On the Prospects for Establishing a Georesort in the Akmola Region
Published by : Dana
On April 14, 2026, a working meeting dedicated to the establishment of a georesort in the Akmola Region was held via videoconference, chaired by Sayagul Kairgeldina, Director of the Research Institute of Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The meeting brought together institute experts, Deputy Akim of the Akmola Region Ernar Zharkeshev, representatives of профильные departments of the regional akimat, management of the State National Nature Park “Burabay,” as well as representatives of Burabay Damu LLP.
A geopark is a clearly defined territory with geological heritage of international, national, or regional significance, operating under the auspices of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The main objectives of geoparks include the conservation of unique natural sites, the development of scientific and educational activities, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. As of 2025, there are 229 geoparks in 50 countries worldwide, attracting over 200 million visitors annually. Notably, such sites are not yet present in Central Asia, creating an opportunity for Kazakhstan to become a pioneer in this field.
In her remarks, Sayagul Kairgeldina emphasized that the Akmola Region has significant potential for the development of specialized tourism. Unique geological formations, scenic landscapes, and a rich natural and mineral resource base create favorable conditions for establishing a modern georesort that integrates eco-tourism, health improvement, and scientific and educational activities.
Saida Nigmetova, Chairperson of the National Committee for Geoparks under UNESCO, delivered a presentation titled “Geoheritage of Kazakhstan as a Vector for Sustainable Development of Georesort Territories: The Role of Geoparks in Public Health Improvement and Enhancing Quality of Life.” She highlighted international experience, the relevance of geopark development, and mechanisms for including territories in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network.
During the meeting, participants discussed the prospects for project implementation, exchanged views, and addressed key questions. Representatives of the Akmola Region akimat, led by Ernar Zharkeshev, supported the initiative of the Research Institute of Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation to develop geoparks and georesort areas in the region.
Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to establish a working group to further develop the project. Within this framework, the institute has been designated responsible for preparing the scientific and methodological justification, as well as the necessary documentation for the creation of a georesort in the Akmola Region.
Press Service
Research Institute of Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
🌐 www.burabay-mzrk.kz
📧 press.niikurortology@gmail.com
The meeting brought together institute experts, Deputy Akim of the Akmola Region Ernar Zharkeshev, representatives of профильные departments of the regional akimat, management of the State National Nature Park “Burabay,” as well as representatives of Burabay Damu LLP.
A geopark is a clearly defined territory with geological heritage of international, national, or regional significance, operating under the auspices of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The main objectives of geoparks include the conservation of unique natural sites, the development of scientific and educational activities, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. As of 2025, there are 229 geoparks in 50 countries worldwide, attracting over 200 million visitors annually. Notably, such sites are not yet present in Central Asia, creating an opportunity for Kazakhstan to become a pioneer in this field.
In her remarks, Sayagul Kairgeldina emphasized that the Akmola Region has significant potential for the development of specialized tourism. Unique geological formations, scenic landscapes, and a rich natural and mineral resource base create favorable conditions for establishing a modern georesort that integrates eco-tourism, health improvement, and scientific and educational activities.
Saida Nigmetova, Chairperson of the National Committee for Geoparks under UNESCO, delivered a presentation titled “Geoheritage of Kazakhstan as a Vector for Sustainable Development of Georesort Territories: The Role of Geoparks in Public Health Improvement and Enhancing Quality of Life.” She highlighted international experience, the relevance of geopark development, and mechanisms for including territories in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network.
During the meeting, participants discussed the prospects for project implementation, exchanged views, and addressed key questions. Representatives of the Akmola Region akimat, led by Ernar Zharkeshev, supported the initiative of the Research Institute of Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation to develop geoparks and georesort areas in the region.
Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to establish a working group to further develop the project. Within this framework, the institute has been designated responsible for preparing the scientific and methodological justification, as well as the necessary documentation for the creation of a georesort in the Akmola Region.
Press Service
Research Institute of Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
🌐 www.burabay-mzrk.kz
📧 press.niikurortology@gmail.com
