A territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by virtue of its archaeological, ecological or cultural value (UNESCO)

Geopark literally means "Geological Park" and semantically, is a vast area the boundaries of which are clearly specified and surrounds several remarkable geological phenomena (Geological heritage) this area should be able to play an important role in economic development of the peripheral communities.

In addition to geological phenomena, a geological park may also contain historical, ecological, cultural and natural heritage. Geo-Park is managed by UNESCO and by the top state authorities where the geo-park is aimed at Sustainable development.

Sustainable development is defined as a development through which the needs of the present are fulfilled without endangering the skills and abilities of future generations to meet their own needs. The aforesaid definition states that there is a need to create balance between two considerable concerns; one is to do with present, or so called intra-generational needs and the second one is to do with the future, or inter-generational needs (Stated based on Brundtland Report which was declared in 1987- WCED)

The concept is believed to have three certain and substantial determinants which make its dimensions. These three dimensions are: Environmental Sustainability, Social Sustainability and Economic Sustainability.

Under supervision of UNESCO, Geo-parks become efficient centers to teach environment, research, and internship in different fields of geology.

Based on the abundant resources of nature and the landscape, especially its exceptional Geology, a Geopark was established in the Western part of Qeshm Island. Qeshm Geopark possesses an area over 32000 hectares on Western side of the Island between longitudes of 26 44 62 and 26 35 00 by North, and latitudes of 5544 28 and 55 44 44 by East. In fact, Qeshm Geopark is a linear area in East limited to Tabl- Salakh axis, in West to Goori-Kani axis, in North to the Northern coast and in South to the Southern coast.

Qeshm Geopark as the only Geopark in the Middle-East has been registered by the Global Network of Geoparks (GGN) in Paris, 21^st March 2006. So far, 77 countries have been registered under GGN. And due to Qeshm Geopark being a member of GGN, Iran is among these 77 countries. Obviously, Qeshm Geopark is of higher importance due to its strategic location in the Persian Gulf. On the other hand Qeshm Geopark has got a proper position in the region as it is located between Eastern Asian and European Geopark. In terms of geological variety as well as variety of its sites, Qeshm Geopark also carries an important image among the geoparks. Of course this variety is not limited to geological phenomena. There are other varieties in ecology, archeology, environment, wild nature etc.