Today, the Deputy Minister of Environment Anna Mazmanyan met with the representatives of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia within the framework of the program "Geopark as a stimulus for sustainable economic development, nature protection in Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions".
The Deputy Minister presented certificates of appreciation to colleagues for their significant contribution to the development of prerequisites for the creation of a geopark of geological hazards of the Republic of Armenia.
Director of the Institute of Geological Sciences Khachatur Meliksetyan presented the Ministry with copies of the book-atlas "Prerequisites for the establishment of a geopark of geological hazards of the Republic of Armenia".
The partners discussed a number of issues of common interest to the program.
The Deputy Minister expressed hope that work will continue on combining the potential and professional experience of specialists from the Ministry of Environment and the National Academy of Sciences and expanding cooperation.
In turn, Khachatur Meliksetyan thanked the Ministry of Environment for the constant attention to the geopark creation program.
During the meeting, the agenda was clarified and a number of agreements were reached.
Geopark is a region with a specially protected status, on the territory of which the geological history of the planet Earth, the formation of the local landscape, the formation of mineral deposits and rocks, the massive preservation of fossils of prehistoric animals are clearly revealed. 
The choice of the territory of the geopark in the Republic of Armenia was based on the knowledge accumulated in the field of geology, as well as on the long-term experience of the program participants. The level of development of the regions and the need for additional economic incentives were also taken into account.
The creation of geoparks will contribute to increasing the recognition of Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions, stimulate the formation and rooting of eco-culture and ecological culture in the regions, correct and reasonable orientation and formation of human behavior in the field of environmental protection, nature management and environmental safety.