Turkmenistan explores possibility of creating UNESCO Geopark
The first meeting of the Working Group on the Study and Creation of a UNESCO Geopark was held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan under the chairmanship of the Minister. The group included representatives of relevant ministries, scientific institutions, the business community and the media. According to the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper, the prospects for creating a geopark in Turkmenistan, which could be included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, were discussed during the meeting.
Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, presented information to the participants on the procedure for establishing geoparks, international experience and the organization's requirements. UNESCO Geoparks are unique territories with valuable natural, geological and cultural sites of international significance. There are currently 213 geoparks in 48 countries worldwide, and the creation of such a site in Turkmenistan would be an important step in preserving the national natural heritage and developing ecotourism.
The Working Group members noted that the country has unique geological objects that could become the basis for creating a geopark. At the first stage, it was decided to determine the most suitable territory and prepare a scientific and legal justification for its creation. The development of geoparks contributes not only to the protection of natural resources, but also to the support of the local economy, the creation of jobs, the development of ecotourism and raising public awareness of the importance of the region's geological heritage.
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