Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 1 August, the Palace of culture of Shakhrisabz hosted the Grand opening of the First International Geotouristic forum.

The opening of the forum was attended by prominent scientists and figures in the field of Geology and mineral resources.

The forum was opened by the acting first Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for tourism development Ulugbek Kasimhodjaev. The Deputy Chairman welcomed the guests and participants of the forum and expressed gratitude for such a high attention to the Geotouristic potential of Uzbekistan.

"The holding of the First International Geotourism Forum here, in the Kitab State geological reserve, which is the owner and keeper of the world stratigraphic standard, is very symbolic: the place where Life from the Oceans came to land, is a good start for the development of geotourism in our country. The purpose of the forum is to find new prospects and opportunities for the development of geo - and paleo-tourism in Uzbekistan, establishment of mutual cooperation between the international research centers in the field of Geology and paleontology, exchange of experience of scientific and practical experience, the creation of new tourism products, enrichment of existing tours and programs offered for both foreign and local tourists," - said U. Kasimhodjaev.

At the opening of the forum, the head of the main environmental Department for the development and reproduction of mineral resources of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Geology and mineral resources Asror Rustamov also took part.

He expressed his gratitude to the attention of the country’s leadership and the world community to the development of geotourism and the protection of national natural resources of Kitab, told about the history of the Kitab State reserve.

"Kitab state Geological reserve is one of the unique natural conservation areas of Uzbekistan. The reserve was founded in 1979 . Kitab geological reserve is the only one in Uzbekistan, which is subordinate to the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Geology and mineral resources. This reserve was created specifically to protect the unique stratigraphic sections and contained in them the remains of ancient fossil forms of marine animals and plants. Paleozoic sections here cover the most interesting geological formations, which include a rich and unique information on a significant time segment of the earth’s geological history lasting 130-170 million years." - said Asror Rustamov.

During the three days of the forum, participants will open a geotouristic route "Zinzilban", visit the Kitab Latitudinal station, scientific conferences and reports of scientists, the signing of various agreements and much more.