Turkmenistan is studying the possibility of creating UNESCO geoparks on the Caspian Sea coast. This was reported by the director of the Caspian Sea Institute Myrat Atajanov.
“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 1,000 kilometers. In the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea and the coastal zone, hydrocarbon resources are being extracted, the international port and airport of Turkmenbashy 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 Hazar State Nature Reserve with the Turkmenbashy and Esenguli branches, as well as a wildlife sanctuary on Ogurjaly Island, Atajanov added.
The TEIF 2025 International Forum was held on April 23-24 in the capital of Malaysia. The event was attended by 470 delegates from 42 countries. The organizers were Turkmengas, Turkmennebit and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan in partnership with the Turkmen Energy Forum company.
