Reassessing the Global Significance of Geological Heritage in the Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark

The Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp) in western Japan hosts several geologically significant heritage sites, including the Late Paleozoic Akiyoshi Limestone, the Late Triassic Mine Group, the Late Cretaceous Naganobori copper deposits, and the Akiyoshido Cave and karst plateau. The Akiyoshi Limestone at the Kaerimizu site originated as an atoll reef atop a seamount on an oceanic plate. It preserves approximately 80 million years of ancient marine environments and subduction-related tectonic histories. The Mine Group at the Momonoki site, with its coal-bearing strata, contains fossils of the earliest members of Diptera and Hymenoptera. The Naganobori copper mine at the Naganobori site played a vital role in Japanese society from the 8th to the 20th centuries. Meanwhile, the Akiyoshido site, renowned for its scenic beauty, is one of Japan’s most iconic tourist destinations. Using the IUGS guidelines and geoheritage assessment methodology, we reassessed the value and utilization of these geological heritage sites. The Kaerimizu and Momonoki sites were identified as internationally significant and ideal for scientific research. The Naganobori site was determined to be well-suited for educational purposes with national significance, while the Akiyoshido site was deemed optimal for geotourism with national significance.