On August 1, Shakhrisabz Palace of Culture hosted the grand opening ceremony of the First International Geotourism Forum.

The forum was opened by the Acting First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development Ulugbek Kasimkhojayev.

“The purpose of the forum is to open up new prospects and opportunities for development of geo-and paleo-tourism in Uzbekistan, establish mutual cooperation between world scientific centers in geology and paleontology, exchange experience, create a new tourism product, enrich existing tours and programs offered both for foreign and local tourists”, said U. Kasimkhojayev.

Head of the main geological department for development and reproduction of the mineral resource base of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on geology and mineral resources told the participants of the event about the history of the unique reserve.

Reports and speeches were delivered by Uzbek and foreign scientists on “National goals and objectives of the Republic of Uzbekistan in sustainable development until 2030 and modern geotourism”, “Development of geotourism through geoparks: examples of international practice of the UNESCO program on geosciences and geoparks” and others.

Source: UzA