17:22 - 3.07.2024

---

July 3, Fineko/abc.az. For the first time, Azerbaijan plans to create a new type of specially protected natural areas (protected areas) of international status - geoparks, as well as the country's accession to the UNESCO Global Network of Geoparks.

ABC.AZ reports that Firuddin Aliyev, the head of the Biodiversity Protection Service of the Ministry of Ecology & Natural Resources, said this at a press conference.

He noted that for the first time a biosphere reserve is being created in Azerbaijan on the basis of the Zakatala State Nature Reserve, and work is also underway on the creation of a new national park on the territory of the Samukh and Gakh districts, the valley of the Alazan River (Ganyh) and the Akhar-Bahar mountain range.

Aliyev added that currently there are 10 national parks, 10 state nature reserves and 24 state nature reserves with a total area of about 893,000 hectares in Azerbaijan: "Along with this, a number of works are underway to expand especially-protected natural areas."