Pakistan Set to Join UNESCO Global Geoparks Network
Pakistan is moving closer to joining the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The country recently held its first National Committee meeting to discuss how to implement UNESCO’s International Geoscience and Geopark Programme (IGGP). The Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) hosted the event in Islamabad.
Experts from the Ministry of Energy, geoscience organizations, cultural and tourism departments, federal and provincial governments, and UNESCO attended the meeting.
Key Attendees and Discussions
The meeting included Mr. Antonio De Sousa Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences at UNESCO, and Mr. Kar Hung Antony Tam, Officer-in-Charge at UNESCO Pakistan.
Participants talked about how to protect Pakistan’s geological sites, promote geotourism, and work toward getting a UNESCO-recognized Geopark.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) stated that Pakistan has the potential for several geoparks.
He explained that these sites could promote tourism while educating people about the country’s natural and cultural history.
Next Step
The committee decided to take action nominate Pakistan’s first UNESCO-recognized geopark. This effort will help Pakistan protect its unique landscapes and promote responsible tourism and education.