# Konya Karapınar Geopark preservation and promotion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/konya-karapnar-geopark-preservation-and-promotion
> Updated: 2026-10-03T09:49:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

The Konya Metropolitan Municipality is undertaking initiatives to promote and protect the geological heritage of the Konya Karapınar Geopark. To increase the region's visibility and boost geotourism potential, the municipality launched a photography competition designed to document unique features such as maars, sinkholes, volcanic formations, and ancient settlements.

Building on these promotional efforts, the municipality has submitted an application to the UNESCO Türkiye National Commission to evaluate the area for National Geopark status. Led by Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, the project aims to utilize scientific methods and integrated management to preserve natural and cultural values, including Meke Maar and Acıgöl, while fostering sustainable local development.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Konya Ring Road project to connect seven major transport axes

Turkey's Konya Ring Road project is advancing, with the Aksaray-Adana section expected to reduce travel times and save billions of lira in fuel and time costs annually.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konya-karapnar-geopark-seeks-unesco-national-geopark-status

### 2026-09-26: Konya Karapınar Geopark launches photography competition

Konya Metropolitan Municipality has announced a photography competition for the Konya Karapınar Geopark, offering 85,000 TL in total prizes to promote geological and cultural heritage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konya-karapnar-geopark-launches-photography-competition

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Cite as: Konya Karapınar Geopark preservation and promotion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/konya-karapnar-geopark-preservation-and-promotion