PARIS, March 20. /Dunyo IA/. On March 18, online negotiations were held between representatives of Uzbekistan and the Social and Human Sciences Sector of the UNESCO Secretariat, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the Permanent Delegation of our country to UNESCO, the meeting was dedicated to discussing the inclusion of the Kitab Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

The event was attended on the Uzbek side by representatives of the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology, Kitab Geological Reserve and the Permanent Delegation to UNESCO. Participants from the organization included Antonio Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences; Kristof Vandenberghe, Chief of the Section for Earth Sciences and Geoparks; Yelena Osipova, Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Almaty Regional Office and other specialists from the Secretariat.

During the meeting, parties discussed the current state of the Kitab Geopark’s territorial preparation, as well as the goals and objectives it will undertake following its potential inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Particular attention was paid to the geopark’s functions, including the development of sustainable tourism, the promotion of the region’s historical, scientific and cultural heritage and the enhancement of its international appeal.

Representatives of Uzbekistan emphasized that the key goal of including the Kitab Reserve in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network is to unlock the region’s tourism potential, develop its infrastructure, and strengthen its status as a site of significant natural and scientific importance.

In addition, the parties reviewed the prospects for expanding the reserve's territory prior to the submission of the nomination dossier, with a particular focus on broader local community involvement in its activities and operations. Key approaches for further organizational and substantive refinement of the application were also agreed upon, aiming to ensure compliance with UNESCO requirements and its successful review.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to approve a plan for regular consultations at the level of experts and responsible officials from Uzbekistan's relevant ministries and agencies. This aims to coordinate efforts, ensure the timely exchange of information, and provide high-quality preparation and submission of the nomination dossier.