| 研究実績の概要 |
This project investigated the value of geotourism in Japan by analyzing the geology, history and culture, educational value, marketing, site preservation, visitor management, location, safety, and development potential within Japanese, Australasian, and Middle East Geoparks. The study was carried out in 3 parts: data collection and literature review, plus a small number of local and international field surveys of existing Geoparks. In 2015 we completed the field studies by further visits to Geoparks in Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Qeshm Island and Yadz in Iran. Qeshm Island is particularly important, as it is a failed Geopark and we needed our final recommendations to take such situations into account in their strategies. The field surveys were carried out utilizing a set of standardized questionnaires covering economic value, geological resources, social and cultural impacts, risk analyses, and educational program analyses. A series of focus discussions with government and industry representatives covering each site were held. Professor Vafadari collected and analyzed environmental and activity data at the field sites and Professor Cooper conducted tourist interviews and discussions with relevant officials. In addition, these activities provided psychological and sociological analyses of local inhabitants and tourist responses to the concepts of Geoparks and Geotourism. We have begun publication of the results and have compiled the main findings and policy recommendations for the various Government bodies and private organizations that assisted in the research.
|
