businesses as they
would act as strong tourist attractions in the fields of art, food and entertainment for that
region. (Geotourism Principles - National Geographic)
4) Benefit for Community
Benefits ought to be provided to enterprises in the micro as well as mid level stage so that
emphasis is laid on the benefits (social as well as economic) that would be obtained for the
related communities. The economic benefits can be so high that even alleviation of poverty
can be carried out based on the incomes obtained.
5) Satisfaction of tourists
The satisfaction of the tourists is a major point as this part of it provides repeat customers to a
place. The feedback provided by people acts as very crucial information for incoming
travelers and the word of mouth helps them also to be aware about the surroundings. Owing
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to these, the local authorities should see to that the incoming travelers have a very good
experience of the place.
6) Conservation of Resources
The natural resources bound for a place are to be conserved and depletion should not be
caused. Keeping this in mind, the businesses being setup must be advised to conserve water,
reduce waste discharge, reduced noise pollution as well as reducing the usage of electricity.
Doing all these and advertising them projects a positive picture.
7) Protection and enhancement of appeal
Constant encouragement must be given to the destinations in order to sustain and protect
tourist interests. Also, the amount of tourists visiting the place must also be maintained to
acceptable limits so as to not degrade the resources of the place. The business models being
applied should be built in a dynamic way and they must also keep in mind these permissible
limits in order to cater to the needs effectively. (Geotourism Principles - National
Geographic)
8) Planning
The immediate needs must be catered to along with the mindset to not affect the long term
needs of the place. This form of tourism also invites the migration of many workers and this
causes utility of resources. An economic diversity is also to be obtained and the population
influxes are to be controlled as much in order to strike a perfect balance. Also adoptions of
public policies which mitigate practices that are not compatible with geo tourism are to be
followed.
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9) Usage of land
The usage of land is a very prime thing as the governments might tend to develop and
expand. Foreseeing these, the authorities must allocate lands properly for hotels, recreation
centers, parks and so on. Theses allocations must also be in such a way that it does not
hamper the scenic as well as the natural diversity of the place and allows the residents to have
access to the general places. The other developments such as scenic theme parks and
convention centers must be built in places which are more commercial rather than the ones
which have a lot of flora and fauna.
10) Market Diversity
Appropriate food and diversity must be provided to the geo tourists which will make them
feel at ease. They should also be maintained in such a way that a strong economic tie is
maintained in the long as well as the short run.
11) Interactive Interpretation
The geo tourism market can be a learning field also about cultures and it can have a very
good effect on the visitors. So the visitors as well as the hosts should be guided on the
importance of monuments as well as the region. This would also encourage the hosts to show
off their cultural strengths as well the overall benefits of the place.
12) Selection of market
The markets that are to be promoted are to be selected carefully and they should be ones
which have a rich heritage and places that would interest the tourists. These would also have
to be places where the residents are ready to share their insights on their homeland.
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13) Evaluation
Evaluating the region over and over again is a process that is to be carried out on a regular
basis by a panel that is not dependent or related to any of the officials or stakeholders. This
would give a proper report that can be used to provide feedbacks on the place and also would
be a continuous evaluation mechanism whose results would also be an indication on how
much finance should be allocated to the region. (Destination Center) (About Geotourism)
Geoparks
Geoparks are those which have a defined area that is a specified geographical heritage site
with a proper strategy for its development in place. By observing the Earth in a scientific
manner, a specific importance based place is marked as a geopark. These parks encompass
many natural phenomenons such as strata, volcanoes, rocks, faults etc.
This park provides high value for the conservation as well as for the utilization of the heritage
of that particular geography. The park is not a recreation specific one but is one which
provides learning to the people about the Earth and its relation to the ecology as well as to the
human beings and it is also one which provides knowledge on the history and mechanism of
the eco structure. The learning is also related to the cultures of the people present there as
they would have valuable insights to give to the visitors visiting those places. The geoparks
are majorly being promoted by the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) which is a large scale
organization established in the year 2004 and now is backed by UNESCO. (Ngwira)
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ASO Geopark
The ASO Geopark is one which is situated in Kyushu, Japan. The park has been a very good
attraction for the tourists and also provides a wide spread learning about the place. It has been
centralized with respect to the Aso Caldera which is one of the largest calderas in the world
covering a mammoth area of nearly 350 sqkm. The caldera houses five peaks of Mt.Aso: Mt.
Kijimadake, Mt. Takadake, Mt. Nekodake, Mt. Eboshidake and Mt. Nakadake.
The main theme of the Aso Geopark is to provide the visitors with solid information
regarding the geological behavior of such mountains and also how this is related to the lives
of the people residing in that area. The people narrate as to what are the pros and cons of the
same and how they have developed a habitat, culture and enjoyed developing their livelihood
amongst these bounties of the Earth. (ASO Geopark)
The ASO Geopark encompasses basically 5 important features that would be worth the visit
to this geopark. The first one is the Komezuka in Aso city. This is basically a cone which was
created around 2000 years ago and this is one of the very famous cones in Japan. It was
formed due to series of severe volcanoes that caused the cones to form. The second one is the
Kusaseneri-ga-hama which is a double crater that was formed nearly 30000 years ago as a
400 m diameter crater. On this date, two ponds are still present which a sign of the volcanoes
that had occurred are. The third feature is the Nakadake Crater which is a complex form of
arrangements in which a bouquet of craters are arranged with the one in the northern tip being
the most active one now. The main volcanic crater called as the yudamari is one which can be
seen from a closer distance when there is relatively a low volcanic activity. The fourth feature
that they have is the Sunasenri-ga-hama located in the Minsami Aso village. This is the main
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crater floor of Mt.Nakadake whose body was reformed post 1000 years of its formation.
Black sand is one which covers most of this crater and one distinct observation of this region
is that one can find a lot of cinders present. The Japanese knotweeds are ones which is
observed to be present here on a very large scale. The final feature that is worth the
observation of the Aso geopark is the hot spring named Uchinomaki hot spring. It
accommodates nearly 80 hot springs sources and around 30 accommodations around the
countryside. This hot spring region also sees the presence of 11 communal bathhouses which
is basically for the local people to enjoy. This place finds a lot of fame in the literary part of
Japanese history with famous writers like Natsume Soseki, Santoka and Tekkan visiting the
place and writing novels and poems about the place. (ASO Geopark)
Additional features
The additional features that were present is the Kukan Eco Museum office which is present
around the same region. This roofless museum ranges over the entire city and also helps in
people rediscovering their treasures in things and their lifestyles and hand them down to the
generations that are going to follow.
The Hana Asobi garden is one which has a very high reputation for the rose garden that is
present during the seasons of spring and autumn. There is the largest greenhouse which is in
the form of a dome that is present in Japan. It also houses an amazing restaurant accompanied
by a flower shop that are completely equipped and these features add a lot of value to the Aso
geotourism spot. (ASO Geopark)
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Benefits of geotourism for a region
The first advantage that geotourism offers is the economic stability it offers to a region. The
local workforce that is being used adds on to the economic value of the region. The
community has to understand this benefit and act accordingly. The second advantage it offers
to a region is the improvement in integrity that it offers. The value of assets that the place has
to offer ignites the tourists to travel to that place and this also provides repeat travelers to
come. The third advantage that is on offer is the valuable learning it provides to both the
hosts and the visitors. The locals get a very high sense of pride to explain about their region
and this adds to their skill and for the visitors it means that they have had a very good trip.
The fourth advantage is wherein geotourism offers a good value to the local products and this
also aids in development of investment. The way the investment comes is through the
satisfied visitors who want to promote it more or also through other countries who would like
to make direct investment on tourism. The government also plays a vital role in this as they
have to sanction grants as well as lands to develop a very good heritage site. (National
Geographic)
Problems due to geotourism
Geotourism comes with certain problems along with itself. The first major problem that one
can face with respect to geotourism is the fear of depletion of the natural resources. An overly
populated place would cause usage of resources on a very large scale that might lead to
hampering of the resources. So a very great care is to be kept on how the management of
resources can be done by parallely developing the tourist sites also. The second one is that
geotourism has now become one wherein the visitors are more focused towards the social
part of it and see only entertainment aspects rather than the learning aspect present. The term
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geotourism in itself has started referring more towards the geographical aspect rather than the
geological aspect and hence it has been started to be seen as a normal tourist exposure.
(Ollier)
Conclusion
So from the above assignment we get to know on the first place as to what geotourism is
about and what it basically encompasses. Geotourism is a developing field which has a lot of
positives embedded in it. Through the course of the assignment, we saw that geotourism
generally confines itself to the 13 principles that are quoted for the betterment of the
experience as a tourist and also for the enhancement of the hosts. These 13 principles are
broadly spread over integrity, developing economy of a place, protection of the resources,
enhancing learning of visitors, bettering the skills of the hosts and also providing more
visitors if a place is really worth. Post this we saw with an example as to how geotourism is
present in a region. The example was lined with respect to Japan and it explained about the
Aso geopark. We saw through the 5 main features that the park has to offer along with the
additional features such as the rose garden and the open ended restaurant. These sorts of
geoparks add so much value to a region and this enhances the image of the place too. The
major advantages that geotourism offers to a place is the economic value that it adds to the
region and also the recognition that it gives. This form of tourism allows the learning aspect
and lets visitors to speak in awe about a nation that they have visited. The major drawbacks
that this form of tourism has are the depletion of resources and the threat of it becoming an
entertainment rather than the learning aspect. (Travel the Kingdom) (Balkans Geotourism ,
2016)
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Bibliography
About Geotourism. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2016, from
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/pdf/about-geotourism.pdf
ASO Geopark. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2016, from
http://www.aso-geopark.jp/geotour/pdf/a_english.pdf
Balkans Geotourism . (2016). Retrieved June 16 , 2016, from
Balkansgeotourism.travel: http://www.balkansgeotourism.travel/about_geotourism.php
Barron, H. Geotourism in Scotland. UK: British Geological Survey.
Destination Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://destinationcenter.org/geotourism/geotourism-principles/the-13-principles-
discussed/
Geo World travel. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2016, from
http://www.geoworldtravel.com/geotourism.php
Geotourism Principles - National Geographic. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2016, from
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/geotourism/geotourism-principles/
Hose, T. A. (n.d.). Geotourism A Short Introduction. pp. 339-342.
National Geographic. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2016, from
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/geotourism/about/
Ngwira, P. M. Geotourism and Geoparks: Africa’s Current. Africa.
Ollier, C. Problems of Geotourism and Geodiversity.
Travel the Kingdom. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2016, from
http://www.travelthekingdom.com/geotourism.php
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