The Keshom Island Geopark in Iran and the Tai'nin Geopark in China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The goal of this agreement is to protect geological and natural heritage, as well as promote sustainable development and support local communities.
The signing of the MOU took place on the third day of the 9th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium 2026. The event is being held in the UNESCO Global Geopark Langkawi, Malaysia, from September 4 to 12.
According to IRNA, the cooperation will cover several areas. These include exchanging experience in geopark management, jointly conducting scientific and technical projects, organizing joint training courses, and strengthening ties between local communities, geotourism operators, and other stakeholders of both geoparks.
Furthermore, the MOU provides for promoting the potential of both geoparks on the international stage through joint marketing and media promotion.
UNESCO Global Geoparks
UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical territories where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed using a comprehensive concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. Their approach, based on the participation of local communities and combining nature conservation with sustainable development, is gaining popularity. Currently, there are 241 such geoparks in 51 countries.
The Keshom Island Geopark, located in the Persian Gulf, covers an area of over 1,400 square kilometers and possesses diverse geological, ecological, and cultural attractions. This UNESCO-listed geopark is part of the Zagros mountain range and contains geological formations dating from the late Precambrian to the Cambrian periods. The UNESCO Geopark of Keshom Island supports local communities through innovative initiatives that preserve cultural heritage and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
The UNESCO Tai'nin Geopark is located in the northwest of Fujian Province, on the southeastern side of the Uyi Mountains. Its landscape includes mountains, hills, and basins, with an altitude decreasing from northwest to southeast.
9th APGN Symposium
The APGN network unites global geoparks in the Asia-Pacific region, fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange, and best practices in geopark management. The network supports sustainable development and public engagement. Through regional partnership, APGN promotes sustainable geotourism, encourages environmental education, and highlights the importance of geological heritage for preserving natural and cultural resources, as well as supporting local economic growth.
The main objectives of APGN are to promote sustainable geotourism, support geopark development, strengthen regional cooperation, and raise awareness and education. The APGN Symposium is a key regional event that brings together geopark specialists to exchange experiences, discuss innovations, and collaborate on future projects, thereby supporting APGN's broader mission of preserving Earth's geological heritage while promoting cultural diversity, sustainable tourism, and the well-being of local residents.
The 9th APGN Symposium gathered the international geopark community to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation in geotourism and sustainable development. This year's theme, 'Celebrating Network Interaction in Geotourism,' emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable networks between geoparks to stimulate innovation, build meaningful connections, and drive transformative actions toward sustainable development.