Representative of Hong Kong Global Geopark was invited to visit Japan’s Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark on 24 to 25 May 2014 to share with the staff of UnzenGeopark his views on various topics, including the latest science-popularization trends, tourism promotion, and best management practices adopted in the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network. 

During the visit, the Hong Kong Global Geopark representative received a 3D papercraft model from Mr. Kawahara Kazuhiro who is a geological high school teacher supporting UnzenGeopark and expressed his gratitude for the continuous collaboration between the two geoparks. Hong Kong Global Geopark is honoured to work with Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark and would like to acknowledge Mr. Kawahara’s valued gift to the geopark. The representative also visited the UnzenGeopark’s monthly event, “Geo-Marche”, the open-air market held in Mt.Unzen Disaster memorial hall and communicated with local producers in Shimabara Peninsula.

Not only fresh vegetables and marine products produced in peninsula, but also various local products and traditional foods featuring geological uniqueness are sold in the marche. Especially, he was very interested in the coffee beans roasted on the volcanic rocks and the handmadetextiledyed with natural spring water.

Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark of Japan signed a cooperation agreement with Hong Kong Global Geopark of China on 15 June 2013.