Iran: Tabas Geopark nominated for UNESCO status listing

• By Al Mayadeen English 

The dossier for the proposal of registering the geopark was submitted last year, and the endorsement verdict will be issued next year in spring after UNESCO’s Executive Board approves the registration.

The Supreme Council of UNESCO voted on Thursday in favor of registering Iran's Tabas Geopark in its Global Geopark listings, according to MEHR news agency.

Home to a variety of landscapes and virgin terrains, Iran's third biggest geopark, which is located in the eastern province of South Khorasan, has now the potential of being recognized as the biggest geopark in West Asia. 

The dossier for the proposal of registering the geopark was submitted last year, and the endorsement verdict will be issued next year in spring after UNESCO’s Executive Board approves the registration.

The geopark includes about 50 geo-sites, panoramic landscapes, and untouched terrains, including the legendary canyon of Kal-e Jeni located in Azmighan Village.

According to the website page of the Tabas Geopark, "UNESCO has a clear and comprehensive definition of the geopark it has invented: an area with clear boundaries and a sufficient area that encompasses a number of rare and prominent geological phenomena, with valuable natural, historical and cultural attractions. This extension should have expansion and exploitation management plans and conservation plans and be capable of raising the economic level of the local community and attracting public cooperation."

"In addition to the official UNESCO definition, it can be said that geopark is a region characterized by the presence of significant geocytes, rich nature and environment, attractive cultural features and most importantly, the active participation and participation of the local community in development, conservation and sustainability programs. Unlike a variety of natural protected areas, geoparks are not only restricted to visitors, but also designed for people. Geoparks provide tourists with access to natural and cultural sites and sites that will provide sustainable economic prosperity for local communities. An important prerequisite for a geopark’s success is the existence of appropriate and accurate plans and strategies for managing the geopark; strategies for conservation, proper utilization, empowering the local community, and sustainable geopark development."