Presentation Information
[O04-04]Regional development based on spring water culture and the role of geoparks: A case study of Beppu Benten Pond at Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark★Invited Papers
Naoko Tani1, *Futaba Iwamoto1 (1.Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark Promotion Council)
Keywords:
Geogastronomy,Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark,Beppu Benten Pond,spring water culture,local resources,sustainable regional development
Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark (Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) is located in western Japan, and is a basin area surrounded by mountains under approximately 700 metres in elevation. The region is rich in mineral resources such as limestone, coal, and copper, and these geological elements have shaped the foundation of people’s lives, industries, and culture.
Beppu Benten Pond is located in Beppu, Shuho-cho, Mine City. It is a spring where water from Kawaharakami River – which originates from the foothills of Mt. Hanao, approximately 3.8 km away as the crow flies – flows down through a sinkhole during its course, mixes with groundwater, and hits a fault. With no outlet, it emerges as a spring on the ground surface. The pond’s water exhibits a highly transparent cobalt blue colour.
This area has long served as a vital water source for the region. To distribute the spring water collectively, a system called “ide” was established, featuring small dams that create water channels. The ide regulate the flow of water downstream using bundles of bamboo called “yata” dividers and stone weights. At some ide, local residents still collaborate annually to rebuild the yata dividers, in order to maintain this system for the equitable sharing of precious water resources. This practice of spring water management is noteworthy as an example of long-term adaptation and coexistence between geological conditions and the lifestyles of the local community. Local events such as the “Beppu Nenbutsu Dance”, which is dedicated to a water deity, are also held annually around Beppu Benten Pond. It is noteworthy that cultural activities that are rooted in the geological environment are being passed down to future generations.
Since the Showa period, rainbow trout farming that uses the spring water of Beppu Benten Pond has been a pillar of the local economy. However, in recent years, declining profitability and a shortage of workers have threatened the business’s survival. Female members of the Katata District Regional Development Council, based at Beppu Benten Pond, have collaborated with Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark to advance geogastronomy practices aimed at finding new uses for local resources. One result is the rainbow trout burger, featuring rainbow trout raised in the spring water and local vegetables. This initiative aims to reflect the geological characteristics of the area’s food culture, such as through the use of three-coloured buns that match the Geopark’s theme colours. Related products have also been developed and are gaining popularity as local speciality products. The Katata District Regional Development Council advances Geopark activities as a Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark partner, and also develops product packaging utilising the Geopark’s subsidy programme for product packing.
In recent years, attempts have been made to visually recreate the blue hue of Beppu Benten Pond through the developments of products such as “Blue Rice Curry” – rice that is coloured blue using butterfly pea flowers – and various beverages. These represent new developments in geogastronomy, offering sensory experiences of the geological backdrop while also incorporating elements of regional tourism and environmental education. Furthermore, product development that focuses on resource circulation is under consideration, such as fried dishes that use rainbow trout bones.
The series of initiatives at Beppu Benten Pond embody the Geopark philosophy of “conservation, education, and sustainable utilisation of geological heritage”, and represent a regional development model that integrates geological characteristics with local cultural values. The passing down of the spring water distribution system and traditional events to the present day stems from the resilience of a lifestyle and culture rooted in geological heritage, coupled with the proactive involvement of local residents.
Beppu Benten Pond is located in Beppu, Shuho-cho, Mine City. It is a spring where water from Kawaharakami River – which originates from the foothills of Mt. Hanao, approximately 3.8 km away as the crow flies – flows down through a sinkhole during its course, mixes with groundwater, and hits a fault. With no outlet, it emerges as a spring on the ground surface. The pond’s water exhibits a highly transparent cobalt blue colour.
This area has long served as a vital water source for the region. To distribute the spring water collectively, a system called “ide” was established, featuring small dams that create water channels. The ide regulate the flow of water downstream using bundles of bamboo called “yata” dividers and stone weights. At some ide, local residents still collaborate annually to rebuild the yata dividers, in order to maintain this system for the equitable sharing of precious water resources. This practice of spring water management is noteworthy as an example of long-term adaptation and coexistence between geological conditions and the lifestyles of the local community. Local events such as the “Beppu Nenbutsu Dance”, which is dedicated to a water deity, are also held annually around Beppu Benten Pond. It is noteworthy that cultural activities that are rooted in the geological environment are being passed down to future generations.
Since the Showa period, rainbow trout farming that uses the spring water of Beppu Benten Pond has been a pillar of the local economy. However, in recent years, declining profitability and a shortage of workers have threatened the business’s survival. Female members of the Katata District Regional Development Council, based at Beppu Benten Pond, have collaborated with Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark to advance geogastronomy practices aimed at finding new uses for local resources. One result is the rainbow trout burger, featuring rainbow trout raised in the spring water and local vegetables. This initiative aims to reflect the geological characteristics of the area’s food culture, such as through the use of three-coloured buns that match the Geopark’s theme colours. Related products have also been developed and are gaining popularity as local speciality products. The Katata District Regional Development Council advances Geopark activities as a Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark partner, and also develops product packaging utilising the Geopark’s subsidy programme for product packing.
In recent years, attempts have been made to visually recreate the blue hue of Beppu Benten Pond through the developments of products such as “Blue Rice Curry” – rice that is coloured blue using butterfly pea flowers – and various beverages. These represent new developments in geogastronomy, offering sensory experiences of the geological backdrop while also incorporating elements of regional tourism and environmental education. Furthermore, product development that focuses on resource circulation is under consideration, such as fried dishes that use rainbow trout bones.
The series of initiatives at Beppu Benten Pond embody the Geopark philosophy of “conservation, education, and sustainable utilisation of geological heritage”, and represent a regional development model that integrates geological characteristics with local cultural values. The passing down of the spring water distribution system and traditional events to the present day stems from the resilience of a lifestyle and culture rooted in geological heritage, coupled with the proactive involvement of local residents.