At a meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, the creation of geoparks, including natural and cultural sites, as well as landscapes of international geological significance, was discussed within the framework of the UNESCO Geoparks Programme. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal.

It is noted that national geological parks can become a tool for environmentally friendly development of territories. Participants were presented with international experience, procedures for the formation of geoparks and requirements for their organisation.

Of particular interest are unique sites such as the canyons on the south-eastern shore of the Garabogaz Gulf and mud volcanoes. The creation of geoparks in these areas will preserve natural heritage, develop ecotourism, support the local economy and raise public awareness of the importance of the country's geological wealth.