Qeshm, Aras and Tabas geoparks for amazing trips
Qeshm is the first registered geopark of Iran in the global network of UNESCO geoparks, and now with the registration of Aras and Tabas, Iran has three geoparks in this global network, areas with unique cultural and natural heritage, amazing attractions for tourism and wonderful trips.
Geopark is the legacy of natural and human activities on the planet. Geopark stands for Geological Park and refers to lands that have unique geological phenomena and a clear history of geological evolution. In fact, a geopark is an area where geological heritage is well preserved and managed. In other words, a geopark is a land that contains one or more scientifically important sites (not only geological, but also archaeological, ecological or cultural).
In the meantime, any region and any country that has more ancient history and geological complexities will bring good potential in the development of this industry. The main purpose of creating geoparks is to preserve and protect the earth’s heritage, which is exposed to damage caused by human activities.
The introduction of a geopark is based on things such as the evolution of the earth, the shape of the earth, the landscape of the earth, geological formations, soil science, mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, archeology, cultural heritage, environment and valuable areas in terms of animal and plant species. These regions are part of a global network that shares the best practices with respect to preserving the earth’s heritage, and their main criterion is the sustainable development strategy.
Qeshm Geopark
Where is the first geopark of Iran and the Middle East?
Qeshm Island Geopark is the first geopark approved by UNESCO in Iran and in the Middle East. The beautiful island of Qeshm overlooks the Strait of Hormuz and the inlet to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. This island, which is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, is one of the most strategic islands of Iran and the Persian Gulf due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean, the presence of oil and gas resources, petrochemical and refinery units and offshore equipment, and having port facilities for large ships (in the Panamax category). It is world famous because of its fueling services for ships passing through the international waterway and its energy and bio-technology parks.
On the other hand, the natural and historical features of this island have made Qeshm one of the main tourist destinations in Iran and the Persian Gulf region. Qeshm Geopark is of great importance due to its location in the strategic area of the Persian Gulf, and on the other hand, this geopark has found a special place in the region and among geoparks due to its location between the geoparks of East Asia and Europe. Salt Dome, Salt Cave, Star Valley, Bam Qeshm, Valley of Statues, Salt Valley, Chahkouh Gorge, mineral water springs, beautiful hills of Kase Selkh, Valley of Tandis, Laft Village and Khorbs Cave are some of the unique attractions of Qeshm region.
Ares Geopark
Registration of Aras and Tabas Geoparks in UNESCO
After Qeshm, Aras and Tabas regions have been added to UNESCO’s global geoparks network as the second and third geoparks of Iran, Iran’s representation in UNESCO-Paris announced on Wednesday last week that the UNESCO executive board issued a statement adding two sites. “Ars Geopark” and “Tabas Geopark” from Iran have been approved by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
The UNESCO statement about the Aras Global Geopark states: Aras River marks the northern limit of this geopark, which is located in the northwest of Iran at the southern end of the Little Caucasus mountain range. This mountain range acts as a natural barrier. It has created a wide range of climates, as well as geographical diversity and rich biodiversity.
It also connects different cultures on both the northern and southern sides of the mountain range. The most important geological feature of international importance in this geopark is the remains of the extinction event that occurred 252 million years ago, which marks the Permian-Triassic boundary, one of the most important events in Earth’s history. The geopark is also home to endangered animals such as Caucasian black grouse, red deer, Armenian ram and Caucasian leopard that live in three protected areas.
Tabas Geopark
Tabas Geopark
Also, this statement about the importance of Tabas Global Geopark says: Many scholars have referred to the 22,771 square kilometers of desert in the northwest of South Khorasan province, where this geopark is located, as the “geological paradise of Iran”. Because it is possible to follow the evolution of the planet from the earliest part of the Earth’s history 4.6 billion years ago (Precambrian) to the early Cretaceous around 145 million years ago without the slightest interruption.
In this geopark, the Naybandan Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest sanctuary in Iran, with an area of 1.5 million hectares, and the most important habitat of the Asian cheetah. Tabas UNESCO World Geopark provides half of the global habitat of the native plant Ferula assa-foetida, which is widely used for medicinal purposes. Throughout history, this region has been a highway that connects the south and west to the east and northeast of Iran. As a result, it attracts ecotourists both because of its valuable natural and cultural heritage.
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