Kazakhstan Delegation Contributes to International Day of Geodiversity at UNESCO, Highlights Kanysh Satpayev’s 125th Anniversary, DKnews.kz reports
The Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, together with colleagues from the United Kingdom, Poland and Portugal, co-organized an event dedicated to the International Day of Geological Diversity.
The conference at the UNESCO’s Paris headquarters drew the attention of the international community to the importance of further studying and recognizing geodiversity as an important factor in sustainable development. In their speeches, reputable experts in the geological sciences emphasized the impact of geodiversity on shaping the biological and cultural diversity of the planet, providing humanity with essential natural resources such as minerals, water and fertile soils needed for agriculture.
One of the tools for its recognition and celebration is UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network. Today, there are 213 geoparks located in 48 countries around the world, showcasing unique geological features and landscapes, reflecting the importance of deep study and understanding of the significance of geodiversity for the development of our societies.
Ambassador Askar Abdrakhmanov, Permanent Delegate of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, speaking at the event, noted that our country, being the ninth largest territory in the world, also has a rich geological heritage.
“Kazakhstan has a rich potential for the creation of a national network of geoparks, which can be subsequently included in the global network” Askar Abdrakhmanov
His remarks were accompanied by photos of unique sites reflecting the significant geological diversity of Kazakhstan, such as Bozzhyra, Charyn, Burabay, Altyn Emel, Aralkum and others, reflecting their potential for the development of environmentally responsible sustainable tourism.
Abdrakhmanov noted the special contribution of researchers and practitioners of geology to the development of science and economy of Kazakhstan. In this context he emphasized the legacy of the outstanding Kazakh scientist Kanysh Satpayev, whose 125th anniversary is celebrated this year.
The Ambassador explained that Satpayev was the first Kazakh professional scientist and engineer in the field of geology, and made a huge contribution to the study of mineral resources of the country, as well as became the author of educational literature, which is still in use today. His work greatly contributed to the development of the advanced geological science in Kazakhstan and the creation of its strong industrial base.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, the 29th General Conference of UNESCO included the 100th anniversary of Kanysh Satpayev’s birth in the list of UNESCO anniversaries for 1999.
“The intellectual legacy of Kanysh Satpayev today continues to inspire new generations of scientists and engineers to further study the geological diversity and rich natural resources in Kazakhstan and beyond” Askar Abdrakhmanov
On the occasion of this significant date, the Ambassador presented to Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, the richly-illustrated edition in the Kazakh and English languages, published recently on the anniversary of the Kazakh academician, expressing confidence in further fruitful cooperation of our country with the Organization in the field of the preservation of geological heritage.
The event was concluded with a tour of the UNESCO headquarters, which demonstrated the unique geological features of the site.
The International Day of Geodiversity is commemorated annually on October 6, introduced by the relevant resolution of the 41st General Conference of UNESCO. It once again served to remind the international community of the need for the responsible management of our geological resources and the preservation of our geological heritage for the future generations. With the global climate change and the exacerbating depletion of natural resources, recognizing the value of geodiversity has become critical for a sustainable future for the planet.
