An international workshop entitled “International Workshop on State of the Art Geopark Caucasus” was held at the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan a scientific experience exchange program. The workshop was attended by a group of scientists from Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany, as well as young scientists and PhD students of the Institute of Geography.

Opening the event, Acting Director of the Institute of Geography, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor Zaur Imrani, welcomed the guests and participants and emphasized the importance of international scientific cooperation and the exchange of experience and knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Dittmann then addressed the event, noting the importance of such initiatives in strengthening cooperation among scientists from different countries and promoting joint scientific research.

Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor Chingiz Ismayilov, also spoke about the importance of international scientific cooperation. He noted that joint projects and research carried out by different scientific institutions make an important contribution to achieving new scientific results, expanding the exchange of experience, and integrating young researchers into the international scientific community.

As part of the scientific workshop, presentations were delivered on various topical scientific issues. Dr. Martin Bergmann presented “The Early Hominids of Dmanisi” (“Ancient Hominids of Dmanisi”). This was followed by Ellada Hasanli, PhD in History, a staff member of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, who presented “International Archaeological Expeditions in Azerbaijan” (“International Archaeological Expeditions in Azerbaijan”); Sevinj Burzuyeva presented “Rethinking Geoparks: Regional Development, Local Benefits and Sustainability” (“Rethinking Geoparks: Regional Development, Local Benefits and Sustainability”); Vugar Dargahov, PhD in Geography, Associate Professor, presented “Sustainable Tourism in Azerbaijan Under Climate and Regional Change” (“Sustainable Tourism in Azerbaijan Under Climate and Regional Change”); Shams Imrani presented “Mechanisms of the Impact of Rural Tourism on Regional Sustainable Development in Azerbaijan” (“Mechanisms of the Impact of Rural Tourism on Regional Sustainable Development in Azerbaijan”); and Beyimxanim Huseynova, PhD in Geography, delivered a presentation entitled “Geo-highlights of Nakhchivan” (“Geo-highlights of Nakhchivan”).

The presentations were followed by an extensive exchange of views on the role of geoparks in regional development, the opportunities they create for local communities, sustainable development, international archaeological expeditions in Azerbaijan, the impact of climate and regional changes on tourism, the geological and geographical features of Nakhchivan, as well as the mechanisms through which rural tourism contributes to regional sustainable development.

During the workshop, participants’ questions were answered and discussions were held on the topics presented. The event concluded with an exchange of views on expanding scientific experience-sharing, conducting joint research, and developing opportunities for future international cooperation.