Russia uses UNESCO geoparks for diplomatic presence

Amid strained political relations with UNESCO since 2022, Russia is preserving a working diplomatic channel through geosciences and geoparks. The primary recent result is the approval of the 'Toratau' geopark in Bashkortostan for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network in 2025–2026. Russia is promoting this as a model for a national geopark system, using the status to gain international recognition, attract tourism and investment, and access UNESCO's expert networks. The Karpinsky Institute handles the applications and events, allowing Russia to remain a visible participant in the international geoscience community.