26/01/2023
UNESCO Global Geoparks
UNESCO Geoparks are landscapes with outstanding and unique geological phenomena where sites of international geological significance are used to support sustainable development which are managed with a holistic concept of conservation, protection, interpretation, nature-based tourism, and education and research not just geology but other relevant sciences such as history, ecology, archeology, culture, etc. In other words, they are places where visitors can watch, experience and touch the memory of the earth and allow them to understand the current challenges of our planet. This extension should have management and conservation plans in order to be able to attract public cooperation and increase the economic level of the local community. .At the present time, there are 177 UNESCO global geoparks in 46 countries that among them, China has the largest number of geoparks among Asian countries. .
Fortunately, Iran has the potential for many geoparks. Qeshm island geopark is the first one in the Middle East and the only one in Iran that is registered in the UNESCO global network of geoparks. It is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, with an area of 1500 square kilometers, located at the south of the coastal cities of Bandar Abbas and Bandar Khamir. This island has valuable nature, animal species, rare plants, special habitats, and charming perspectives are richly found on land and coast across the island. Moreover, it involves a complex of valuable Geo sites (a place that contains rare and valuable geological phenomena) such as Chahkouh, starts valley, Statues valley, Salt dome, Dulab, Salt valley, the roof of Qeshm, Kukura Mountain, etc., which erosion is the most essential cause of their creation.
As another Iran's geopark, Aras geopark is located at the northwest of Iran, along the northern region of the province of East Azerbaijan, and it spread across the whole Jolfa country. Aras geopark involves five geo sites such as Kiamaki Mountain, Alibashi Mountain, Gechi Ghalasi Mountain Maharan and Asyab Kharabeh Waterfalls, each of which consists of unique geological samples. In addition, this geopark is well known for its latitudinal diversity which results in the possibility of various climates existing within its bounds. The highest point in Jolfa region is Mount Kiamaky, with its peak at 3347 meters. The lowest point is in the northern part of the region, in the valley of the Aras River. While the Valley of Aras River is filled with subtropical trees, the western and middle regions are covered in the steppe, and the slopes of the eastern mountains are covered with thick closed-canopy forests. Hopefully, Aras geopark is expected to gain UNESCO status in May 2023.
The third Iranian geopark site, situated in South Khorasan province, presently undergoing preparations for evaluation to join the Global Geopark List is Tabas Geopark that is the only one of its kind. In December 2022, the Supreme Council of World Geopark of UNESCO has given positive vote to the requested file for Tabas Geopark membership. It means that Tabas could be officially registered on the list of UNESCO geoparks in 2023. Nicknamed "the bride of the desert", tabas covers about 50 Geo sites, untouched terrains, scenic landscapes and worthwhile geological phenomena. In addition, thick forests and moving sand dunes conform the unique assembly of the area. Given that, it has a vast potential to be registered as the biggest geopark in West Asia. Due to passing the historic Silk Road through this land, a lot of unforgettable caravanserais was built which are remained to this day since times long passed.
