MUROTO UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK, Celebrating Earth Heritage
The Muroto Peninsula forms the southwest part of Shikoku, coming to an acute point in the Pacific Ocean. Part of Kochi Prefecture, the southernmost tip of the peninsula goes by the name Muroto City, although it’s a very rural area with no urban agglomeration bigger than a small town.
Muroto is a Geopark, which is defined as a unified area that advances the protection and use of geological heritage in a sustainable way, while ensuring the economic well-being of the people who live there. The concept includes promoting awareness of geological hazards like earthquakes and tsunamis, along with disaster mitigation strategies. Geoparks aim to implement community-based green tourism, based on sustainable use of natural resources. Volunteer guides in Muroto include fluent English speakers. They study constantly to improve their knowledge and to enhance the experience of visitors. The Muroto Global Geopark Center has exhibits with English, explaining the features of the area.
Muroto is a Geopark, which is defined as a unified area that advances the protection and use of geological heritage in a sustainable way, while ensuring the economic well-being of the people who live there. The concept includes promoting awareness of geological hazards like earthquakes and tsunamis, along with disaster mitigation strategies. Geoparks aim to implement community-based green tourism, based on sustainable use of natural resources. Volunteer guides in Muroto include fluent English speakers. They study constantly to improve their knowledge and to enhance the experience of visitors. The Muroto Global Geopark Center has exhibits with English, explaining the features of the area.
