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Synergies and Conflicts in Dual-Designated UNESCO Sites: Managing Governance, Conservation, Tourism, and Community Engagement at Mount Hakusan Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve, Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Aida Mammadova

    (International Research Center for Japan Studies, Kanazawa University, Kakuma Machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Ishikawa, Japan)

  • Susan Maree May

    (Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark Promotion Council, 2-1 Kuramitsu, Hakusan 924-0865, Ishikawa, Japan)

  • Yoko Tomita

    (Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (OUIK), United Nations University, 2-1-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa 920-0962, Ishikawa, Japan)

  • Seira Harada

    (School of Human and Socio-Environment Studies, Kanazawa University, Kakuma Machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Ishikawa, Japan)

Abstract

UNESCO’s dual designations of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and Global Geoparks (UGGps) offer unique opportunities for integrating biodiversity and geodiversity conservation with sustainable development. This study investigates the synergies and conflicts between these designations at Mount Hakusan, Japan, the country’s only site with overlapping BR and UGGp territories. Employing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research highlights key governance challenges, conservation impacts, and community engagement outcomes. Findings highlight key synergies, including enhanced global recognition, collaborative educational initiatives, and the potential for interdisciplinary conservation efforts. However, the study also identifies significant conflicts, such as governance inefficiencies, budgetary constraints, and tensions between biodiversity conservation and geotourism priorities. While the BR framework emphasizes ecosystem protection, the UGGp’s focus on geotourism can create challenges in balancing conservation with economic development. Furthermore, low public awareness and limited youth engagement pose barriers to fully realizing the potential benefits of both designations. Recommendations are provided for integrated management strategies, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing community participation to align conservation and tourism objectives. The study enhances the understanding of managing Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs) and offers practical strategies to support global conservation and sustainable development initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Aida Mammadova & Susan Maree May & Yoko Tomita & Seira Harada, 2025. "Synergies and Conflicts in Dual-Designated UNESCO Sites: Managing Governance, Conservation, Tourism, and Community Engagement at Mount Hakusan Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve, Japan," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:488-:d:1600212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schultz, Lisen & Duit, Andreas & Folke, Carl, 2011. "Participation, Adaptive Co-management, and Management Performance in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 662-671, April.
    2. Jakaria Dasan & Fatimah Ahmedy & Shamezah Shamsul & Elia Godoong & Coswald Stephen Sipaut & Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, 2022. "Post-COVID-19 Challenges for a Sustainable Community-Based Ecotourism: A Case Study of Rural Community in Sabah, North of Borneo," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(4), pages 21582440221, December.
    3. Yiting Zhu & Xueru Pang & Chunshan Zhou & Xiong He, 2022. "Coupling Coordination Degree between the Socioeconomic and Eco-Environmental Benefits of Koktokay Global Geopark in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-25, July.
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