Under the patronage of H.E. Director-General Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (Department of Science and Scientific Research) held a regional workshop on “Geological Heritage Conservation and Designation of UNESCO Global Geoparks”. The workshop was held on May 29-30, 2023 in Karbala University, under the auspices of the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in partnership with UNESCO Cairo Office, and in cooperation with the Iraqi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The workshop aims to share knowledge and raise awareness about the Geopark concept and the significant and positive effects of Geoparks on the environment and the economy. It is designed to support Arab countries in establishing Geoparks and submitting applications as UNESCO Global Geoparks, in addition to strengthening institutional capacity on geological hazards. It also seeks to help decision-makers to enhance the value of UNESCO Geoparks and make best use of the opportunities they offer to protect the environment and advance national economies, while involving local communities and making them aware of the relevant economic and development benefits.
ALECSO was represented by Mr. Amine Dahmani, Projects Coordinator at the Department of Science and Scientific Research. Prominent experts attended the workshop, including :
- Dr. Elsa Sattout, Programme Specialist of the Ecology and Earth Sciences Programme – UNESCO Cairo Office
- Dr. Marie-Luise Frey, Expert at Global Geoparks Network, Germany,
- Mr. Javier López Caballero, Director of Villuercas Ibores Jara” (Spain),
- Mr. Ibrahim Nait Ouachi - Member of the Executive Bureau of M’Goun Geopark (Morocco),
- Dr. Aqeel A. Al-Zubaidi - Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, WCPA Geoheritage Specialist Group.
Seven specialists from six Arab countries (Yemen, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan and Oman) participated in this workshop, in addition to over fifty participants from Iraq, representing various relevant ministries, institutions, universities and research centers.
The workshop agenda featured theoretical presentations and practical training. Successful global experiences were also showcased. A field visit was conducted, on the second day of the workshop, to “Al-Tar Caves” in Karbala, an aspiring UNESCO Geopark.
