UNESCO Extended Qeshm Geopark in GGN

BENA- ''UNESCO’s inspectors visited Qeshm Geopark a few days before the Iranian New Year (started March 21) to evaluate its condition.
The official noted that UNESCO’s inspectors grade 1,000 geoparks around the world and grant them facilities.

Requirement,'' said Mohammad Reza Qasemi, the director of Qeshm Free Trade Zone Organization.

“If a geopark gets 1,000 points, its membership on the Global Geopark Network will be extended,” he said.

Qasemi explained that when grading a geopark, inspectors take indicators into consideration such as educating rural settlers about the geopark, printing brochures and attending international meetings and conferences.

He noted that these inspectors consider Qeshm Geopark as one of the most unique geoparks in the world in terms of cultural and geological structure.

The official said Iranian experts will attend the 4th International Geoparks Conference in Malaysia to present articles and take part in a meeting that will decide the grade of Qeshm Geopark.

Geoparks are evaluated every four years by UNESCO’s experts and in case they meet the standards of the organization, their membership will be extended for the next 4 years.

“Qeshm Geopark is the only geopark in the Middle East,” Qasemi stressed, adding that 64 geoparks in the world are currently members of the Global Network of Geoparks.

Europe with 34 and China with 22 geoparks host the most geoparks in the world.

Characteristics
A Geopark is a nationally protected area containing a number of geological heritage sites of particular importance, rarity or aesthetic appeal, with high historical and cultural interest and huge biodiversity.

These Earth heritage sites are part of an integrated concept of protection, education and sustainable development.


Geoparks also provide the best venue for young people to learn about nature. They can help promote tourism, handicrafts, culture and history, in addition to creating jobs.

Qeshm Geopark is located in the western part of Qeshm Island and is one of the world’s largest salt cave. It is 6,000 meters long and has unique characteristics.

More than 30 hectares from the western part of Qeshm Island was allocated for the construction of the geopark in 2003.


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