December 9,2021 :

Experience sharing on “UNESCO Global Geopark management Case study : Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark, Japan” supported by Japanese Geoparks Network.

Mr.Wichian Chantaranothai, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor and Chair of Khorat Geopark Steering Committee delivered the opening ceremony on the special digital event between Khorat aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark and Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark, Japan.

Mr.Toru Yoneda, The Mayor of Itoigawa City and Chair of the Itoigawa UGGp and President of the Japanese Geoparks Network, Mr. Toshiyuki Oshima, Director of Itoigawa Council Secretariat, Dr Ko Takenouchi, Mr Takeo Kobayashi Office manager of the Itoigawa Geopark Council Secretariat, Mr. Theodore Brown and Ms. Kana Furusawa, vice Secretary General of the Japanese Geoparks Network had participated and shared with us.

This activity opened for a small focus group discussion mainly in geopark management. It aims to encourage our geopark management team headed by Asst. Prof. Dr.Pratueng Jintasakul, director of Khorat geopark, Asst. Prof. Dr.Nathinee Thongdee, Vice director of Khorat Geopark and director of Khorat Fossil Museum, local government officers, teachers, and participants to learn and share the idea and good practices with Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark who has long experiences on UNESCO Global Geopark Management as a younger sister.

There are 15 women and 10 men participating the activity. Thai-English-Japanese interpretation were provided so languages and gender did not bother us at all!

Japanese Geoparks Network has supported and visited Khorat geopark in 2018 and 2019. We have collaboration activity every year under the supported of Department of Mineral Resources. According to Covid-19 pandemic, we do not have a chance to organize face to face activity. So, this year, we have continued our good relationship and collaboration among the networking activity via online channel. It was very interesting discuss and fruitful exchange between both sides.

Thank you for a great support from Department of Mineral Resources. Ms. Apsorn Sardsud, Director of Geological Survey Division, Mr.Metha Youngsanong, Director of the Geoheritage Conaservation and Geopark Section, Mr.Surachai Siripongsatian, Senior Geoconservation Expert and Ms.Theeraporn Supraditaporn, Senior Professional Geologist.