Geological heritage: sustainable management of geological hazards and water resources in the transboundary region of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
The objectives of this initiative encompass fostering international collaboration to examine the natural resources and connections to geoheritage in the southwest region of the Tien-Shan for the purpose of establishing a transboundary Geopark. This area boasts exceptional geological heritage and spans across Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, presenting significant potential for future scientific and applied programs such as IGCP: Geoheritage for Sustainable Development, Global Change, Geohazards, Hydrogeology, and Earth Resources.
The region hosts remarkable geological heritage sites that align with international criteria, necessitating their preservation as distinctive natural landmarks. This preservation effort aims to contribute to sustainable development while engaging local communities in Geopark development. The project's scope involves exploring the geological heritage's potential and initiating the creation of a Geopark. Kyrgyzstan's pristine nature and the preserved indigenous cultures in this region offer substantial prospects for scientists interested in studying geological hazards and water resources.
The overarching goals of this endeavor include leveraging the geological heritage's potential to drive sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan's remotest regions, establishing a UNESCO Global Geopark to bolster regional capacity-building, and enhancing the social situation of indigenous communities and the broader area. These goals involve heightening awareness among the local populace about the geological heritage, natural hazards, and social processes specific to their region.
The project aims to formulate recommendations and strategies for mitigating geological hazards, targeting governmental bodies, scientific institutions within the Academy of Sciences, and serving as the basis for developing the capacities of the local population.
Key information
Duration
2022-2024
IGCP Theme
Geoheritage for Sustainable Development
Project Leader
Mining engineer hydrogeologist
Highlights
Promotional Video
Video presenting the geological and visual forms of the aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan.
Geoheritage and geo-tourism forum
IGCP 727 organised a large-scale forum on geological heritage and the development of geo-tourism in the aspiring Madygen Geopark in the Batken region in April 2022.
It was attended by international organizations, donors, university students, local authorities, representatives of the government of Kyrgyzstan, the tourism industry and the Ministry of Ecology.
The purpose of the forum was to involve international donors in the development of the geopark, the preservation of the geological heritage, the development of geotourism, as well as the implementation of projects to reduce georisks.
As a result, memorandums of cooperation were signed with international donors to support the development of IGCP project 727.
Seminar and field trip in Batken region
This event aimed to improve geological mapping skills to create thematic maps, using drones. Local activists, students of Batken University and young specialists of Mining and Geological University in Batken were involved in the event.
International summer school
Young specialists from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and other countries were invited to learn the skills of aerial photo mapping in August 2022. The territory of the geopark was a convenient place for data calibration, as all sites are very accessible and clearly presented.
This project was developed with the generous financial support of the Jeju Province Development Co. (JPDC).
