WNAM REPORT: Turkmenistan is exploring the possibility of creating UNESCO geoparks on the Caspian Sea coast, said Myrat Atajanov, director of the Caspian Sea Institute.
“The issue of creating UNESCO geoparks is being studied… the canyons on the southeastern shore of the Garabogaz Gulf are of particular interest. In addition, there are mud volcanoes… they represent a geological heritage of international significance. The creation of geoparks in these areas can contribute to their comprehensive development,” he said, speaking at the international forum on attracting foreign investment in the economy of Turkmenistan (TEIF 2025) in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Atajanov, the project is being implemented within the framework of integrated coastal zone management and marine spatial planning with the participation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Global Environment Facility and the World Bank.
The director of the institute emphasized that the length of the Turkmen coast is more than 1000 kilometers. In the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea and the coastal zone, hydrocarbon resources are being extracted, the international port and airport of Turkmenbashi are functioning, there is a developed automobile and railway network, the construction of a bridge across the Garabogaz Strait is ongoing, and recreational facilities are being developed.
The Avaza National Tourist Zone is the pearl of the coast. The coastal area also includes the Khazar State Nature Reserve with the Turkmenbashi and Esenguli branches, as well as the Ogurjaly Island Sanctuary, Atajanov added.
The international forum TEIF 2025 was held on April 23-24 in the capital of Malaysia. The event was attended by 470 delegates from 42 countries. The organizers were Turkmengaz, Turkmennebit and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan in partnership with the Turkmen Energy Forum company.
