Islamic Republic of Iran is among the first countries of Economic Cooperation Organization's (ECO) members which has established geopark in Persian Gulf island of Qeshm.

In an interview with IRNA, representative and director of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Tehran Cluster Office said on Tuesday that geopark plays a vital role in developing the tourism industry across the world.

Qunli Han underlined that some countries including Australia and Japan have a say in the fields of geopark, adding a great number of tourists are attracted to these countries due to geopark.

Referring to the geopark as a network of biological resources, he stated that the ECO member states are rich not only in the field of civilization heritages, but also in geopark resources.

"Geopark is very vital for prosperity of tourism industry among the ECO member states." he said.

Given the establishment of ECO fund and publishing ECO tourist book by the ECO member states, he cited the measure as an important step for boosting tourism industry.

A Geopark is a nationally protected area containing a number of geological heritage sites of particular importance, rarity or aesthetic appeal, with high historical and cultural interest and huge biodiversity.

These Earth heritage sites are part of an integrated concept of protection, education and sustainable development.

Geoparks also provide the best venue for young people to learn about nature.

Geoparks can help promote tourism, handicrafts, introduce culture and history and create jobs.

Qeshm Geopark is located in western part of Qeshm Island and is one of the world's largest salt cave. It is 6,000 meters long and as unique characteristics.

More than 30 hectares from western part of Qeshm Island was allocated for construction of geopark in 2003.

The Qeshm Geopark has many advantages for different sciences, particularly geology, zoology, botany and archaeology.