DUSHANBE, July 15, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Main Geology Directorate of Tajikistan has received a license for the establishment of a geological tourism organization, the Main Geology Directorate head Azim Ibrohim said.

According to him, there are tourist companies in Tajikistan engaged in this activity, “but they do not have skilled specialists.”

“According to some sources, they have already received an application from a group of those interested in geological tourism from Germany.  Some 20 people have shown interest in geological tourism in Tajikistan,” said Ibrohim, “We have already developed 14 routes for Zarafshon Valley, Gorno Badakhshan, Rasht Valley, and Baljuvon-Sari Khosor in Khatlon province.”

He noted that development of geological tourism required investments and their organization would be self-supporting.

Geological tourism is focused on landforms, mines and quarries, caves, rock formations, volcanoes, and so forth.  Geological tourism is the way by which each country protects its geological features and natural landscapes.