13/09/2025
Mine 秋吉台地質公園 已經正式獲得 「UNESCO 聯合國教科文組織世界地質公園 」推薦承認決定！
未來此案將被建議列入UNESCO執行委員會會議議題，預計於明年春天在執行委員會做出決議，一旦通過，Mine秋吉台地質公園將正式認定為 UNESCO 世界地質公園。 
來自Mine 秋吉台地質公園推進協議會會長的訊息
在此報告 Mine 秋吉台地質公園申請 UNESCO 世界地質公園認定審查的結果。
日本時間 9月6 日凌晨，UNESCO 世界地質公園委員會會議召開，決議推薦 Mine 秋吉台地質公園獲得 UNESCO 世界地質公園承認。這是因為 Mine 秋吉台地質公園擁有具有國際價值的地質與地形遺產，以及在保護、教育、地方振興等方面，市民的參與活動受到高度評價。 
Mine 秋吉台地質公園於去年（11月）在許多相關機關的支持下提交申請書給 UNESCO，本年7月由兩位審查員進行實地審查。審查中以「白色的石灰岩、黑色的煤、紅色的銅」三種色彩為主題，介紹這片土地孕育出的自然與文化，以及市民各式各樣的活動。還介紹了秋吉台的形成過程與保護狀態、草原的利用情況，舉辦地質導覽，秋芳洞探險行程體驗，以及在桃之木露天採掘遺跡中由專家介紹珍貴的昆蟲化石，別府弁天池的水養育出的鱒魚製作的「鱒魚漢堡」等使用在地特產的飲食體驗，讓大家能以五感體驗 Mine 秋吉台地質公園的魅力。另外，透過地質導覽（Geo-guide）與市民的交流，也確實傳達了對 UNESCO 世界地質公園的熱情與期待。 
這次獲得推薦承認決定，是包括市民、市議會、山口縣、以及所有相關機構努力的成果，我們在此由衷感謝。 
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接下來的流程
1. 利用本次委員會（Council）會議的結果，透過 UNESCO 秘書處建議將此案列入 UNESCO 執行委員會的議程。 
2. 之後在預定於明年春天召開的 UNESCO 執行委員會中，申請案將被正式決議。如果決議通過，Mine 秋吉台地質公園將正式被認定為 UNESCO 世界地質公園。 
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意義與未來展望
• Mine 秋吉台地質公園被國際認可的珍貴地質地形遺產存在於美祢市，不僅會提高市民的公民驕傲，也將成為市民、特別是孩子們與世界接軌的一個契機。 
• 此認定透過世界地質公園網絡，也能與其他世界認定地區合作，共享經驗、協力解決地方課題。 
• 然而，認定只是一步，希望 Mine 秋吉台地質公園為了美祢市的未來、為了肩負未來的孩子們、為了地球上的後代能長久幸福生活，持續以「與地球共存、與人相連、思考與行動未來」的社會為目標，努力不懈。 
Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark – Recommendation for UNESCO Global Geopark Approval!
This case has been recommended to be included as an agenda item at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting. A formal decision is expected around next spring, and if approved, Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark will officially be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
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Message from the Chair of the Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Promotion Council
We are pleased to report the results of our application for UNESCO Global Geopark recognition.
On September 6 (Japan time), at the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting, it was decided to recommend Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark for UNESCO Global Geopark status. This decision was made because Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark was highly evaluated not only for its internationally valuable geological and geomorphological heritage, but also for the active involvement of citizens in areas such as conservation, education, and regional revitalization.
Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark submitted its application to UNESCO in November last year, with the support of many relevant institutions. In July this year, two evaluators conducted on-site assessments. During the evaluation, under the theme of “white limestone, black coal, and red copper,” the natural and cultural heritage of the land and various citizen activities were introduced.
Explanations included the formation and conservation of Akiyoshidai, the use of grasslands, guided tours, cave exploration experiences in Akiyoshido, expert-led introductions to rare insect fossils at the Momonoki open-pit mine site, and food experiences using local specialties such as “trout burgers” made from trout raised in the waters of Benten Pond in Beppu. These programs allowed the evaluators to experience the appeal of Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark with all five senses.
Furthermore, through interactions with Geo-guides and local residents, our passion and expectations for becoming a UNESCO Global Geopark were effectively conveyed.
The recommendation decision we have now received is the result of the efforts of citizens, the City Council, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and all related organizations. We express our deepest gratitude.
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Next Steps
1. Based on the Council’s recommendation, the UNESCO Secretariat will propose this case to be included as an agenda item at the UNESCO Executive Board.
2. The application will then be formally decided at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting, scheduled for next spring. If approved, Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark will officially be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
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Significance and Future Outlook
• The presence of internationally recognized geological heritage in Mine City will not only enhance citizens’ pride, but also provide opportunities—especially for children—to connect with the wider world.
• Through the Global Geoparks Network, the park will also be able to collaborate and share experiences with other geoparks worldwide, working together to solve local challenges.
• Recognition, however, is only one step. For the future of Mine City, for the children who will carry that future, and for the generations to come who should live happily on this planet, we will continue striving to create a society that “coexists with the Earth, connects people, and thinks and acts for the future.”
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