UNESCO experts evaluated "Yangan-Tau" geopark in Bashkortostan

UFA, 31 July 2018. /Bashinform News Agency, Alfiya Agliullina/ translated by Tatiana Aksyutina/. Experts from the global network of UNESCO geoparks Alireza Amrikazemi (Iran) and Arthur Sa (Portugal) visited Bashkortostan. The scientists assessed the "Yangan-Tau" geopark in the Salavat region. The "Yangan-Tau" is the first in Russia to apply for membership in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

During their stay in the country, the experts visited the main objects of the geological, natural and cultural heritage of the "Yangan-Tau" geopark, including the geological section of the Permian rocks "Mechetlino" and the places of the fossil fauna. All these objects demonstrate a history of this territory development during the existence of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Also, guests were shown a visit-center of the future geopark and the main tourist routes over its territory: rafting along the Yuryuzan river, cycling tour, horse riding, eco-tours.

In addition, foreign experts were offered to test a health-promoting effect of Yangantau Mountain thermal springs, to take part in the folklore festival of local residents.

On the last day of the visit, a workshop was held to assess conformity of the nomination application to the UNESCO requirements.

According to experts, a final verdict on the inclusion of the "Yangan-Tau" geopark into the global network of UNESCO geoparks will be known in October 2018, after consideration of the experts' report by the UNESCO Geoparks Council.

Earlier, the Head of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov stated at a meeting of the Council on Science that obtaining international status for territories with unique landscapes, natural and geological parks, in particular, for Bashkortostan, would open up new perspectives for the development of science, educational projects and tourism.

The application from Bashkiria to join the global network of UNESCO geoparks was filed in November 2017. The nomination dossier was prepared by a group of scientists from the Life Safety Research Institute (Ufa), Bashkir State University, the Institute of Geology of the Ufa Scientific Research Center RAS, Kazan Federal University, and the employees of the "Yangan-Tau" health resort.