Azerbaijan is planning to create a new type of special protection areas-geoparks with international status and join the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp), Firuddin Aliyev, head of the Biological Diversity Protection Service of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, said at a press conference in the ministry, Report informs.
He also stated that for the first time in Azerbaijan, a biosphere reserve is being created under the Zagatala State Nature Reserve.
Aliyev pointed out that in this regard, the preparation of the nomination file to be submitted to UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) has been completed.
"To protect biological diversity and expand the network of specially protected areas in our country, the work on the creation of a new national park in Samukh and Gakh districts, the Alazan (Ganikh) river valley and the Akhar-Bakhar mountain range is underway. A working team has been established in this regard."
Aliyev added that 10 national parks, 10 state nature reserves and 24 state nature reserves with a total area of up to 893,000 hectares are operating in Azerbaijan.
"Furthermore, work on the expansion of specially protected natural areas is underway," he said.