TEHRAN -- Iran became one of the 14 members of the UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Advisory Committee.

Iranian geologist and scholar Alireza Amrikazemi was named as the representative of Iran to the committee during the 5th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium, which is currently underway in the Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark, China.

“One of the main aims of geoparks is to preserve geological heritage, boost economic development of local communities, as well as attract more tourists,” Amrikazemi told ISNA on Wednesday.

“I negotiated with representatives of some countries during the symposium who were eager to have mutual cooperation with Iran,” he said.

The Advisory Committee comprises representatives of the founding members of the APGN in recognition of their particular experience and knowledge on geoparks together with other nominated individuals with a particular skill or knowledge in the field of geological heritage and sustainable development.

Regional Geopark Networks serve for the coordination of Global Geoparks Network activities at a regional or continental level and as fora for the exchange of information and co-operation between Global Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals in the region. 

The APGN symposium, which runs until September 22, provides participatns with the opportunity to actively share ideas while deepening understanding among APGN. 

Iran’s global geopark: Qeshm Island

The Qeshm Island has been granted the designation of UNESCO Global Geopark for a four-year period from May 5, 2017 to May 4, 2021. 

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council made an initially decision for the inscription last September. The verdict was finalized by an executive board of the UN agency during its 201st session in Paris on May 5.

Qeshm Island embraces wide range of ecotourism attractions such as the Hara marine forests and about 60 villages dotted mostly across its rocky coastlines. The island has an abundance of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, dolphins and turtles as well.

PHOTO: A view from Stars Valley on the Qeshm Island, southern Iran.  The Island has been granted the designation of UNESCO Global Geopark for a four-year period from May 5, 2017. 

SB/MG