Ecology (AKIpress) – The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision has submitted for public discussion a draft Cabinet of Ministers resolution approving the procedure for the formation and operation of geoparks in Kyrgyzstan.
The draft resolution is published on the ‘Koom Taluu’ website.
The document was developed to implement the provisions of the law ‘On Specially Protected Natural Territories’ and aims to legally regulate the creation, operation, and liquidation of geoparks, as well as the preservation of geological, historical-cultural, and archaeological heritage, as stated in the explanatory note.
The draft resolution provides for the creation of a unified mechanism for forming geoparks, which will eliminate the existing legislative gap and define an algorithm of actions for state and local authorities in their creation and operation.
According to the draft, a geopark is considered a comprehensive territory management model that combines the protection of natural and geological objects with the development of science, education, tourism, and regional economies.
What the draft resolution provides
The document establishes the goals of creating geoparks, including:
The draft also defines the procedure for forming geoparks. State bodies, local self-government bodies, scientific, and public organizations can initiate their creation. For this, it is necessary to prepare a scientific justification, undergo an environmental expertise, and obtain approval from the authorized body.
How the geopark territory will be structured
It is proposed to divide the geopark territory into:
In the main zone, activities that could damage natural and geological objects will be prohibited, including mineral extraction, capital construction, and other types of economic activities threatening the territory’s integrity.
Management and development of geoparks
Geopark management will be carried out by a legal entity obligated to develop management plans, tourism development programs, educational projects, and an environmental monitoring system.
Additionally, the creation of a National Geoparks Committee is envisaged, which will coordinate their development and interaction with international organizations, including UNESCO structures.
The author of the draft resolution believes that adopting the resolution will create conditions for developing geoitourism, preserving natural heritage, and increasing the investment attractiveness of regions.
