Official Application Dossier for the Accession to the Global Geoparks Network

OFFICIAL APPLICATION DOSSIER FOR THE ACCESSION TO THE GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK

YANGAN-TAU GEOPARK

(Yangantau, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation)

November 2017

CONTENTS

CONTENTS ...... 2 А. IDENTIFICATION OF THE AREA ...... 4 А.1. NAME OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 4 А.2. LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 4 A.3. SURFACE AREA, PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 5 А.3.1. Geopark square area ...... 5 А.3.2. Physical geography ...... 5 А.3.3. Social-economic geography ...... 6 А.4. ORGANIZATION IN CHARGE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 7 А.4.1. Governing board ...... 7 A. 4.2. Main goals of the Center of Novel Educational Technologies “Yangan-Tau Geopark” ...... 8 А.5. APPLICATION CONTACT PERSON ...... 11 B. GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE ...... 12 В.1. GENERAL GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 12 B.1.1. Geodiversity and geoheritage ...... 13 Paleontology and stratigraphy ...... 13 Hydrogeology ...... 14 Mineral resources ...... 14 Geomorphology ...... 14 B.1.2. Differences and mutually complementary aspects compared to neighboring geoparks ...... 14 В.2. LISTING AND DESCRIPTION OF GEOLOGICAL SITES WITHIN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 16 В.2.1. Geological sites ...... 16 В.2.2. Mineral deposits ...... 18 В.3. DETAILS ON THE INTEREST OF THESE SITES IN TERMS OF THEIR INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, REGIONAL OR LOCAL VALUE ...... 18 В.4.1.Geological sites ...... 18 В.4.2. Mineral deposits ...... 20 В.4. LISTING AND DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SITES OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND INTANGIBLE HERITAGE INTEREST AND HOW THEY ARE RELATED TO THE GEOLOGICAL SITES AND HOW THEY ARE INTEGRATED INTO THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 20 B.4.1. Natural Heritage Area ...... 20 B.4.1.1. International significance ...... 20 B.4.1.2. National significance ...... 20 B.4.1.3. Regional significance ...... 20 B.4.1.4. Local significance ...... 23 B.4.2. Cultural heritage rank ...... 23 B.4.2.1. International significance ...... 23 B.4.2.2. National significance ...... 24 B.4.2.3. Regional significance ...... 25 B.4.2.4. Local significance ...... 26 B.4.3. Sites of cultural intangible heritage ...... 27 С. GEOCONSERVATION ...... 29 С.1. CURRENT AND POTENTIAL PRESSURE ON THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 29

С.2. CURRENT STATUS IN TERMS OF PROTECTION OF GEOLOGICAL SITES WITHIN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 29 C.3. DATA ON THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL HERITAGE SITES (GEOLOGICAL AND NON-GEOLOGICAL) ...... 31 C3.1. Management of geological sites ...... 31 C3.2. Maintenance of geological sites ...... 32 C.3.3. Management and maintenance of non-geological sites ...... 32 D. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY & BUSINESS PLAN (INCLUDING DETAILED FINANCIAL INFORMATION) ...... 33 D.1. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 33 D. 1.2. Results of economic activity ...... 33 D.2. EXISTING AND PLANNED FACILITIES FOR THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 35 D.2.1. Existing geoeducational sites ...... 35 D.2.2. Projected geoeducational sites ...... 36 D.2.3. Existing geotourist sites ...... 37 D.2.4. Existing tourist sites ...... 38 D.2.5. Projected geotourist sites ...... 38 D.3. ANALYSIS OF GEOTOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 41 D.3.1. Description of the current level of tourism ...... 41 D.3.2. Geotourism research and strategy ...... 41 D. 3.3. Conclusions ...... 42 D.4. OVERVIEW AND POLICIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF: ...... 42 D.4.1. Geo-tourism and economics ...... 42 D. 4.2. Geo-education ...... 45 D. 4.3. Geo-heritage ...... 46 D.5. POLICIES FOR, AND EXAMPLES OF, COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT (INVOLVEMENT AND CONSULTATION) IN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 47 D.5.1. Local community participation and consultation policy ...... 47 D.5.2. Examples of policies for community participation and consultation ...... 48 D.6. POLICIES FOR, AND EXAMPLES OF, PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER AWARENESS IN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK ...... 48 D.6.1. The policy of informing the public and interested parties in the proposed geoparks . 48 D.6.2. Raising awareness of the proposed geopark ...... 48 D.6.3. Examples of stakeholder awareness in the proposed geopark ...... 49 E. INTEREST AND ARGUMENTS FOR BECOMING A UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK ... 51 E.1. INTEREST IN BECOMING A UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK ...... 51 E.2. ARGUMENTS FOR BECOMING A UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK ...... 51

А. IDENTIFICATION OF THE AREA А.1. NAME OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK The “Yangan-Tau” Geopark А.2. LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK The “Yangan-Tau” Geopark is located between 54°56' - 55°31'N and 57° 28' - 58°38'E in the Russian Federation (Figures 1, 2) in the north-east of the Republic of Bashkortostan (northern part of the Southern Urals), in the Salavat District. The south-western part borders on the Ashinsk and Katav-Ivanovo Districts of the Chelyabinsk Region and the urban borough of Ust-Katav (Chelyabinsk Region). The south-eastern part adjoins the urban borough of Ust-Katav (Chelyabinsk Region) and the Satka District of the Chelyabinsk Region. From the northwest the geopark is bordered by the Nuriman District, and from the north-east by the Kiginsk District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. From the north, the territory adjoins the Duvan District of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Figure 1. Location of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark

Figure 2. Location of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark in the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan

A.3. SURFACE AREA, PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

А.3.1. Geopark square area The area of the geopark is 1774 km2.

А.3.2. Physical geography The location of the territory at the junction of the Eastern European Platform and the Ural Mountains predetermined the diversity of the landscape, climatic, and geological features of the geopark, which make it a unique scientific and educational earth sciences test site. The relief of the territory of the geopark is a hillocky plain, to the east and south elevated up to about 400-450 m and with rugged topography; to the west and north leveled and lowering to about 190-300 m. Hills, bald ridges and intervalley ridges are oriented meridionally along the strike of the main tectonic structures. The river network is oriented from the southeast to the northwest along the slope of the topographic surface. Wetlands are widespread in river valleys and karst depressions. Soil. The soil cover is dominated by chernozems, formed over strongly calcareous sandstones. Gray residual-carbonate soils are developed over outcrops of carbonate rocks. The western part of the geopark is dominated by plowed podzolized chernozems, and in the east – gray and forest soils. The climate is continental, moderately warm. The average annual temperature is +1.5 °C, the average January temperature is -15.4 ° C, the average July temperature is + 17.8 °C. With an average annual rainfall of 565 mm, 410 mm in the warm period (April-October). The average height of the snow cover is 155 mm. During the year, south-westerly (29%) and southerly (17%) winds predominate, in spring and summer - south-westerly (14-26%), average wind speed is 3.4 m/s. Hydrology. The plain is drained by the systems of the Ai and Yuryuzan rivers. Due to the irregular terrain and the presence of karst, the river network is unevenly distributed. In the eastern 5

and southern regions, rivers cut deep canyons, whereas in the western and northern regions rivers form wide valleys with well-defined floodplains and terraced slopes. The Yuryuzan River with the length of 404 km is one of the ten largest rivers in Bashkortostan. Groundwater occurs at different depths. The highest level is recorded in the west of the area. There, the groundwater is often near the land surface, which causes high humidity. In the east and south of the area, the groundwater occurs relatively deep and discharges into the river and creek valleys. The geothermal hot springs and mineral waters of the “Yangan-Tau” Resort have made the geothermal resources of the Salavat District world-famous. Flora and fauna. The flora is mixed – boreal-nemoral-steppe. Vegetation is represented by deciduous, mainly birch forests. Pine forests are preserved along the rivers and in the green zones of the settlements. Steppe vegetation, common on the hill slopes and along the natural riverbanks, is represented by cereal grassland and feather-grass communities. The fauna is composed mainly of forest inhabitants: elk, wild boar, roe deer, wolf, lynx, brown bear, common fox, hare, raccoon dog, common squirrel, marten, American mink, muskrat, beaver, badger, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, wood grouse, woodcock and other birds; reptiles are represented by lizards, grass snakes, vipers, and smooth snakes. The rivers abound in fish.

А.3.3. Social-economic geography The territory of the geopark covers the Salavat administrative district of the Republic of Bashkortostan, which includes 16 rural settlements with 60 villages. The economy of the Salavat district is represented, mainly, by farming production, mining and processing industries. There are deposits of bauxite, limestone, sand-gravel mixture, cement clays, and silica sand. The “Yangan-Tau” Resort is the main contributor to the economy of the district and the quality of life and welfare of local communities. The region is part of the northeastern forest-steppe zone, in which agriculture specializes in the cultivation of winter rye, spring wheat, oats, barley, potatoes, livestock meat and dairy cattle, horses and pigs. The district is 183 km away from the capital of Bashkortostan, Ufa, on the border with the Chelyabinsk Region. The road density is 71.7 km/thousand km2. The road network is represented by the Kropachevo – Maloyaz – Mesyagutovo – Bolsheustikino, Maloyaz – Upper Kigi – Novobelokatay highways. The south of the area is crossed by the Kuibyshev railway operating between Ufa and Chelyabinsk (Figure 3). The average monthly salary of employees of large and medium-sized enterprises and institutions in 2017 was 26588.6 rubles (about 466 $), which has increased by 9.2% since 2014. The educational services in the area are good. The education system of the Salavat District in 2016 included 31 educational organizations: 14 general schools, 12 secondary schools, of these 1 gymnasium and 5 primary schools. The resident population of the Salavat District as of January 1, 2017 was 24 216, that is, 0.6% of the population of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The demographic situation in the district based on the results of the 12 months of 2016 showed a natural increase in the population of 12 people: 339 children were born; 327 people died. In general, according to the natural population increase, the Salavat district ranks 14th out of 54 in the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Figure 3. Transport accessibility of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark А.4. ORGANIZATION IN CHARGE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

А.4.1. Governing board In 2017, the Center for Science, Education and Tourism (CSET) “Yangan-Tau Geopark” was established as a department of the “Yangan-Tau” Resort of the Republic of Bashkortostan. This is a non-governmental institution and is located on the territory of the geopark. The establishment of this Center based in the “Yangan-Tau” Resort allowed its infrastructure, human and intellectual resources to be used in the development of the geopark. In addition, the “Yangan-Tau” Resort is the largest enterprise of the district, providing jobs for most of the local population. The scheme for managing the geopark is shown in Figure 4.

The management scheme of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark within the framework of “Yangan- Tau” Resort, Republic of Bashkortostan

Director of the “Yangan- Tau” Resort

Partner organizations in Partners in the field of the field of local Head of the CNET education and science participation and “Yangan-Tau” Geopark administration

Education and Science Geotourism and cultural Administration and heritage implementation of local participation

Partner organizations in the field of geotourism and cultural heritage

Figure 4. The management scheme of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark 7

Aiming at the development of educational and scientific aspects of the projected geopark, the “Yangan-Tau” Resort has set up partnership agreements with research and educational organizations. The development of tourism in the territory of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark is promoted by partnership relations with the regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the State Committee of the Republic of Bashkortostan for Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Ltd., “Kurort Logistika” Ltd., and TO Rus-Travel Ltd. Administrative issues are resolved through close interaction with the Administration of the Municipal Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Ministry for Nature Management and Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The Center of Novel Educational Technologies (CNET) “Yangan-Tau Geopark” works with all interested partners towards the development of tourism, folk crafts, custodians of intangible heritage, sale of organic food from local farmers and growers. Conditions are being prepared for setting up agreements and partnerships.

A. 4.2. Main goals of the Center of Novel Educational Technologies “Yangan-Tau Geopark” 1. Maintain the policy of interaction with local businesses, including all sectors of the economy, especially in the conservation and development of geological, natural and cultural values. The operation of the geopark should benefit the local people. 2. Protect and preserve the heritage of the region, especially the geological heritage, as a resource for sustainable economic and social development. Prevent and prohibit selling or looting of geological sites (fossils, etc.). Conduct scientific research with the consent of the management of the geopark and under its control. 3. Provide information in the media and educational programs on geological, paleontological, archaeological and biological sites of the territory of the geopark. 4. Develop and update educational, promotional and information materials with the participation of local educational institutions, popularizing the value of geological heritage among local residents. 5. To restore the natural and cultural heritage of the Salavat District, promote their conservation and provide methodological assistance to other organizations that carry out this activity. 6. To raise public awareness of the importance of geotourism and local economic development. 7. In order to achieve the above goals, to sign a cooperation agreement with other organizations and regions. 8. Develop and create an operational model of the geopark, meeting world standards, in the territory of the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. 9. Identify and develop conditions on the territory of the geopark with partners in joint work regardless of the form of ownership. When choosing partners, priority is given to permanent residents of the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. 10. Organize protection of natural and cultural heritage sites. Constantly conduct research work to preserve and identify new sites. 11. Attract investment for the construction of modern tourism and recreation infrastructure. Create new jobs for local people. In accordance with the main directions of this structure (geo-education and science, geotourism, administration), partnerships have been agreed with profile organizations working both in the territory of the geopark and all over the Republic of Bashkortostan. As part of the work of the geopark, working groups are organized (Table 1) in the areas of education and science, geotourism, administration and implementation of local participation.

Table 1. Working groups of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark Working group Organizations

Science and geoeducation Museum of Salavat Yulaev, Research Institute of the Bashkirian Railroads RB, Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education Bashkir State University, Kazan Federal University, Institute of Geology Ufa Science Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa Institute of Biology, House of Children's Creativity, village of Maloyaz, secondary school of the village of Arkaulovo, secondary school of the village of Lagerevo, the educational centers “Rostok” and “Sodruzhestvo”, Ufa, the regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the State Committee for Entrepreneurship and Tourism, the Society of Local History of the Salavat District, the Shaitan-Kudey Yurt Camping. Geotourism Regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society in the Republic of Bashkortostan, State Committee for Entrepreneurship and Tourism of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Kreks Ltd., “Logistica Resort” Ltd., TO Rus-Travel Ltd. Administration Administration of the Municipal Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Ministry of Nature Management and Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan Local participation Agricultural Production Cooperative (SPC) “Kolkhoz Ai”, SPC “Yulai”, SPC “Yaroslavl”, “Ural-Tau” Ltd., “Solodia” Ltd., "Family Farm" Ltd., Individual Proprietor (IP) Head of the Farmers’ Holding (FH) Yunir Gendulovich Girfanov, IP Vener Marsovich Tulkubayev , IP Head of FH Vener Dautovich Hammatov, IP of FH Zinera Ilyasovna Gareeva

The “Yangan-Tau” Resort Ltd. has a highly developed tourist infrastructure. In particular, it has facilities for accommodation of 858 people. On the territory of there are shops selling souvenirs and local produce, food outlets, laundries, bars, fitness centers, tennis courts, and Wi-Fi. The resort partners provide educational, research, touristic and other services. For example, the Bashkir State University, the Kazan Federal University and the Institute of Geology of the Ufa Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences have the necessary equipment for geological research. Cooperation with schools and school museums, as well as centers of additional education “Rostok” and “Sodruzhestvo” allows intense development of geoeducation and eco-education in the territory of the geopark. On the issues of protection of archaeological sites, the CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” cooperates with the Department for State Protection of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the State Research Budget Center for the Protection and Use of real-estate Cultural Heritage Sites of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The “Yangan-Tau” Resort has its own facility for food production. For the production of this food, high-quality raw materials are grown and produced in organic livestock farms of the Salavat District. The “Yangan-Tau” products are of high quality. They are produced under the supervision of highly qualified personnel and with careful supervision by the specialists of the test laboratory. The “Yangan-Tau” Resort has sufficient resources for organizing tours. They are in charge of the “Yurtak” horse-riding facility and the “Berkut” ski resort. There is also a rental of bicycles, skates and cross-country skis. During the summer season, tours and excursions to geosites of the geopark are organized. For this, there is sufficient equipment for tourist equipment (catamarans for rafting, equipment for cave tours, sticks for Nordic walking). Camping and ethnotourism enthusiasts will enjoy the “Shaitan Kudey” yurt camping site, also in the territory of the geopark. The “Yangan-Tau” Resort has its own car fleet and is able to provide individual and group transfers. Also there is an opportunity to get to the geopark by railway (to the Kropachevo station) or by direct bus service from Ufa, Chelyabinsk, or Yekaterinburg On the protection of geological and natural sites, the geopark cooperates dynamically with the Ministry of Nature Management and Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The staff of the geopark is a strong team, also thanks to the participation of various partner organizations in its work (Table 2).

Table 2. Personnel resources of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark and its partners Name Organization Sphere of activity Participation

Rinat Abdrashitov CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Head of the Geopark 100 % Ildar Sadykov CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Deputy Head 100 % Kazan Federal University Scientific director. 50 % Guzal Sungatullina Scientific research, study of the Mechetlino and Bolshaya Luka sections. Expert geologist. Ph.D. in Geology and Mineralogy Faniz Ardislamov CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Scientific adviser, Ph.D. Research 100% supervisor Irina Sadykova CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Biologist, eco-education. 25% Liana Abdullina CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” 100% Rishat Yusupov CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Hydrogeologist Engineer 100% Regina Pestrikova CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Marketing Specialist 100% Ildar Yakupov CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Geologist 100% Boris Kashapov CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Tourism instructor - caretaker 100% Ruslan Valshin CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Tourism instructor - caretaker 100% Ravil Galimov CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Instructor-hostler 100% Rinat Ganiev CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Tour guide 100% Liana Galimova CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Tour guide and personal guide 100% Samatov Raul CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” Tour guide 100% Partner organizations Larissa Belan Research Institute of Life Safety Scientific research. Expert 10 % of the Republic of geologist. Dr. Sci. Ph.D. in Bashkortostan (GUP NIIBZhD) Geology and Mineralogy Iskhak Farkhutdinov Bashkir State University Scientific research, educational 10 % activities. Organizing geological student practices. Expert geologist. Ph.D. in Geology and Mineralogy Anvar Farkhutdinov Bashkir State University Scientific research, educational 10 % activities. Hydrogeologist. Ph.D. in Geology and Mineralogy Polina Polezhankina Children's Ecological Biological Educational activities. Expert 10 % Center "Rostok" biologist. Ph.D. in Biology Rimma Galeeva Regional Department of the Geotourism, cultural heritage 10 % Russian Geographical Society of the Republic of Bashkortostan Zilya Sadykova Society of local history of the Educational activities, geotourism 10 % Salavat District

The “Yangan-Tau” Geopark has an approved budget (Table 3).

Table 3. Budget of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark Expenditures Amount, thousand rubles 2016 Paperwork and application (printing services, translation) 50

Scientific research 1000 Salaries of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark employees 7100 Promotional Products 78 Public outreach (costs) 80

General educational activities aimed at informing and involving local populations in the 80 work of the geopark Total 8388 2017 Scientific research 1000 Salaries of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark employees 7100 Promotional Products 77 Public outreach (costs) 80 General educational activities aimed at informing and involving local populations in the 80 work of the geopark Total 8337 2018 Scientific research 1000 Salaries of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark employees 7100 Promotional Products 200 Public outreach (costs) 500 Development of routes 300 General educational activities aimed at informing and involving local populations in the 100 work of the geopark Total 9200

The overall financial stability of the geopark is indicated by the success of “Yangan-Tau” Ltd., which can be confirmed by the following awards:  Diploma of the Laureate of the national award “Enterprise of the Year-2015” with the award of the quality mark “Russia's Choice: Domestic producer”;  Diploma of the Laureate of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Prize for achievements in the field of quality of products and services in the category “Services with a number of employees from 251 to 3000 people”;  Prize of the Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the 1st degree Diploma for high quality of products and services. Also, this organization has an EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Certificate “Recognized for Excellence” (5 stars). The participation of partners in the work of the geopark is confirmed by agreements on cooperation. All documents are presented in Annex 2. А.5. APPLICATION CONTACT PERSON Rinat Khatmullovich Abdrashitov – Head of CNET “Yangan-Tau Geopark” tel. +7-34777-28197, e-mail: [email protected]

B. GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE В.1. GENERAL GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

The territory of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark is located at the junction of the East European platform and the Ural Mountains (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Overview map

The “Yangan-Tau” Geopark is located at the junction of three major structures of the Earth's crust: the eastern margin of the East European Platform, the Uralian Foredeep and the western slope of the Urals, represented here by the Karatau allochthon (Kazantseva, 2014). This structure tectonically overlaps the Uralian Foredeep, subdividing it into the Belsk Basin in the south and Yuryuzan-Sylva Basin in the north. The key geological site of the region is Yangantau Mountain, located in the border zone of the Yuryuzan-Sylva Basin and the Karatau allochthon (Kazantseva, 2014). The area is geologically very diverse. It is currently generally accepted that the Urals underwent two orogenies: Baikalian (650-550 million years ago) and Hercynian (380-280 million years ago). The Hercynian orogeny profoundly changed the appearance of our planet. The continents were assembled into the giant supercontinent of Pangea, with the Ural Mountains representing the ancient suture marking the continental collision. Paleogeographic maps of the Carboniferous and Permian periods illustrate the convergence of continents in the Late Paleozoic (http://www.scotese.com/earth.htm). The area of the geopark at that time represented the shelf of the East European platform (Annex 1). The continental collision was accompanied by folding and thrusting (Kamaletdinov, 1974). The extreme eastern part of the geopark is an integral part of the Karatau structural complex. It is composed of Riphean-Vendian marine carbonate-siliciclastic deposits over 10 km thick in many nappes thrust one over the other from the east. The structures of the Karatau structural have a sublatitudinal strike, while other tectonic structures of the Uralian orogen within the Republic of Bashkortostan extend submeridionally.

In this complex, after many years of dominance of the theory of the vertically-blocked structure of the orogen, the Karatau Nappe (Kamaletdinov, 1955) was first recognized and mapped, which pioneered the thrust nappe interpretation of the Ural Mountains (Farkhutdinov et al., 2017). The main part of the geopark is located in the Yuryuzan-Sylva depression of the Ural Foredeep located along the border between the folded structures of the Urals and the East European platform. Its width varies from 20 to 60 km. The foredeep is filled with Paleozoic sedimentary strata forming linear submeridional folds 200-500 km long, confined to regional nappes and slide-slips. The extreme eastern part of the geopark is located within the deeply plunged edge of the East European platform. The lower tier of the platform is composed of a thick Archean-Early Proterozoic granite- gneiss (crystalline) basement, overlain by the aulacogenic Riphean complex and a plate complex of the Vendian-Paleozoic age, which is in turn overlain by a sheet of Devonian-Permian sediments. The architecture of the basement allows the recognition of the Perm-Bashkirian arch, which in the modern terrain corresponds to the Ufa plateau.

B.1.1. Geodiversity and geoheritage Paleontology and stratigraphy Rocks of Riphean, Vendian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian and Cenozoic age are exposed in the territory of the geopark. The Riphean metamorphosed series and the unconformably overlying Vendian beds crop out in the eastern part of the Salavat District. Well-exposed Devonian, Carboniferous and Permian sections crop out along long coastal cliffs, with potential for detailed study and for becoming international stratotypes. The Mechetlino section is located on the right bank of the Yuryuzan River near the village of Mechetlino and is a natural geological monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan; it is 750 m long and 100 m high. This is a steep slope with a beautiful view of the Yuryuzan River. The southeastern part of the outcrop contains the Mechetlino section, a candidate for the Global Stratigraphic Section and Point (GSSP) of the base of the Kungurian Stage of the Permian System of the International Stratigraphic Scale (ISS) (Chuvashov and Chernykh, 2011; Chernykh et al., 2015). Starting from 2016, a large group of geologists from different cities of Russia (Yekaterinburg, Kazan, St. Petersburg, Yakutsk and Moscow) is engaged in a comprehensive study of the section. The Mechetlino section exposes the carbonate-terrigenous deposits of the upper part of the Artinskian - the lower part of the Kungurian stages of the Cisuralian Series of the Permian system more than 10 m thick. The rocks contain fossils including conodonts, foraminifers, ammonoids, ostracodes, brachiopods, fishes, crinoids, trilobites, calamites, and calcareous algae. The Artinskian-Kungurian boundary is fixed by the first appearance of the conodont Neostreptognathodus pnevi Kozur and Movshovitsch in the evolutionary lineage N. pequopensis - N. pnevi (Chernykh et al., 2015). A gradual vertical change in the depositional settings is observed along the stratigraphic succession. At the end of the Artinskian, the deposition occurred in the arid climate in a deep, warm marine basin with normal salinity. At the Artinskian-Kungurian boundary, the subsidence slowed down, the Uralian Foredeep began expanding and the sedimentation rate increased, so it became much shallower. All this was accompanied by deposition of evaporites, which is possibly connected with the global marine regression. The Mechetlino section has been repeatedly visited by participants of geological excursions, both national and international. In 2015 it was visited by the participants of the 18th International Congress on Carboniferous and Permian. This territory also contains the type sections of the Bashkirian Stage of the Carboniferous system. The Bashkirian Stage is a subdivision of the International Stratigraphic Scale and was discovered by S.V. Semikhatova in 1934, which was one of the outstanding events in the history of stratigraphic studies of the 20th century. S.V. Semikhatova (1941) described in detail “a typical outcrop of the Bashkirian beds on the western slope of the Urals”, on the left bank of the Yuryuzan River near the village of Bolshie Luki. Since the section was indicated by the author of the stage, it can be considered the stratotype of the Bashkirian. It is significant that the zonal brachiopod species

Choristites bisulcatiformis Semikhatova was found only in this section (Nemirovskaya, Alekseev, 1994). A Bashkirian section near the village of Yakhino is also well-known and contains fossil algae, foraminifers, conodonts, ostracodes, and brachiopods. A bauxite-bearing terrigenous Famennian series (Upper Devonian) in the eastern part of the Salavat District is of considerable scientific and general interest. Many outcrops are located near highways, villages and towns, which facilitates the development of tourism-supporting infrastructure. Hydrogeology In Bashkortostan there are numerous natural outcrops of underground water (springs and seeps) of various chemical compositions, mountainous and plain lakes and rivers. The complex geological and recreational facility of federal importance is known in the Salavat District - Yangantau Mountain, which means “Burning Mountain" in Bashkir. Geothermal springs were for a long time known to exist on the high steep bank of the Yuryuzan River in deposits composed of bituminous Sakmarian and Artinskian (Lower Permian) carbonates and shale. This site has been known to have fumaroles and hot springs although there is no recorded magmatic activity here. The first scientific description of this phenomenon was by Academician P.S. Pallas in 1770. Since then, the phenomenon of Yangantau has been the subject of ongoing scientific discussions. The Yangantau Mountain is included in the Global Register of the Earth's Geological Heritage as part of the ProGEO program. At the foot of Yangantau springs of fresh and mineral waters (hydrocarbonate-sulfate- calcium, calcium-sodium, sulfurous) constantly emit. Exits of radon waters are also recorded nearby. On the territory of the geopark there are also lowland swamps, the underground Kurgazak source (100-125 liters per second) and the Kuselyarovo sulfur sources, which are nature monuments of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Mineral resources Various kinds of rocks, including mineral resources, occur in the territory of the planned geopark: sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, conglomerates, shales, limestones, dolomites, marls, silicates, gypsum, sands, clays, pebbles, phosphorites, bauxites, bituminous facies (products of destruction and oxidation of oil deposits), and peat. The mineral resource base is represented by bauxite deposits (Uluru, Aiskoe, Novoe), limestone (Mursalimkinskoe, Kyzyrbakovskoe), sand and gravel mixture (Yalan-Kul), brick raw materials (Chebarkul, Yazgi-Yurt, etc.), agronomic ores (Meshchegarovskoe, Pokrovskoe) and peat (Meshchegarovskoe, Lagerevskoe). Geomorphology Within the planned geopark there are various forms of relief and types of landscape: mountains, ridges, saddles, caves, ravines, canyons, troughs, residual outcrops, precipices, river valleys, marshes, karst forms, and fossil reef massifs.

B.1.2. Differences and mutually complementary aspects compared to neighboring geoparks At this date, there are no UNESCO Geoparks in Russia, and the nearest geoparks are located almost 3 thousand kilometers from the territory of the candidate geopark. Geological sites (unique thermal anomalies of Yangantau Mountain, stratotypic sections), the geo-and biodiversity of the region, cultural and archaeological monuments suggest that the territory of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark is unique.

References 1. Balabanov U. P., Sungatullin R. Н., Sungatullina G. M. Paleomagnetic and petromagnetic characteristics of the reference sections Cisuralian Series Permian System // International conference on paleomagnetism and rock magnetism (Kazan, 2-7 October 2017). Book of abstracts / Compilers: L. A. Fattakhova, D. M. Kuzina. – Kazan: Kazan University Press, 2017. P. 9. 2. Boiko, M.S. 2010. Ammonoids from Artinskian-Kungurian deposits of the Mechetlino seqution (South Urals) // Bulletin of the Moscow Society of Naturalists, Geol. Series. v. 85. Part 5 (In Russian). 3. Charles M. Henderson, Bruce R. Wardlaw, Vladimir, I. Davydov, Mark D. Schmitz, Tamra A. Schiappa, Kate E. Tierney. Proposal for base-Kungurian GSSP 8. Permophiles. 2012. Р. 8-21 4. Chernykh V. V. 2012. The Conodont biochronotypes of the Kungurian in the Urals /Trudy Inestituta geologii i geokchimii imeni Akademika A.N. Zavaritskogo, no. 159. С. 27-32 (in Russian). 5. Chernykh V. V., Chuvashov B. I., Davydov V.I,, Schmitz M.D. Mechetlino Section In: D.K. 2015. Nurgaliev (Ed.) Southern Urals. Deep water successions of the Carboniferous and Permian. Pre-Congress A3 Trip, 6-10 August, 2015. A Field Guidebook of

XVIII International Congress on Carboniferous and Permian. August 11-15, Kazan, Russia. Kazan: Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan Press, 2015, pp. 5-19. http://kpfu.ru/iccp2015 6. Chernykh, V.V. 2006. Lower Permian conodonts of the Urals. Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Urals Branch of Russian Academy Sciences, 130 p. (In Russian). 7. Chernykh, V.V. 2012. Conodonts biochronotype of lower boundary Kungurian stage in the Urals. Ezhegodnik – 2011. Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Urals Branch of Russian Academy Sciences. V. 159. Yekaterinburg, p. 27-32. (In Russian). 8. Chuvashov B.I. and Mizens G.A. Upper Paleozoic of the Ai River (western slope of the South Urals) // Ezhegodnik –90 / IGiG UrO AN USSR. Sverdlovsk, 199, pp. 17–23. 9. Chuvashov B.I., Chernykh V.V. 2011. The Mechetlino Section (South Ural): a potential limitotype of the Artinskian-Kungurian Stage Boundary // Doklady Earth Sciences. T. 441. № 2. С. 1629-1632. 10. Chuvashov, B.I, & Chernykh V.V. 2011. “Mechetlino” Section (South Urals) –potential stratotype of the lower boundary of the Kungurian Stage. Doklady of Russian Academy of Sciences. v. 441. no. 5. p. 657-660. (In Russian). 11. Chuvashov, B.I. & Chernykh V.V. 2007. Biostratigraphy and lithofacial characteristics of Artinskian-Kungurian boundary beds in Mechetlino section, the potential stratotype of the base of Kungurian Stage in the International Stratigraphic Scale. In: Editor Geology of the Urals and surrounding territories. Transactions of Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Urals Branch of Russian Academy Sciences. Ekaterinburg, p. 201-218 (In Russian). 12. Davydov, V.I. & Henderson C.M., 2007. The Cisuralian Field Workshop. Permophiles, No 49, p. 4-6. 13. Einor, O.L., 1958. A research on Carboniferous Stratigraphy of the eastern margin of the Volga-Urals oil-bearing region (Mountainous Bashkiria), Moscow, 194 p. (in Russian). 14. Farkhutdinov I.M. Geology and possible hydrocarbon potential of the Yuryuzan-Sylva Depression and Ufa amfiteatr contact zone // Neftegazovaya geologiya. Teoriya i praktika. 2013. T.8. №1. http://www.ngtp.ru/rub/4/32_2013.pdf 15. Farkhutdinov I.M., Belan L.N., Farkhutdinov A.M., Ismagilov R.A., and Bogdan Ye.A. Prospects of the organizing a UNESCO geopark in Bashkortostan // Vestnik Akademii Nauk Respubliki Bashkortostan. in press. 16. Ivanov A.O. Chondrichthyans from the Lower Permian of Mechetlino, South Urals. Bulletin of Geosciences, volume 91, issue 4; p. 717 – 729. 17. Kamaletdinov M.A. Pokrovnyye struktury Urala [Nappes of the Urals]. Moscow: Nauka. 1974. 230 s. 18. Kazantseva T.T. 2014. On the origin and preservation of the phenomenon of Mount Yangan-Tau // Vestnik Akademii Yauk Respubliki Bashkortostan. V. 19. № 3. Pp. 16-28. 19. Kotlyar G. V., Chernykh V. V., Mizens G. A. , Sungatullin R. KH., Sungatullina G. M., Kutygin R. V., Filimonova T. V., Davydov V.I., Nurgaliyeva N. G., Balabanov YU. P., Linkina L. I., Gareyev B. I., Batalin G. A. Complex study of the Mechetlino section, Sout hUrals // Kazan Golovkinsky Stratigraphic Meeting – 2017 and Fourth All-Russian Conference «Upper Palaeozoic of Russia». Upper Palaeozoic Earth systems: high-precision biostratigraphy, geochronology and petroleum resources. Abstract volume. Kazan, September, 19–23, 2017 / D.K. Nurgaliev, V.V. Silantiev (Eds.). – Kazan: Kazan University Press, 2017. P. 99-100. 20. Kotlyar G., Sungatullina G., Sungatullin R. GSSPs for the Permian Cisuralian Series stages // Permophiles. Newsletter of SCPS. 2016. V. 63. P. 32-37. 21. Kulagina E.I. and Nikolaeva S.V. 2016. The Bashkirian stratotype at Yuryuzan River in the Southern Urals (Pennsylvanian). In: Planet Earth – in Deep Time. Palaeozoic Series: Devonian & Carboniferous. Suttner, Kido, Königshof, Waters, Davis & Messner (Eds). Schweizerbart Science Publishers. Pp. 194-196. 22. Nemirovskaya T. I., Alekseev A. S. 1994. The Bashkirian conodonts of the Askyn section. Bashkirian mountains, Russia // Bulletin de la Sociéte Belge de Géologie. Vol. 103. N 1–2. P. 109–133. 23. Puchkov V.N., Kissin A.Ju. , Shanina S.N. 2012. Natural blast-furnace process of Mountain Yangan-Tau (the West Urals) //Litosphera. № 5. Pp. 166-172 (in Russian). 24. Puchkov V.N., R.F. Abdrakhmanov. 2003. On Gas-Hydro-Geothermal phenomenon of the Yangantau Mountain and adjacent territories (Southern Urals). // Litosphera. No. 4. P. 65-77 (in Russian). 25. Schmitz, M.D. and Davydov, V.I. 2012. Quantitative radiometric and biostratigraphic calibration of the Pennsylvanian–Early Permian (Cisuralian) time scale and pan-Euramerican chronostratigraphic correlation. Geol. Soc. America Bull. 124, 549–577. 26. Semikhatova S.Y. 1941. Bashkirian brachiopods, USSR. I. Genus Choristites Fischer. Trudy Paleont. Inst. AN SSSR, 12/4. 152 p. (in Russian). 27. Sinitsyna Z. A. Bashkirian Stage on the Lakly River on the western slope of the South Urals // Stratigrafiya i geologiya karbona Yuzhnogo Urala i vostochnoy okrainy Russkoy platformy / BFAN SSSR. Ufa. 1975. S. 86–94 28. Sungatullin R. Kh., Mizens G. A., Sungatullina G. M., Gareev B. I., Batalin G. A., Sadriev F. F. Geochemical characteristics of the sections of Mechetlino and Dal'ny Tulkas, Lower Permian (Southern Urals) // Kazan Golovkinsky Stratigraphic Meeting – 2017 and Fourth All-Russian Conference «Upper Palaeozoic of Russia». Upper Palaeozoic Earth systems: high-precision biostratigraphy, geochronology and petroleum resources. Abstract volume. Kazan, September, 19–23, 2017 / D.K. Nurgaliev, V.V. Silantiev (Eds.). – Kazan: Kazan University Press, 2017. P. 195-196. 29. Valery V. Chernykh, Boris, I. Chuvashov, Vladimir I. Davydov, Mark D. Schmitz. Mechetlino Section: A candidate for the Global Stratotype and Point (GSSP) of the Kungurian Stage (Cisuralian, Lower Permian) 21 Permophiles. 2012. Р. 21-34 30. Zeng, J., Cao, C.Q, Davydov, V.I. and Shen, S.Z., 2012. Carbon isotope chemostratigraphy and implications of paleoclimatic changes during the Cisuralian (Early Permian) in the southern Urals, Russia. Gondwana Research, v. 21, p. 601-610.

В.2. LISTING AND DESCRIPTION OF GEOLOGICAL SITES WITHIN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

В.2.1. Geological sites Table 4. The main geological sites of the geopark Name Coordinates Descriptions 1. Mechetlino 55°21'43.9"N Geological nature monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. section 57°59'58.1"E Candidate for inclusion in the GSSP list of the International Stratigraphic Scale. The section is located on the right bank of the Yuryuzan River directly below the village of Mechetlino, 450 m west of road P242. It is represented by sandy-argillaceous series with rare intercalations of Artinskian-Kungurian limestones. The lateral length of outcrops is 750 m, the height is up to 100 m. 2. Bolshaya Luka 55°06'52.3"N Planned geological nature monument. section 58°08'48.0"E Stratotype of the Bashkirian Stage (Carboniferous) The section is located opposite the village of Bolshaya Luka, on the left bank of the Yuryuzan River in 15 km northeast of the Kropachevo station. Described by S.V. Semikhatova as "a typical outcrop of Bashkirian beds on the western slope of the Urals" and characterized by a brachiopod fauna. The Bolshaya Luka section refers to the Lakly type, in which the Bashkirian stage has a two-tiered architecture: carbonates at the bottom and predominantly siliciclastics at the top. 3. Yangantau 55°17'52.0"N Geological nature monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan Mountain 58°08'17.9"E A unique geothermal site on the geological platform, not associated with magmatism. Located on the right bank of the Yuryuzan River, in its left bend, east of the village of Chulpan. The mountain’s alignment is generally northeast to southwest along the right bank of the Yuryuzan River. The peak rises 416 m, and its base is 252 m above sea level. Within Yangantau Mountain, five areas are known where hot gases or steam emanate. It is established that the rocks beneath the mountain are heated to over 300°C. The issue of the formation of high-temperature geothermal anomalies is still open. The issue of the formation of these high-temperature geothermal anomalies remains unresolved. 4. Lakly section 55°11'58.1"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. 58°32'00.3"E The section includes the Syuranian, Akavasian, and Askynbashian substages represented mainly by bioclastic limestones. The Askynbashian limestones are unconformably, after a gap, overlain by the Upper Carboniferous Kurkino Formation composed of argillites with layers of siltstone and limestone. 5. Kuselyarovo 55°23'51.1"N Hydrological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Located sulfur springs 57°52'27.8"E on the western outskirts of the village of Kuselyarovo, on the left bank of the Yuryuzan River. Hydrogeological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Formed of Lower Permian Artinskian limestone. Mineral content of water is up to 1.0 g/l. In some springs, native sulfur precipitates on gravels. 6. Kurgazak Spring 55°16'26.5"N Hydrological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Located 58°07'53.5"E on the western outskirts of the village of KOMSOMOL of the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Hydrogeological natural monument of Republic of Bashkortostan. It is a powerful underground mineral spring with a flow rate of 100-125 l/s. The source water is used for therapeutic and drinking purposes.

7. Lakly Cave 55°06'52.3"N Geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Located on 58°08'48.0"E the right steep side of the Lakly Creek, 1.3 km to the west of the village of Lakly. For the first time it was described by P.S. Pallas, a member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences in 1769. It is the largest cave in the northeastern part of the Republic of Bashkortostan. It is formed in the Lower Carboniferous bituminous limestones and has a total length of 321 m. It is the habitat of a rare species of bat. 8. Arkaulovo 55°24'55.8"N Complex natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Located 1 marsh 57°56'04.8"E km southwest of the village of Arkaulovo. The complex natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan comprising a unique carbonate lowland marshland fed by heavily mineralized groundwater and atmospheric precipitation. Characterized by unique and rare wetland vegetation. 9. Urmantau Cave 55°27'23.0"N Planned hydrogeological natural monument of the Republic of 57°43'42.4"E Bashkortostan. The cave is located two kilometers east of the village of Urmantau (north-west of the Salavat District). One of the most beautiful caves along the Yuryuzan. A cave of karst origin, is formed in the limestones of the Artinskian Stage of the Lower Permian. 10. Stone gate on 55°11'41.1"N Geological nature monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. the Ai River. 58°34'55.8"E Located on the left bank of the Ai River, 1.5 km upstream of the village of Lakly. Represents a stone arch formed as a result of the collapse of a cave. Mixed broadleaf forests and rare species of plants listed in the Red List of the Republic of Bashkortostan are recorded in the area. 11. Idrisovo cave 55°02'36.7"N Archaeological natural monument of Federal significance. Located on the 58°09'02.7"E high left rocky bank of the Yuryuzan River, 1 km to the east of the village of Idrisovo. The cave is of karst origin, formed in the Lower and Middle Carboniferous limestones. Classified within the Yuryuzan-Lakly speleological subarea of the Ufa Amphitheater speleo-area of the Middle speleological region of the West Urals speleological province. In 1930, Mesolithic rock paintings were discovered in the cave. In 1975 and 1990, previously unknown rock paintings of animals, people and geometric figures were discovered at the foot of the rock outcrop beneath the cave. 12. Yakhino 54°57'55.3"N Located on the southern outskirts of the village of Yakhino, along the section 58°04'22.8"E railway tracks. The section of the Bashkirian stage (Carboniferous) is the stratotype of the Yakhino regional Substage (“Horizon”) and was proposed by O.L. Einor as a regional stratigraphic unit. The section is composed of shallow-water facies, dominated by foraminiferal and brachiopod limestones with rare conodonts. 13. Section on the 55°04'47.7"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. River Ust Kanda 58°05'54.1"E Located on the left bank of Ust-Kanda Creek (tributary to the Yuryuzan River) 200 m west of the P242 highway. Section of the Bashkirian Stage (Carboniferous). Exposures of Syuranian limestones. 14. Section on the 55°07'40.8"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Novokaratavly 58°07'30.1"E Located on the left board of P242 5 km south-west of Novo-Karatavly. River Section of the Bashkirian Stage (Carboniferous). Outcrops of limestone of the Syuranian Substage. 15. Section near 55°19'53.1"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. the village of 58°02'10.7"E Located on the right side of the P242 highway, between the villages of Akhunovo Akhunovo and Mechetlino. The section of Permian beds near the village of Akhunovo is a beautiful example of folds. 16. Rocky outcrops 55°11'53.9"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. on the Ai River 58°35'14.6"E Located on the right bank of Ai River, opposite the rocks of Stone Gate, 2 with fossils km of the village of Lakly. Rock outcrops are composed of Carboniferous bioclastic limestones with coquinae. The length of the rock ridge is about 300 meters; the height is up to 50 meters.

17. Sabakai-Tash 55°30'40.1"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. section 57°42'01.7"E Located on the right bank of the Yuryuzan River in 1 km north-west of the village of Urmantau. Section of the Sakmarian Stage (Permian). 18. Section near 55°23'04.1"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. the village of 57°51'22.1"E Located 2 km to the south-west of the village of Kuselyarovo. It is Kuselyarovo with represented by the outcrops of Carboniferous bioclastic limestones with fossils fossils (brachiopods, foraminifers). 17

19. Kutkantau 55°23'45.9"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Mountain 57°51'05.5"E Located 2 km to the west of the village of Kuselyarovo. The Kutkantau anticlinal structure with manifestations of natural asphalt. 20. Kutkantau 55°23'55.1"N Planned geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. springs 57°51'17.0"E Located 2.5 km west of the village of Kuselyarovo, on the left bank of the Yuryuzan River at the foot of Kutkantau Mountain. The site is represented by a series (about 10) of hydrogen sulfur springs. Formed in limestones of the Artinskian Stage (Lower Permian). The mineral content of the water is up to 1.0 g / l. In some springs native sulfur precipitates on gravel. 21. Caves in the 55°30'40.1"N Geological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Caves, Sabakai Rock 57°42'00.3"E produced by underground water streams and representing a sample of geological development in a mountainous area.

В.2.2. Mineral deposits

Table 5. Deposits of common mineral resources in the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark no. Mineral deposit Mineral resources, its use

1 Meshchegarovskoe Fertilizer ore, lake lime 2 Pokorovskoe Fertilizer ore, lake lime 3 Kazyrbakskoe Brick and tile raw materials, clay 4 Makhmutovskoe Brick and tile raw materials, clay 5 Chebarkulskoe Brick and tile raw materials, clay loam 6 Yazgi-Yurtovskoe Brick and tile raw materials, clay loam 7 Elgildinskoe Brick and tile raw materials, silica sand 8 Lagerevskoe Brick and tile raw materials, silica sand 9 Novomukhametovskoe Brick and tile raw materials, silica sand 10 Yalan-Kulskoe Sand and gravel material 11 Anzyak Sand and gravel material 12 Kazayrbakskoe Limestone, carbonate for lime production, building stone 13 Yakhinskiy Building stone, limestone 14 Yunosovskiy Building stone, limestone

В.3. DETAILS ON THE INTEREST OF THESE SITES IN TERMS OF THEIR INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, REGIONAL OR LOCAL VALUE

В.4.1.Geological sites

Table 6. Significance and possible use of geological sites of the geopark Name Value Directions of use

1. Mechetlino section International significance Scientific Section is the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point Tourist candidate for the base of the Kungurian Stage (“golden spike”). Educational 2. Bolshaya Luka International significance Scientific section The section is the stratotype of the Bashkirian Stage Tourist (Carboniferous). Educational 3. Yangantau International significance Scientific Mountain Unique thermal anomalies of Yangantau Mountain located Tourist outside areas of active magmatism; area of ongoing scientific Educational research; Yangantau Mountain is included in the Global Register of the Earth's geological heritage as part of the ProGEO program. 4. Lakly section Regional significance Tourist Represented by the Syuranian, Akavasian and Askynbashian Educational substages composed mainly of bioclastic limestones. 18

5. Kuselyarovo sulfur Regional significance Tourist springs Hydrogeological natural monument of the Republic of Educational Bashkortostan; represented by a series of hydrogen sulfide springs 6. Kurgazak Spring Regional significance Tourist Hydrogeological natural monument of the Republic of Educational Bashkortostan; powerful underground mineral spring with a flow rate of 100-125 l/s. 7. Lakly Cave Regional significance Tourist Described by P.S. Pallas, a member of the St. Petersburg Academy Educational of Sciences in 1769. It is the largest cave in the north-eastern part of the Republic of Bashkortostan, as well as a habitat for rare species of bats. 8. Arkaulovo marsh Regional significance Tourist Unique carbonate lowland marsh with unique and rare vegetation. Educational 9. Lagerevo marsh Regional significance Tourist Complex Natural Monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan Educational representing a lowland marsh with rare marsh vegetation included in the Red List of the Republic of Bashkortostan. 10. Stone Gate on the Regional significance Tourist Ai River A stone arch formed as a result of the collapse of a cave. Nearby Educational mixed broad-leaved forests and locations of rare plant species included in the Red List of the Republic of Bashkortostan. 11. Idtrosovo Cave Federal significance Tourist Archaeological natural monument of federal significance. A karst Educational cave in Lower and Middle Carboniferous limestones; with Mesolithic rock paintings. 12. Yakhino section Regional significance Tourist Section of the Bashkirian Stage (Carboniferous), the stratotype of Educational the Yakhino regional stage. 13. Ust-Kanda River Regional significance Scientific Section Section of the Bashkirian Stage (Carboniferous). Outcrops of Tourist limestone of the Syuranian substage. Educational 14. Novokaratavly Regional significance Scientific River Section Section of the Bashkirian Stage (Carboniferous). Outcrops of Tourist limestone of the Syuranian substage. Educational 15. Section near the Regional significance Tourist village of Akhunovo Section of the Permian deposits near the village of Akhunovo Educational contains beautiful geological folds. 16. Rock outcrops on Regional significance Tourist the Ai River Outcrops of bioclastic Carboniferous limestones with coquina beds. Educational

17. Sabakai-Tash Regional significance Tourist Section Section of the Sakmarian stage (Permian). Educational 18. Section near the Regional significance Tourist village of Kuselyarovo Represented by outcrops of bioclastic Carboniferous limestones Educational with fossils with fossils (brachiopods, foraminifers)

19. Kutkantau Regional significance Tourist Mountain Anticlinal structure of Kutkantau with the manifestations of natural Educational asphalt. 20. Kutkantau springs Regional significance Tourist A series of hydrogen sulfide springs formed in the limestones of the Educational Artinskian Stage (Lower Permian) 21. Urmantau Cave Regional significance Tourist One of the most beautiful caves along the Yuryuzan River. A cave Educational of karst origin formed in the Artinskian limestones (Lower Permian).

В.4.2. Mineral deposits

Table 7. Significance and directions of use of the geopark mineral deposits no. Mineral deposit Mineral resources, application Primary use 1 Meshchegarovskoe Fertilizer ore, lake lime Educational 2 Pokrovskoe Fertilizer ore, lake lime Educational 3 Kazayrbakskoe Brick and tile raw materials, clay Resource 4 Makhmutovskoe Brick and tile raw materials, clay Resource 5 Chebarkulkoe Brick and tile raw materials, loam clay Resource 6 Yazgi-Yurtovskoe Brick and tile raw materials, loam clay Resource 7 Elgildinskoe Brick and tile raw materials, silica sand Resource 8 Lagerevskoe Brick and tile raw materials, silica sand Resource 9 Novomukhametovsko Brick and tile raw materials , silica sand Resource e 10 Yalan-Kulskoe Sand and gravel material Resource 11 Anzyak Sand and gravel material Resource 12 Kazayrbakskoe Limestone, carbonate for lime production, building Educational Resource stone 13 Yakhinskiy Building stone, limestone Educational Resource

В.4. LISTING AND DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SITES OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND INTANGIBLE HERITAGE INTEREST AND HOW THEY ARE RELATED TO THE GEOLOGICAL SITES AND HOW THEY ARE INTEGRATED INTO THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

B.4.1. Natural Heritage Area

B.4.1.1. International significance Rare plant and animal species on the IUCN Red List Location: Area (km²) - 1700 Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan Ten species of local plants and 17 species of animals are included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ver 3.1). // http://www.iucnredlist.org/

B.4.1.2. National significance Rare species of plants and animals listed in the Red Lists of Russia Location: Area (km²) - 1700 Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan Twelve local species of plants (2008) and 11 species of animals (2001) are included in the Red Books of Russia.

Important Bird Area (IBA) (Key ornithological territories (KOTR)) BS-022 "Ufa Plateau" Geographical coordinates: 55 º26’17.80”, 57 º44’48.80” Location: Area (ha) 35000 Salavat and Duvan districts of the Republic of Bashkortostan Important Bird Area (IBA) (Key ornithological territories (KOTR) (55˚31́ N; 57˚35́ E). This IBA has rare species listed in the Red Book of Russia (2001), such as the osprey, the great spotted eagle, the imperial eagle, the golden eagle, the white-tailed eagle, the peregrine falcon and the eagle owl (Key Ornithological Territories of Russia. vol. 1. Key Ornithological Territories if international significance in European Russia, Moscow, 2000). Also in this area you can find oystercatcher and greater curlew (Red book of Russia, 2001; The Red Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 2014; Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, category Near Threatened, ver 3.1). http://www.rbcu.ru/kotr/bashkir.php http://www.rbcu.ru/kotr/bs022.php

B.4.1.3. Regional significance Rare species of plants and animals listed in the Red Books of the Republic of Bashkortostan Location: Area (km²) - 1700 Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan Fifty-five local species of plants (2011) and 23 species of animals (2014) are included in the Red Books of the 20

Republic of Bashkortostan

Arkaulovo marsh Geographical coordinates: 55 º25’52.25”, 57 º55’38.82” Location: Area (ha) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 150.0 0.7 km north to the north-north-east of the village. Arkaulovo Protection measures: Year of introduction Regional complex natural monument 2005 Key features: A unique carbonate lowland marsh fed by low slope strongly mineralized groundwater and atmospheric precipitation. The site has diverse of listed marsh vegetation (birch, gray-alder, reed, tussocky-sedge and others). Hypnaceous-sedge communities with rusted bog rush on lime-encrusted peat bogs are endemic. The swamp is also unique in that, in conditions of lowland carbonate marshes, species of transitional and upland acidic bogs grow on peaty mounds (cranberry, wild rosemary, sphagnum mosses, etc.). The site has rare plant species: Russow's marsh orchid, musk orchid, fragrant orchid, fen orchid, lady's-slipper orchid, fly orchid, cranberry, common butterwort, wild rosemary, slender-leaved pondweed and others. Taiga shrubs: lingonberries and blueberries also grow.

Lagerevo marsh Geographical coordinates: 55 º16’52.42”, 58 º23’59.43” Location: Area (ha) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 200,0 1 km north-west of the village of Lagerevo Protection measures: Year of listing Regional complex natural monument 2005 Key features: Fragment of lowland swamp in the central part of the extensive boggy left-bank valley of Yuryuzan River, the least transformed after large-scale drainage works. The swamp is fed by low-slope carbonated springs. Despite the strong disturbance of the marsh, there are still populations of very rare plants included in the Red Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan: rusted bog rush, marsh helleborine, fragrant orchid, Stark willow, wild rosemary, moor-king lousewort, Saussurea parviflora, etc. There is also a small polytric pine forest with cloudberry and wild rosemary. All other localities for cloudberry are known only in the highland part of the Southern Urals. Such communities are found nowhere else in the Republic of Bashkortostan and are of great scientific interest. The marsh is inhabited by gray cranes, in recent years, drainage collectors have been colonized by beavers.

Kyzlartau Mountain Geographical coordinates: 55 º25’51.50”, 57 º56’27.44” Location: Area (ha) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 14,0 3 km to the north-north-east of the village of Arkaulovo Protection measures: Year of listing Regional botanical natural monument 2005 Key features: A treeless hill with a relative height of about 50 m, preserving the standard states of meadow steppes, and steppe meadows close to the natural state. The meadow steppes are dominated by the Stipa pulcherrima and Stipa pennata feather grasses listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Bashkortostan. The feather grass Stipa sareptana is less common as it is rare is in the northeastern regions of the republic. The beautiful stony steppes with the alpine aster, locoweed Oxytropis spicata, scabious Scabiosa isetensis, and others are closer to the top of the hill. There are thickets of steppe shrubs (Cytisus “chiliga”, steppe cherry Prunus fruticosa). On the south-eastern slope grows the lop-sided onion ("uskun"), a Pleistocene relic of Asian origin, included in the Red Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan. There is also another relict plant, Bupleurum multinerve, whose populations in the republic need special attention.

Idelbaevo Marsh Geographical coordinates: 55°23'01"N 57°48'31"E

Location: Area (ha) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan,vicinity of the village of 75,0 Idelbaevo Protection measures: The projected regional botanical natural monument Key features: Marsh assemblages in the valley of the River Air, which have an important water protection value. The hypnaceous-sedge wetlands, which support a remarkable level of biodiversity are sites of protection.

Kontun-tau Mountain Geographical coordinates: 55°15'54"N 58°10'36"E Location: Area (ha) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan 160,0 Protection measures: The projected regional botanical natural monument Key features: Located in the vicinity of the village of Ilteevo. Typical and diverse steppe vegetation. Highly productive population of pheasant's eye, habitats of rare plant (lop-sided onion, European feather grass, Bupleurum multinerve, etc.) are protected.

“Yuryuzan” Natural Park Geographical coordinates: 55°03'17.90"N 58°09'39.14"E Location: Area (ha) Salavat, Duvan, Karaidel, and Nuriman Districts of the Republic of 11800,0 Bashkortostan. Total area of the projected park 31500 ha. Protection measures: Projected natural park of the Republic of Bashkortostan Key features: The typical and standard natural assemblages of the Ufa Plateau supporting high biodiversity will be under protection. Habitats of background and rare species of animals (eagle-owl, peregrine falcon, European grayling, etc.) and plants (dark-red helleborine, red helleborine, Schivereckia podolica, Cerastium uralense, Lathyrus litvinovii, long-beaked water feathermoss, etc.), and also landscapes with high aesthetic and recreational potential.

Turnaly forest-steppe. Geographical coordinates:: 55°21'29"N 58°12'39"E Location: Area (ha) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, vicinity of the village of 563,0 Elanysh. NW Sargamysh. Salavat Forestry, Arkaulovo Forestry, squares 103, 109, 110. Protection measures: A promising area for organizing a protected territory Key features: The Turnaly forest-stepped has typical forest-steppe highly diverse ecosystems. It also has habitats of common (roe deer, fox, etc.) and rare animal species (common crane, etc.) and plants.

Valley of the Ai River Geographical coordinates: 55°34'38"N 58°29'14"E Location: Area (ha) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Khammatova Collective 6300,0 Farm. Lagernyi, Turnaly, and Sargamysh farms Protection measures: A promising area for organizing a protected territory Key features: A river in the South Urals, the left and largest tributary of the Ufa river. In the 18th century, V.N. Tatishchev suggested that the name of the river means - "bright as the moon", "bright", or "moon". According to another version, "beautiful, like the moon." The flood plain of Ai River contains typical floodplain natural assemblages 22

with high biodiversity and great ecological significance. Habitats of common and rare animals (European grayling, Eurasian oystercatcher, kingfisher, common crane, great bittern, little tern, etc.) and plants (Anemone uralensis, Tulipa biebersteiniana, European feather grass, Valerian, etc.). B.4.1.4. Local significance Yuryuzan River Location: Length (km) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan 404 Key features: It is one of the ten largest rivers in Bashkortostan, unique for organizing recreational fishing (there are more than 25 species of fish: pike, asp, pike perch, bream, chub, undermouth, dace, burbot, perch, roach, etc.). Facilities for water tourism, construction tourist sites, observation areas, and recreation centers are present. Habitat of regionally common animal species (roe deer, fox) and rare plant species (feather grass, Stipa dasyphylla feather grass, Рrimula cortusoides, Dianthus acicularis, etc.).

Lakly River Location: Length (km) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 12 vicinity of the village of Urmanchino and the village of Lakly Key features: A valuable species of fish (grayling) is found in the river near the village of Urmanchino and the village of Lakly.

Lazya River Location: Length (km) Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 8.6 vicinity of the village of Kyzyrbak Key features: The river by the village Kyzyrbak has valuable species of fish (trout).

B.4.2. Cultural heritage rank

B.4.2.1. International significance Folklore Festival “Salauat yiyiny” 55°10'47.2"N 58°09'26.7"E Location: village of Maloyaz Year of establishment: 2004 Description: The festival includes a yurt competition, traditional national and folk sports competitions: kuresh wrestling tournament, horse racing; performances of ethnic groups. In 2017, the festival was held as part of the international "Berdemlek-Unity" festival of national cultures under the auspices of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF). More than 200 people from China, Estonia, South Korea, Serbia, India, Iran, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia and Sri Lanka took part in the festival. Connection with geological sites: Since 2015, the program "Salauat yiyyiyny" included a contest of sesen improvisers-storytellers. Sesens are Bashkirian folk storytellers traditionally performing legends and improvisations in the form of a song recitative to the accompaniment of dumbura, a traditional stringed instrument. The legends and tales are mostly associated with memorial, natural and geological sites in the republic. For example, in the territory of the Salavat District, there are legends about the city of Yangan-Tau, the Ai and Yuryuzan rivers, etc. Integration into the proposed geopark: Participants of the festival are acquainted with the natural and geological objects of the Salavat region. During the festival there are exhibitions and sales of products of craftsmen and souvenirs produced in the territory of the geopark.

National crafts “Honey harvesting” 54°56'- 55°31' N 57°28'-58°38' E Location: Salavat District Year of establishment: Description: Honey harvesting is one of the oldest trades and one of the first cultural forms of beekeeping, based on the maintenance and breeding of bee colonies in artificial and natural tree hollows. Honey harvesting was widespread in Eastern and Central Europe. Today, this craft only survives in the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Connection with geological sites: Geographical location of the park at the junction of Europe and Asia provides favorable conditions for the growth of

linden forests, which in turn served the emergence and development of honey harvesting.

Integration into the proposed geopark: As part of the current horse routes, it is planned to visit the location of the honey collection sites, tasting honey and other bee products. With further development, the organization of honey tours is possible.

B.4.2.2. National significance Rock paintings in a cave (Idrisovo-1), early man cave site (Idrisovo 55°2'37"N 58°9'4"E cave site) Location: Alkino village administration of the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan, village of Idrisovo Grounds for protection Year of establishment Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation No. 1960 1327 of 30.08.60, Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Bashkirskaya ASSR No. 188 of March 22, 1961

The main heritage objects Broken bones of fossil animals and fragments of flint of Paleolithic appearance were discovered. On the slopes in the immediate vicinity of the entrance and in the cave itself there are several groups of paintings of animals, birds and other images. Connection with geological sites: At the same time an object of geological heritage of national importance. Integration into the proposed geopark: It is a visiting stop of the tourist route "Trekking in Lakly and Idrisovo caves" and a project tourist route "In the footsteps of early man".

Tashaulovo-1, site (Tashaulovo site) Geographical coordinates: 55 30' 419'' N 57 42' 269'' E Location: Area Taimeevo village administration of the Salavat District of the Republic 0.85 ha of Bashkortostan, village of Tashaulovo Grounds for protection: (Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Year of establishment Council of the Republic of Bashkortostan No. 6-2 / 251v of May 12, 1992 1992). Mains heritage objects The collection from this site includes a scraper, knife-like plates, flakes, two neolithic fragments of ceramics with a false-comb pattern, as well as a plank sinker, an ax preform and several fragments of ceramics with an admixture of sand dating back to the era of the Early Iron Age. Material from this site dates it as the Neolithic and Early Iron Age.

Connection with geological sites: Adjacent to the geological monument "Urmantau Cave". Integration into the proposed geopark: A site on the proposed tourist route "In the footsteps of early man"

Turnaly-1, hillfort (Turnaly Hillfort) Geographical coordinates: N55 21' 129'' E 58 16' 673'' Location: Area Turnaly village administration of the Salavat District of the 0.2 ha Republic of Bashkortostan, village of Turnaly Grounds for protection: Decree of the Presidium of the Year of establishment Supreme Council of the Republic of Bashkortostan No. 6-2 / 1992 251v of May 12, 1992. Main objects of heritage Traces of six dwellings, which are half-dugouts with walls made of wattle, reinforced with clay mud; the dwellings were heated with ovens arranged on wooden supports. Pottery is represented by the ceramics of the Gorokhov culture (made of clay with an admixture of talc, ornamented along the rim with oval impressions and carved triangles) of the Middle Ages (round-bottomed, made of clay with admixture of gruss and decorated with short notches along the rim), and fragments of pottery with colored watering). The finds include a silver coin of the Golden Horde era, iron knives, sickles, clay spindles, bone piercings, a bronze disc-like mirror, and animal bones. The site reflects the process of settling by the tribes of the early Iron Age and the 24

Middle Ages, and, presumably, the ancient Bashkirs in the basin of the Ai and Yuryuzan Rivers. Connection with geological sites: Located near the geological sites Lakly Cave and the Stone Gate on the River Ai near the village of Lakly. Integration into the proposed geopark: A site on the proposed tourist route "In the footsteps of early man"

Sabakai-1, ancient settlement (Sabakai site and Geographical coordinates: settlement) 55°2'37"N 58°9'4"E Location: Area Taimeevo village administration of Salavat District of the 0. 12 ha Republic of Bashkortostan Grounds for protection: Decree of the Presidium of the Year of establishment Supreme Council of the Republic of Bashkortostan No. 6- 1992 2 / 251v of May 12, 1992 Main objects of heritage Discovered in 1967. The occupation layer of the site contains materials from three eras - Neolithic, bronze and early iron age Connection with geological sites: At the same time it is an object of geological heritage of national significance and a monument of nature Integration into the proposed geopark: A site on the proposed tourist route "In the footsteps of early man"

B.4.2.3. Regional significance Buranovo Cave Site Geographical coordinates: 55º00′22,32” N 58º08′23,58” E Location: The border of the Chelyabinsk region and the Republic of Bashkortostan Grounds for protection Included in the list of identified cultural heritage sites of the Republic of Bashkortostan Main objects of heritage Artifacts of various epochs: Horizon 1 included ceramics, sections of plates, bones of wild animals, human bones; horizon 2 included an Neolithic burial with 35 serpentinite pendants, located around the hips and descending to the feet, the human skull was placed in a special pit, filled with red ocher. Two paintings in red ocher were found above the burial, on the left wall of the cave, 1 m from the entrance at a height of 1.2 m: the image of an inclined line with 4 inclined, tapering lines and a "comb" with three long lines and one shorter and slightly inclined line. Connection with geological sites: At the same time a geological object of local significance. Integration into the proposed geopark: A site on the proposed tourist route "In the footsteps of early man". It is possible to make replicas and souvenirs based on artifacts found in the cave.

Yangantau settlement site Geographical coordinates: 55°17'33.4"N 58°06'45.6"E Location: Yangantau village administration of the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan Grounds for protection listed as an identified cultural heritage site located in the Republic of Bashkortostan Main objects of heritage The occupation layer does not exceed 25-30 cm thick. A small excavation contained a large number of fragments of pottery. Most of the pottery is made of clay with an admixture of sand or gruss and decorated with oblique incrustations, sometimes forming a chevron pattern. Several vessels were of Kushnarenkov type and vessels made on a potter's wheel. It dates back to the I and II millennia. Connection with geological sites: Adjacent to Yangantau Mountain, a geological site of international significance. Integration into the proposed geopark: It is possible to make replicas and souvenirs based on artifacts found in the cave.

Lagerevo Mounds Geographical coordinates: 55°14'55.1"N 58°27'20.3"E 25

Location: Lagerevo village administration of the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan Grounds for protection Listed as an identified cultural heritage site located in the Republic of Bashkortostan Main objects of heritage The discoveries of 1972 include a helmet, a caked fragment of chain mail, a saber in a wooden scabbard, an iron arrowhead, two buckles, belt pads, a hook, 2 round silver cover plates. The artifacts are dated as IX-X century AD. At present the helmet is displayed at the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of the Ufa Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa. The burial mounds belong to the Kushnarenkovo (Karayakupovo) culture. They have a diameter of 7-8 m, and contain burials made in simple pits 45-80 cm deep which are oriented with the head to the north or northwest. The mounds contain many small metal items, including parts from belts and bridle straps, saddles, chest decorations, weapons and thin-walled pottery with a high expanding throat and rounded base. The vessels are richly ornamented, consisting of horizontally drawn belts alternating with zones of short incisions and oval impressions covering the upper part of the vessel. Connection with geological sites: Nearby there is a natural site of regional significance, Lagerevo Marsh, which has hydrogeological value Integration into the proposed geopark: It is possible to make replicas and souvenirs based on artifacts found in the cave.

B.4.2.4. Local significance Grebnevaya Cave (Bolshoi Limonov Ridge) Geographical coordinates: 55°1'36"N 58°9'5"E Location: Alkino village administration of the Salavat district of the Republic of Bashkortostan Main objects of heritage At the lower end of the rocks of the Bolshoi Limonov ridge, at a height of 50 m, there is the Grebnevaya (or Starichnaya) Cave, 35.5 m long. Two occupation horizons are recognized: the first - up to 0.4 m - humified clay with cultural remains of a later time; the second is brownish clay with a high content of sand with large fragments of limestone. The latter horizon from a depth of 0.5 m contains frequent fragments of animal bones, the greatest concentration at a depth of 1-1.3 m, in some cases they are accompanied by scattered small coal fragments. Bones from the Paleolithic layer belong to the following species of animals: woolly rhinoceros, horse, steppe bison, red deer, Asian roe deer, reindeer, cave lion, cave bear, fox, marmot, russet ground squirrel, and a mole. Birds: a galliform species and kestrel. Fish: several bones of asp and perch. Connection with geological sites: Also a geological site of local significance. Integration into the proposed geopark: A site on the proposed tourist route "In the footsteps of early man".

Todor Boyadzhiev Cave 55°05’12,06” N 58º11’41,34” E Location: Alkino village administration of the Salavat district of the Republic of Bashkortostan Main objects of heritage Engraved images were discovered in 2011, by the architect Todor Boyadzhiev a tourist from Bulgaria, after whom the cave was named. The 2011 study revealed the presence of engraved images on the southern and northern walls at a height of 2 m above the floor level and 5 m from the entrance, in the illuminated part of the cave. On the southern wall there are four figures of ungulates with a quadrangular trunk and four straight legs. Between them are signs: a circle, a W-like sign. On the northern wall a semicircular line shows the line of the short tail, the line of the back and a head. Two massive paws are represented by straight lines using natural cracks. This detail is a very archaic feature, characteristic of Paleolithic images. The animal is more like a bear figure. The upper occupation layer contains animal bones, coal fragments, pieces of ocher and a few flint chips and is dated Holocene. Below, the Pleistocene beds contain bones of fossil animals: bison, rhinoceros, cave bear, etc. Finds of single items from black flint and a fragment of rock crystal indicate that these are cultural deposits of the Upper Paleolithic. Also, near the cave on the rock, 250 m to the west, in the search for karst objects, Yu.V. Sokolov's group found new rock carvings. Connection with geological sites: Also a geological site of local significance. Integration into the proposed geopark: A site on the proposed tourist route "In the footsteps of early man".

B.4.3. Sites of cultural intangible heritage

Table 11. Sites of intangible cultural heritage Name Location Description and connection to the Integration into the proposed sites of geological heritage geopark: "Kuskandy" co- Villages of Additional site on the proposed tourist Manufacturing of chest and head operative store Alkino and geo-routes: “Hiking in Lakly and ornaments; making koumiss from Idrisovo of the Idrisovo caves”, "In the footsteps of fermented mare and goat's milk. Salavat early man", “In the footsteps of S.P. Conducting master classes in pottery, District Pallas”. making and local selling clay products according to the pattern of local artifacts.

Female "Uzory Republic of Additional site on the proposed tourist Sewing costumes for northeastern Karatau" co- Bashkortostan, geo-routes: “Hiking to Urmantau Bashkirs, embroidery in the technique operative store Salavat Cave”, “Permian Period”, “In search of northeastern Bashkirs, making District, of thermal springs” chest ornaments, spinning wool and village knitting products. Akhunovo "Etegen" "Big Republic of Additional site for proposed tourist Manufacture of wooden kubizes (folk Bear" co- Bashkortostan, geo-tours: “Hiking to Lakly and string musical instrument), with operative Salavat Idrisovo caves”, "In the footsteps of further sale on the territory of the District, early man", “In the footsteps of S.P. geopark. Master classes in the village of Pallas”. manufacture of wooden kubizes. Urmanchino Vocal Republic of Additional site for proposed tourist "Karga Butkaһy" ("Raven Kasha") Ensemble Bashkortostan, geo-routes: “Hiking in Lakly and traditional festival. Participation in "Ai Mondars" Salavat Idrisovo caves”, "In the footsteps of the organization of the Sabantuy "The Ai district, village early man", “In the footsteps of S.P. festival, development of event Chants" of Lakly Pallas”. tourism and ethnotures Traditional folk Republic of Additional site for proposed tourist Folk remedies. Manufacturing of remedies, the Bashkortostan, geo-routes: “Hiking in Urmantau metal kubizes (folk string musical manufacture of Salavat Cave”, “Permian Period”, “In search instrument). Conducting master handicrafts District, of thermal springs” classes. Woodcarving. Sales of (Gabil Gimalov village of souvenirs in the territory of the - imam-khatib Mechetlino geopark. of a rural mosque) Honey farm Republic of Additional site for proposed tourist Production of medicinal infusions, (Rishat Bashkortostan, geo-routes: “Hiking to Urmantau ointments and products from bee Nusratullin - Salavat Cave”, “Permian Period”, “In search products, organization of a beekeeper) District, of thermal springs” demonstration of the process of village of pumping honey, providing Yaubulyakovo opportunities for participation in the process. Manufacture of Republic of Additional site for proposed tourist Master classes on making souvenirs handicrafts Bashkortostan, geo-routes: “Hiking in Lakly and from vines, carving on wood, with (Flaris Nureyev Salavat Idrisovo caves”, "In the footsteps of further selling in the territory of the - woodworker, District, early man", “In the footsteps of S.P. geopark. Master classes on playing accordionist) village of Pallas”, “In the footsteps of the Tsar the kurai, button accordion and Ishimbaevo photographer S.M. Prokudin- garmon. Gorskiy”.

Figure 6. Geological and hydrological objects in the territory of the geopark 28

С. GEOCONSERVATION

С.1. CURRENT AND POTENTIAL PRESSURE ON THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

The principal industrial activities of the Salavat District include the processing of agricultural products, and mining and processing industries (there are deposits of bauxite, limestone, sand-gravel mixture, cement clays, and silica sand). The largest enterprises of the region are the “Yangan-Tau” Ltd. Resort, “Bauxite” Ltd. (bauxite and alumina mining), “Selenergo” Ltd., the “Yakhinsky crushed stone plant” Ltd., and the Mursalimkino branch of “Bashkiravtodor” Ltd. (Production of fractionated crushed stone). The environmental issues in the Salavat District are mainly concerned with handling production and consumption waste, as well as with water pollution. Among the production and consumption waste produced, the largest proportion is generated by agricultural production waste and municipal solid waste. In pursuance of the Republican target program "Improvement of the Solid Waste Management System in the Republic of Bashkortostan" for 2011-2020, the municipal Salavat District developed the General Scheme of Sanitary Cleaning of the Territory of the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. In the Salavat District, domestic sewage accounts for 36.5% of the total volume of the region's sewage. Household pollutants constitute 16.1% of the total mass of sewage discharged into the surface waters of the region. Discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater is carried out in three directions: the Ai River with its tributaries, the Yuryuzan River with its tributaries, and earth pond storage without waterproofing (relief). All large industries of the district have sewage treatment facilities:  “Kommunalshchik” Ltd. The waste water is discharged into the Yuryuzan River, one release of 320 m3/day.  “Yangan-Tau” Resort. The waste water is discharged into the Yuryuzan River, one release of 492.6 thousand m3/year.  Arkaulovo LPU Ltd. The waste water is discharged into the Burly River, right tributary of the Yuryuzan River, in a single release 2.41 thousand m3/year.  The total discharge of pollutants into the Burly River amounted to 0.167 tons per year.

In general, the human impact on the environment of the territory of the Salavat District is admissible and does not cause significant damage. The territory of the projected Geopark is very promising for the development of production of ecologically clean food and agricultural products and the development of ecotourism.

С.2. CURRENT STATUS IN TERMS OF PROTECTION OF GEOLOGICAL SITES WITHIN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

The protection of geological sites in the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Bashkortostan is carried out within the framework of the Federal Law of March 14, 1995 No. 33-FZ “On Specially Protected Natural Territories” and the Law of the Republic of Bashkortostan of July 31, 1995 No. 5-З “On Specially Protected Natural territories in the Republic of Bashkortostan”. In the territory of the projected geopark there are currently nine natural monuments with a total area of 495 hectares of geological, complex, hydrological, and botanical interest. In addition, a System of Specially Protected Natural Areas, approved by the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan (Government Order of the Republic of Bashkortostan No. 209

of 01.09.2003 “On Approving the Concept of the System of Protected Natural Territories in the Republic of Bashkortostan”), which covers geological sites located in the territory of the projected geopark. Also, a number of geological sites have historical and cultural value and are protected under Federal Law No. 73-FZ of 25.06.2002 “On Sites of Cultural Heritage (Monuments of History and Culture) of Peoples of the Russian Federation” and Law of the Republic of Bashkortostan of November 7, 2005 No. 224- z “On Sites of Cultural Heritage (Monuments of History and Culture) of the Peoples of the Republic of Bashkortostan”. The Idrisovo cave has the status of a site of cultural heritage at the federal level and is included in the Unified State Register of Cultural Heritage Sites (Monuments of History and Culture) of the peoples of the Russian Federation.

Table 8. Protected geological and non-geological sites of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark Name of geological site Legal basis for protection Yangantau Mountain System of specially protected natural territories of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Lakly Cave Federal Law of March 14, 1995 N 33-FZ “On Specially Stone Gate on the Ai River near the village of Lakly Protected Natural Territories”.

Kurgazak Spring

Kuselyarovo sulfur springs Law of the Republic of Bashkortostan of July 31, 1995 No. 5-Z “On Specially Protected Natural Territories in Arkaulov marsh the Republic of Bashkortostan”. Lagerevo marsh

Kyzlartau Mountain

Mechetlino section

Cave petroglyphs The federal-level site of cultural heritage (Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation No. (Idrisovo cave site) 1327 of August 30, 1960, Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Bashkirskaya ASSR No. 188 of March 22, 1961) Burial Mound (Ishimbaevo-1, burial mound) Site of cultural heritage of federal significance Burial Mound (Iltaevo-1, solitary burial mound) (Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Bashkirskaya ASSR No. 253 of March 24,1953) Kazayrbak Early Man Site Site of cultural heritage of federal significance (Decree Musatovo II Early Man Site of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Sabakai Early Man Site and Settlement Republic of Bashkortostan No. 6-2 / 251c of May 12, Sarapul settlement 1992) Tashaul Early Man Site Turnaly settlement Idrisovskaya Cave Petroglyph Site-2 An identified site of cultural heritage. Included in the Lysovo ( Ust-Katai) Early Man Site register of cultural heritage sites located on the territory Akhunovo burial mounds of the Republic of Bashkortostan Turnaly Settlement Idelbai Settlement Mysovo Early Man Site Tashaul Settlement Kazyrbak Early Man Cave Site Klyuchevaya Early Man Cave Site Buranovo Early Man Cave Site Musatovo III Early Man Site Yulaevo I Cave Yulaevo II Cave Ai Early Man Site Buranovo second petroglyph

Yangantau Settlement Makhmutovo Settlement Idelbaevo Early Man Site Ishimbai Burial Mounds Musatovo I Early Man Site Iltyaevo Burial Mound Idelbaevo Burial Mounds Urdash Early Man Site

C.3. DATA ON THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL HERITAGE SITES (GEOLOGICAL AND NON-GEOLOGICAL)

C3.1. Management of geological sites

All geological sites that have the status of specially protected natural areas (regional-level nature monuments) are protected by the Federal Law of March 14, 1995 No. 33-FZ “On Specially Protected Natural Territories” and the Law of the Republic of Bashkortostan of July 31, 1995 No. 5-З “On specially protected natural territories in the Republic of Bashkortostan” and are managed by the Ministry of Nature Management and Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan This organization monitors compliance with the protection regime, in particular the introduction of restrictions on the production of animals in specially protected natural areas, movement of vehicles, coordination of activities of other republican bodies of executive power concerning with the study, reproduction, use and protection of natural resources, environmental protection environment and ensuring environmental safety, conservation of biological diversity, organization of protection and use of natural areas under particular protection. Additional information about the powers of this executive authority can be found at: https://ecology.bashkortostan.ru/about/. The Ministry of Ecology issues and approves the passports of nature monuments, which contain the basic necessary information on natural and geological sites and issues preservation orders to private landowners whose lands have the protected natural areas. Information on the protection measures and on the owners of the land on which the geological sites are located is presented below. The owner of the land (or tenant) is obliged to comply with the established protection regulations, place local information boards with basic information about the natural site and prohibitions related to its security status.

Table 9. Protected geological sites Geological site Landowner Security Measures Yangantau “Yangan-Tau” Resort Any activity harmful to the natural complex of the natural Mountain Ltd. monument is prohibited Lakly Cave Salavat Forestry It is forbidden to graze animals, litter the cave and its environs, use torches in the cave, chip and take out samples from the cave Stone Gate on the Salavat Forestry Cattle grazing, mining of building stone, all construction, Ai River, near the littering of the territory are prohibited village of Lakly Kurgazak Spring “Yangan-Tau” Resort Any economic activity resulting in contamination of the source Ltd and changes in its hydrological regime is prohibited Kuselyarovo sulfur Salavat Forestry Any construction is prohibited (laying roads, power lines and springs driveways), mining of building stone and gravel, other economic activities leading to the destruction and contamination of springs Mechetlino section Mechetlino village It is forbidden to carry out mining, lay quarries, engineer administration communications, terrace slopes and plant trees.

All types of economic and recreational activities carried out on the territory of the 31

“Yangan-Tau” geopark are coordinated with the administration of the geopark, including: the identification and definition of the boundaries of hunting grounds, economic activities in the nature protection zone, fishing, the development of tourist routes, the deployment of tourist bases and parking, the activities of tourist organizations. Control of these activities is entrusted to the administration of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark. Archaeological sites of federal significance listed in section C2 are protected by Federal Law No. 73-FZ of June 25, 2002 “On Sites of Cultural Heritage (Monuments of History and Culture) of the Peoples of the Russian Federation” and the Law of the Republic of Bashkortostan No. 224- z of November 7, 2005 “On Sites of Cultural Heritage (Monuments of History and Culture) of the Peoples of the Republic of Bashkortostan”. Control of compliance with these laws, as well as the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation No. 1327 of 30.08.60, Resolution of the Council of Ministers of Bashkirskaya ASSR No. 188 of March 22, 1961 is performed by the Office of State Protection of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Information on the authorities of this agency can be found at https://okn.bashkortostan.ru/about/

C3.2. Maintenance of geological sites

Geological sites are maintained and cared for by the owners (or tenants) of the land on which they are located.

C.3.3. Management and maintenance of non-geological sites

The management system of non-geological sites that have the status of specially protected natural areas is the same as that of geological sites. The natural sites under the Ministry of Nature Management and Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan are listed in Table 10.

Table 10. Protected natural objects Natural site Landowner Security Measures

Arkaulovo Arkaulovo Peat extraction, marsh limestone, moss, harvesting of herbs, drainage, marsh village cutting, cattle grazing, and any construction are forbidden. administration

Lagerevo Lagerevo Peat or moss extraction, dehumidification, cattle grazing, tree cutting, marsh village harvesting of berries and medicinal plants are prohibited. administration

Kyzlartau Arkaulovo Harvesting of herbs, limestone mining, drilling operations, cattle grazing, Mountain village terracing of slopes and planting forests are prohibited. administration

All archaeological sites listed in section C 2 are under the jurisdiction of the Office for State Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

D. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY & BUSINESS PLAN (INCLUDING DETAILED FINANCIAL INFORMATION) D.1. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK The territory of the geopark falls into the zone of strategic planning of the economy of the Republic of Bashkortostan ("Program of economic and investment development of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2017-2022.", Approved by the decree of the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan No. 287 of July 14, 2016). https://economy.bashkortostan.ru/dejatelnost/strategicheskoe-planirovanie/programmno- tselevoe-planirovanie/gosudarstvennye-programmy-respubliki- bashkortostan/files/economy29.12.2016.pdf. Aspects of the tourist development of this region were considered and evaluated within the framework of the "North-East" tourist and recreational cluster, in the concept of development of tourist and recreational clusters of the Republic of Bashkortostan up to 2030 (https://tourism.openrepublic.ru/upload/iblock/e88/e88fb2b4bad4912c67140f68ca859953.pdf). The administration of the Salavat region has its own programs for economic development, in particular, programs for supporting small and medium-sized businesses (https://admmaloyaz.bashkortostan.ru/documents/505909/) and rural development (https://admmaloyaz.bashkortostan.ru/documents/502039/). The nearest plan of strategic development of the territory is presented in the investment passport of the district (https://admmaloyaz.bashkortostan.ru/documents/511249/). The main objectives of the strategic development of the territory are: 1. Demographic policy: strengthening family ties, improving the health of the population, reducing migration outflow of population, mortality and injuries. 2. Development of agriculture: increase in yields, productivity of agricultural products, and expansion of sown areas due to subsidies and crediting of producers of agricultural goods from various sources. The strategic goal of development of the agro-industrial complex of the district for 2013-2018 is to increase the efficiency of agro-food chains through improvement of the quality of life of the rural population, including reimbursement of interest on loans received, funds for the purchase of pedigree cattle and high-value feeds, funds for fuel and chemicals for crop farming, to reconstruct cattle- breeding premises and for technical re-equipment with basic production assets. 3. Development of transport infrastructure: construction and reconstruction of highways linking large settlements with the regional center. 4. Support for small and medium-sized businesses: creating additional jobs and increasing the number of people employed in small and medium-sized businesses; an increase in the volume of products produced by small and medium-sized enterprises. D. 1.2. Results of economic activity The main sector of the economy of the Salavat District comprises the production of agricultural products, and the mining and processing industries. In general, despite the crises of 2008 and 2014-2016, the region's economy shows stable growth (Figure 7). Agricultural production is the main economy sector in the regions, while the service sector, mainly represented by the “Yangan-Tau” Resort, holds second place.

In the geopark territory, 13 agricultural enterprises and 158 farms carry out productive activities. According to the structure of gross

Figure 7. The dynamics of economic growth in the 33 Salavat District

agricultural output, agricultural enterprises account for 12.9%, farms - 14.1%, individual farming plots - 72.1%, others - 1.0%. Livestock breeding includes holdings of cows, sheep and goats, horses, and poultry. The region is a supplier of meat and milk to the Republic of Bashkortostan and neighboring regions of Russia. The largest employer in the district is the “Yangan-Tau” Resort of the Republic of Bashkortostan, whose average headcount is 1,521 people. The resort contributes 33% of the regional budget is. The main activity of the company is the provision of resort and health services. The resort also has its own agricultural production, carries out processing of agricultural products produced in the territory of the Salavat Figure 8. Structure of the economy of the Salavat District District. They operate their own sausage making shop, dairy, a shop for honey packaging, bakery production. There are also other types of own production (tea, balsam, butter, confectionery, etc.). The “Yangan-Tau” Resort also plays a leading role in ensures the work of the tourism sector. The resort receives more than 30 000 people per year. There are 13 tour operators operating in the region, mainly carrying out alloys along the Yuryuzan and Ai rivers. There are 3 hotels and 3 campsites. Thus, the service sector in the district is well-developed. A SWOT analysis was conducted to give a qualitative overview and identify strengths and weaknesses of the current and proposed activities of the geopark.

INTERNAL EXTERNAL POSITIVE Strengths Possibilities Friendly locals; Development of road networks; Strong regional identity; Preservation and development of geological heritage of The presence of educated people with a desire to stay; the Salavat district, thanks to the geoparks; High-quality food products; Inclusion of local business in the work of the geoparks; Well-preserved nature and beautiful scenery; Development of private, agro-food and tourism sectors; The interest of local authorities in the development of Development of tourist and recreational infrastructure tourism, a distinct brand image of the area; (construction of tourist centers, tourist camps, camping Popularity of the territory at the national level (“Yangan- sites, establishment of national cafes, consumer and Tau” resort); maintenance services, etc.); The proximity of the federal highway M5 to the area ; Formation and development of engineering, social, Tourist safety and security; information and telecommunications infrastructure; Developed cultural and historical resources; Training of qualified specialists in tourist services; Availability of therapeutic and medical and unique The possibility of combining different types of tourism. tourist and recreational resources ; Favorable environment and climate; Two to five hour proximity to cities with a population of more than 1 million (Ufa, Chelyabinsk, Perm, Yekaterinburg). Negatives

Weaknesses Threats Peripheral geographic location; The risk of stricter sanctions against the Russian Weakness of business cooperation and lack of strong Federation, including in the field of geotourism and networks of business associations; geo-education; Low level of staff qualification; Gradual emigration of highly trained and qualified Lack of competitiveness and professionalization of people and lower inflow of highly-skilled migrants; enterprises of the agro-food and tourism sector; Slow uptake of innovations in business management in Lack of marketing of agro-food products and tourism agriculture; services; Lack of cooperation with the private sector ; Absence of available long-term credit instruments with Outflow of tourists to regions with more developed low interest rates, which does not allow investment in the infrastructure (Chelyabinsk Region); development of tourism; Instability of service quality level; Lack of definition of a common project for the region; Decreasing incomes of the local population; Underdevelopment of the infrastructure of Increase in recreational load in the area due to the accommodation, transport infrastructure; increase in the number of tourists; Seasonal character of tourism. Poor coordination in the conduct of tourism policy, in the development of management at the regional and subregional levels; Lack of information support in the tourist business.

D.2. EXISTING AND PLANNED FACILITIES FOR THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

D.2.1. Existing geoeducational sites

Salavat Yulaev Museum - branch of the "National Location: Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan" Salavat District, village of Maloyaz Theme: The composition is based on a Bashkirian yurt. The museum display tells about the life and achievements of Salavat Yulaev, the Bashkirian national hero. The display includes items of furniture, Bashkirian yurts, clothes, tools, utensils, and a saddle and saber belonging to Salavat. The display explains the reasons for Bashkirs joining E.I. Pugachev’s uprising, and about the “Peasants' War of 1773-1775”. Activities: The main exposition of the museum is devoted to the life and history of the Bashkirian people, including the national hero Salavat Yulaev. There are also thematic exhibitions: archeology and paleontology of Salavat and Duvan districts. Staff: 10 people Opening hours: Every day, except Monday, from 9 am Established : to 5 pm, on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. September 15,1965 Owner: National Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: The museum is visited annually by more than 15,000 people. The museum collection on October 1, 2017 contained 4,601 items, including 1487 items of the main collection, 3114 items of the scientific and auxiliary collections.

School Museum of the village of Lagerevo Location: Salavat District, village of Lagerevo

Theme: The museum presents the history (including natural history) of the village and district, and paleontological and archaeological exhibits. The museum has a distinct ethnographic profile. Activities: The museum is run with the help of the students of Lagerevo school. The museum research includes: history of the school, history of the village and its development; ethnography. For more about the museum's activities visit http://lagerevo.ucoz.ru/index/muzej_shkoly/0-29 Staff: Teachers of Bashkirian language, history and informatics Opening hours: all year round Established: Owner: Municipal Salavat District of the Republic of in 1980 Bashkortostan Statistics: The work of the museum involves at least 10-12 children aged 12-17 years. With their participation, the following studies are pursued (“History of the village”, “History of the native land”, “Tamgas (seals) of ethnic groups”) and excursions ("Tour of historical sites of the village of Lagerevo").

School Museum of the village of Arkaulovo Location:

Salavat District, village of Arkaulovo Theme: The museum has an ethnographic profile. The themes of the main display: the history of the district, village and school. The museum also runs temporary thematic exhibitions. Activities: Study of the area. The Museum Council includes teachers and students. More on the museum activities here http://muzeiash.ucoz.ru/index/0-2 Staff: Teacher of History and Social Studies, teacher of Informatics Opening hours: all year round Established: Owner: Municipal Salavat District of the Republic of in 1995 Bashkortostan Statistics: In total 317 exhibits, including 154 original items. The museum is run with participation of at least six children aged 11-15. The museum research includes "The toponymy of the native land", "Baik Aidar", etc.) (https://infourok.ru/issledovatelskaya-rabota-dorogami-otechestvav-nominacii-zemlyaki-1612169.html)

Youth center of the municipal Salavat District of the Location: Republic of Bashkortostan Salavat District, village of Maloyaz Theme: Extended education center, including tourism and local history clubs. The tourist routes include: "Caves of the Salavat District", "Rafting on the Yuryuzan River", "In the footsteps of Salavat Yulaev" (together with the Museum of Salavat Yulaev). Activities: The tourist and local history club "Sledopyt" has the programs "Sport tourism" and "Young tourist guides". Spring and Autumn Tours, trekking competitions, weekend trips to the Salavat Rock, hiking to the Lakly Cold Cave, Bagantash Ice Cave and Idrisovo Cave. In summer rafting on the Yuryuzan River. A dedicated sports and tourist camp. http://ddtmaloyaz.ucoz.ru/index/dokumenty/0-9 Staff: 10 persons Opening hours: All year round Established: Owner: Municipal Salavat District of the Republic of October 30, 2009 Bashkortostan Statistics: 700 children annually D.2.2. Projected geoeducational sites Geological display in the Salavat Yulaev Museum Location: Salavat District, village of Maloyaz Theme: Exposition with paleontological exhibits collected in the territory of the geopark, a special tour program. Activities: formation of thematic expositions, field excursions to geological sites, research work, including with children. Staff: 10 persons Opening hours: All days except Monday, from 9 am to Established: 5 pm, Saturday-Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm in 2018-2019 Owner: “National Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan” Statistics: expected 15,000 or more visits per year

The "Young Geologist" Club at the Center for Location: Science, Education and Tourism “Yangan-Tau Salavat District, History of the “Yangan-Tau” Resort Geopark”. Museum Theme: geology, paleontology, geomorphology, geography. Activities: Education and scientific research in the field of Earth sciences. Staff: 5 persons Opening hours: all year round Established: Owner: “Yangan-Tau” Ltd. Republic of Bashkortostan November 30, 2017 Statistics: Permanent attendance of about 30 children is planned, as well as regular visits to the Museum depending on the annual visitors flow

The base of educational field practices of students Location: and schoolchildren of geological, geographic, village of Yalbulyakovo, village of Idrisovo, village archaeological and biological specializations of Arkaulovo, fully equipped field campsites on the banks of the Yuryuzan River Theme: general and structural geology, archeology, paleontology, geomorphology, geography, botany and zoology. Activities: Education and scientific research in the field of Earth sciences Staff: 6 persons Opening hours: summer season Established: 36

Owner: Municipal Salavat District of the Republic of April 30, 2018 Bashkortostan Statistics: five-size groups of students and schoolchildren are planned to attend in the summer season D.2.3. Existing geotourist sites “Yangan-Tau” Resort Museum Location: Salavat District, “Yangan-Tau” Theme: History of Bashkir people, life and culture, intangible heritage of Bashkortostan: epics "Ural batyr", "Akbuzat", "Zayatulyak and Khyukhylyu", and "Kara Yurga". A separate hall of the museum is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Salavat District, a display includes an exposition dedicated to the geothermal phenomenon of the Yangantau Mountain. A 3-D model of the resort is displayed, and an exposition dedicated to the geopark is being made. Activities: excursions for resort guests, to show them the nature, culture and history of the area. Staff: 1 museum guide Opening hours: all year round from 10 am to 7 pm, Budget Established: day off - Monday $ 13 000 1977 Owner: “Yangan-Tau” , Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: The museum is visited by about 50 000 people annually

Maritime Museum "Karavella" “Yangan-Tau” Location: Salavat District, “Yangan-Tau” Theme: display of inhabitants of the underwater world: about 1000 exhibits. Paleontological specimens found on the territory of the republic are displayed. Activities: excursions dedicated to the modern and ancient marine fauna, the paleogeography of the territory of the geopark. Staff: 1 museum guide Opening hours: all year round from 10 am to 7 pm, Budget Established day off Monday $ 13 000 May 18, 2013 Owner: “Yangan-Tau” , Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: The museum is visited by about 50 000 people annually

Geotrek "The trek to the Urmantau Ice Cave" Location: Salavat District Description: The Urmantau Ice Cave is a labyrinth of canyons and tunnel corridors. This is the longest cave of the Ufa Plateau, with a length of 621 m, a the depth of 36 m, the average width is 2 m, the average height is 3.7 m; the area is 1004 m². The cave has many dripstone formations. A site for early man is described from this cave. The cave is dry, and the ice is retained inside near the entrance until summer. The cave is inhabited by bats. Activities. The tour involves a journey by bus and on foot. The distance from the bus to the cave in one direction is 30-40 minutes’ walk, 2.5 km with small ascents through the forest. Visit to the cave - 1 hour. Staff: 1 tour guide Opening hours: The tour operates in the warm season. Budget Established: Excursions from 3 pm to 9 pm. $ 4 000 in 1998 Organizer: “Yangan-Tau” Geopark, “Yangan-Tau” Resort, Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: annually visited by about 1000 people

Geotrek "Trekking to Lakly and Idrisovo caves" Location: Salavat District Descriptions. The Lakly Cave was first described by Simon Pallas. It is formed in carbonate rocks. The total length of the treks is 252 m, the depth of the cave is 27 m, and the cave’s area is 5288 m². The Lakly Cave is a saclike cave. The Idrisovo Cave is an archaeological, historical and natural monument of Bashkortostan. The length of the underground passages is 93 m, the average height is 2.6 m, and the width is 3.8 m. In 1951, the archaeologist M.A. Bader found here fragments of flint of Paleolithic appearance, bones of extinct animals, and ocher images. Activities. The tour takes 7 hours. Tourists are taken to the caves by bus. From the bus to the caves trek is 100- 150 m with steep ascents to the rock along the paths. The entrance to the Lakly Cave is a descent at an angle 45 degrees to a depth of 25 m. Staff: 1 tour guide Opening hours. The trips take place in summer. The Budget Established: tour begins at 3 pm, and it ends at 9 pm. $ 4000 in 1998 37

Owner: “Yangan-Tau Geopark”, “Yangan-Tau” Resort, Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: Annually, the route is visited by about 1000 people. D.2.4. Existing tourist sites Equestrian sports complex "Yurtak" Location: Salavat District, “Yangan-Tau” Resort Description: Horses of various breeds are kept: Bashkirian and Budennovskaya, Anglo-American half-breed, purebred English stallion, Scottish ponies, and a mule. Activities: horseback riding, horse riding training, children's riding, sleigh rides in winter. Hippotherapy sessions are held. Staff: 4 instructors Opening hours. Year-round, daily, riding from 11 am Budget Established: to 7 pm (time varies depending on daylight hours) $ 140 000 In 2014 Owner: “Yangan-Tau” Resort, Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: annually visited by more than 6000 people of different age categories.

Mountain-skiing resort "Berkut" Location: Salavat District Description: Three ski slopes with a length of 700, 450 and 550 m, designed for skiers and snowboarders. There is a rope tow and a tubing track with a length of 250 m with a lift and a tube rental station. Trails for cross-country skiing in the forest have been prepared, and snowmobile rides are organized. Activities: Provision of facilities for skiing and snowboarding Staff: 4 instructors Opening hours. Winter period: Tuesday-Friday from 2 Budget Established: pm to 9 pm with no lunch break. Weekends and $ 18000 December 2013 holidays from 11 am to 9 pm, lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm. Owner: “Yangan-Tau” Resort, Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: annually visited by more than 5000 people of different age categories

"Shaitan Kudey" Yurt Camping Location: Salavat District, village of Idrisovo Description: Yurt camping is a project in the sphere of ethnotourism. At present the campsite operates four yurts, and a farm construction. There are three catamarans, a boat, bicycles, tourist equipment. The campsite has all the equipment for the production of pottery. Backyard yurt production is established.

Figure 9. Shaitan-Kudei Yurt Camping. Foto by Ismagilov I. Activities: Rafting on the Yuryuzan River, hiking, fishing, bicycle rental, sports equipment rental. Pottery master classes are held in the territory of the campsite. Accommodation in comfortable yurts. Staff: 1 site manager Opening hours. Round the clock. Summer period: 4 Budget Established: yurts, winter period - 1 yurt $ 10 000 July 2016 Owner: Sole Trader “Ismagilov I.R.” Statistics: more than 200 people visit annually

D.2.5. Projected geotourist sites Geo-ornithological hike “Yuruzan” Location: Salavat District Description: The hike runs mainly along the Yuryuzan River floodplain, and covers the typical habitats of various bird species. In addition to the probability of encountering the "red book" bird species, visitor can watch 38

en route locally common bird species. The route will be interesting for all lovers of nature and active recreation. Activities: walking tours, learning bird identification in nature. During the tour, birds will be observed at the geosites: Yangantau Mountain, Mechetlino section, Akhunovo section, Kuselyarovo sulfur sources. Staff: tour guide – 1 person (ornithologist) Opening hours. The route operates in the spring-summer Budget Established: period (May-August). The tour begins at 9 am and ends at $ 1 000 May 2018. 1 pm. Tour Organizer: “Yangan-Tau” Geopark ; “Yangan- Tau”, Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: Expected flow from 100 people per season, various age categories.

The “Permian Period” Geotrek Location: Salavat District Description: Tour to the Mechetlino and Akhunovo sections The Mechetlino section contains a rich assemblage of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant fossils allowing an interpretation of the early Permian stage of the evolution of life on Earth from the Artinskian to the Kungurian stages of the Permian system (290-285 million years ago). The deposits contain fossil remains of foraminifers (fusulinids), ammonoids, conodonts, ostracodes, brachiopods, fishes, calamites, and calcareous algae. The Akhunovo section – the outcrop of rocks forming an anticlinal fold, with clearly pronounced stratification, clearly demonstrates the folded structure of the Uralian Foredeep. The section is composed of sediments of the Permian system.

Figure 10. Imprint of a Permian horsetail plant. Mechetlino section. Photo of F. Ardislamov.

Activities. From the “Yangan-Tau” Resort 12 km by bus to the section on the P242 highway. The tour takes 2 hours. Staff: 1 guide Opening hours. The route operates in the summer, Budget Established: spring and autumn periods. The tour begins at 3 pm, $ 10 000 in 2018-2019 and ends at 5 pm. Tour organizer. “Yangan-Tau” Resort, Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: The expected flow of 1000 people, mostly students and schoolchildren.

Geotrek “In search of thermal springs” Location: Salavat District, western vicinity of the village of Kuselyarovo Description: Excursion route to the thermal springs near the village of Kuselyarovo and into the quarry with paleontological finds. Kuselyarovo sulfur spring. This is a hydrogeological natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan and is represented by a series of hydrogen sulfur springs at the foot of Kutkantau Mountain. The springs were formed in the Artinskian limestones (Lower Permian). The mineral content of water is up to 1.0 g / l. There is precipitation of native sulfur on gravel. South-west of the village of Kuselyarovo there is a small open pit with the exposure of Permian rocks and fossils (brachiopods, algae, etc.) Activities. From the “Yangan-Tau” Resort to the village of Kuselyarovo by bus. The tour takes 4 hours. Staff: 1 guide Opening hours. The tour operates in the summer Budget Established: period. The excursion begins at 3 pm, and ends at 7 pm $ 10 000 in 2018-2019 Organizer of the excursion: “Yangan-Tau” Geopark, “Yangan-Tau” Resort, Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: Expected flow from 100 people, mostly students and schoolchildren.

Geotrek “In the footsteps of Early Man” Location: Salavat District 39

Description: The route operates in three ways: along the river, by car, on foot (in winter, on skis and snowmobiles). The main objects of the visit are archaeological and geological sites. Activities. During the excursion, tourists visit 15 sites, of which 5 are of national significance (Idrisovo Cave Site, Idrisovo petroglyphs (pisanitsa), Musatavo Site, Iltaevo burial mounds, Tashaulovo settlement), 6 sites of regional significance and 4 sites of local significance. Staff: 1 tour guide Opening hours: The tour operates all year round. It Established starts at 3 pm, ends at 9 pm. 2018-2019 Tour organizer: Salavat Yulaev Museum, branch of the State Historical Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: Approximate tourist flow - 1000 people per year

Geotrek “In the footsteps of Peter Simon Pallas” Location: Salavat District Description: Hike following the trek of the German scientist, polymath, naturalist and traveler in the Russian service, Peter Simon Pallas (1767-1810). He became famous for scientific expeditions in Siberia and Southern Russia, made a significant contribution to the formation and development of biology, geography, ethnography, geology and philology. The route follows the places and sites that Pallas visited in 1770. Activities. As part of the route, the following geological and cultural sites are visited on the territory of the geopark: Idrisovo Cave, Kyzyrbak Cave Site, Yangantau settlement, Kurgazak spring. The tour program includes a description made by Pallas highlighting the changes that have occurred in the sites in more than 200-year history. Staff: 1 tour guide Opening hours: The route operates in the summer Established: period. The tour begins at 3 pm, and ends at 9 pm in 2018-2019 Toiuir organizer: Salavat Yulaev Museum, branch of the State Historical Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: Estimated tourist flow - 1000 people annually

Teoentotrek “In the footsteps of Prokudin-Gorskiy, Location: the Tsar’s photographer” Salavat District Description: Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorsky was a Russian photographer, chemist (student of D.M. Mendeleyev), a member of the Imperial Russian Geographical and Russian Photographic Societies. Pioneer of color photography in Russia, the creator of the "Collections of Views of the Russian Empire." He visited the territory of the geopark in 1910. The route following the places of Prokudin-Gorsky’s photographs show the changes in the terrain over the past 100 years.

Figure 11. Photo by S.M. Prokudin-Gorsky Bashkiria Activities. The route passes through the sites photographed by S.M. Prokudin-Gorsky in the village of Yakhya in 1910: Yakhino stone wall, Yakhino section, Yakhino Falls, Khaktau Cave, hydrogen sulfide spring in the village of Radio, Ishimbaevo burial mounds. Staff: 1 tour guide Opening hours: The tour operates in the summer Established: season. The excursion begins at 3 pm and ends at 9 pm. in 2018-2019 Tour organizer: Salavat Yulaev Museum, branch of the State Historical Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan Statistics: Approximate tourist flow 1000 people annually

D.3. ANALYSIS OF GEOTOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

D.3.1. Description of the current level of tourism

The Salavat District is a tourist center of the north-east of the Republic of Bashkortostan and adjacent territories. Its territory has one of the best health resorts in Russia, the “Yangan- Tau”, which already provides a stable tourist flow. On the territory of the geopark there are the Yuryuzan and Ai Rivers, which attract about 2000 people from all over Russia for rafting in the spring and summer seasons. On the territory of the geopark there are officially 13 tour operators from the Republic of Bashkortostan, Figure 12. Proporions of hotels and camping in Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk regions. The main the Salavat District direction of their activities is associated with 1-7 day rafting along the Ai and Yuryuzan rivers. Three tour operators offer bus tours with a visit to the Salavat Yulaev Museum in Maloyaz, Idrisovo Cave and the Kurgazak spring. Accommodation, in addition to the comfortable buildings of the “Yangan-Tau” Resort, include camping sites, hotels, tourist centers and numerous self-organized tourist sites (Figure 12). The “Yangan-Tau” resort is the main tourist site of the district. Its share in the district’s shipped products is 62%. It is mostly visited by residents of the Russian Federation, at the same time it is visited by tourists from abroad, near and far countries, including the European Union, China, Turkey, and the USA. The resort offers active leisure options, horseback riding, rafting, hiking, trekking, cycling, cross-country and alpine skiing, skating, and tubing. The structure of income received from the tourism-related sales is shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13. Structure of income received from the active tourism sales

Thus, the territory of the geopark has the necessary base for further development of recreation.

D.3.2. Geotourism research and strategy The program “Tourism Development in the Salavat District of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2011-2015” (http://docs.pravo.ru/document/view/27136262/) has been implemented in the geopark territory. 41

The territory of the geopark is part of the "Northeast" tourist cluster, the development of tourist activity in which is realized within the framework of the Concept of the Development of tourist and recreational clusters of the Republic of Bashkortostan to 2030 (https://tourism.openrepublic.ru/upload /iblock/e88/e88fb2b4bad4912c67140f68ca859953.pdf) In addition, the prospects for creating a geopark are published in the leading scientific publications of republic and federal journals. Farrakhov Ye.G., Nikonov V.N., Belan L.N., Il'yasov R.K. Prospects of geotourism in Bashkortostan, in: Razvedka i okhrana nedRiver – 2012. – no. 3. – S. 65-69. Ardislamov F.R. Protection of objects of the geological heritage of the Republic of Bashkortostan on the example of organizing a geopark, in: Sbornik statey V Vserossiyskoi molodezhnoi geologicheskoi konferentsii. – Ufa: Al'fa reklama, 2017. – S. 425-429.

D. 3.3. Conclusions The territory of the geopark has great potential for the development of geotourism and recreation: 1. Geotourism for the general public includes tours to the Idrisovo, Lakly and Urmantau caves. Scientific and educational tourism has a development perspective due to the presence of Mechetlino, Akhunovo, Yakhino, and Lakly sections 2. Organized tourism is mostly associated with the “Yangan-Tau” Resort and the activities of local tour operators. 3. Ecotourism has prospects for development due to the presence of an Important Bird Area (key ornithological territory). 4. The developed agriculture provides broad opportunities for agrotourism 5. Cultural tourism is represented by excursions to numerous museums. There is a prospect for the development of excursions to archaeological sites. 6. Event tourism is well-developed. The territory regularly hosts Sabantuy holidays, traditional Bashkir horse-races and ethnic holidays, music performances of kubizists and kuraists, competitions of storytellers-“sesens”, master classes in folk crafts. The area has a great potential for development and preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of the northeastern Bashkirs, creative groups and women's cooperatives. D.4. OVERVIEW AND POLICIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF:

D.4.1. Geo-tourism and economics Activities in the field of geotourism are closely linked the sustainable development of the region, contributing to the growth of the economic potential of the service sector, subject to the mandatory provision of ecological balance. Currently, the following directions of development of geotourism are pursued: 1. Since 1998, rafting on the Ai and Yuryuzan rivers (Figure 14) have been actively developed in the geopark, with accommodation at self-organized tourist camping sites. To attract tourists and to minimize recreational impact, it is planned to develop equipped campsites in places most popular with holidaymakers. Currently, there are five places suitable for accommodation of campsites.

Figure 14. Rafting on the territory of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark

2. Visitors of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark are offered one-day horse tours (Figure 15). The existing riding tours are not yet connected with geology. A riding holiday of several days with visiting geo-objects, accompanied by interesting excursions is a new tourist product, not yet represented on the tourist market in the Republic of Bashkortostan. In addition, the development of this type of holiday will contribute, among other things, to the preservation of the Bashkir breed of horses.

Figure 15. Horse tour on the territory of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark

3. Agrotourism is poorly developed in the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. At the same time, the potential of the Salavat region, with a high share of agriculture, provides an opportunity to develop this kind of tourism. Production of mare’s milk (koumiss), cooking traditional Bashkir dishes, living in yurts, all these can attract enthusiasts of exotic holidays (Figure 16).

Figure 16. Traditional hand knitted clothing

4. The Salavat District is famous for its numerous ethnic musicians (kuraists, kubizists), narrators (Figure 17). Intangible cultural heritage is connected to the beautiful landscapes of the geopark and expressed in folk tales and legends. The arrangement of thematic festivals taking place in the areas of location of geological sites that have a sacred significance for the residents of the district will promote the popularization of geo- and ethnotourism. The organization of children's thematic campsites will be connected with the study of geology and paleontology of the geopark area.

Figure 17. Local ethnic musicians (kuraist and kubizist)

5. There are 24 museums in the geopark area. Regular maintenance and renewal of their display and geological collections will help to expand the horizons of local residents and visitors of the area about geological heritage of the area.

Figure 18. In the “Yangan-Tau” Resort museum

6. The development of agriculture provides an opportunity to participate in various agricultural fairs and exhibitions. Currently, the “Yangan-Tau” product brand is already a well-known name, and received awards at national and all-Russian competitions (http://www.yantau.ru/about/production/).

D. 4.2. Geo-education Currently, the local schoolchildren receive tuition in the natural history of the geopark area. This includes:  “Natural wealth of the Salavat District” route. Duration of 1 day, covering 150 km. Designed for students aged 12-15 years old. Sites chosen for visiting and study include: Yangantau, Kurgazak spring, Lakly Cave, Stone Gate on the Ai River near the village of Lakly.  “We are local historians” program. For children 12-16 years. The total length is 26 hours. Objectives - to form an informative need for mastering historical material; to expand and deepen the knowledge of students about their native land. Participation in the research of the school museum is intended.  Program for the development of the school museum in the village of Arkaulovo is designed for implementation with the participation of students in grades 5-11 (11-17 years old). The planned work includes the expansion of the museum's displays, the restoration of exhibits, participation in quizzes, rallies, seminars, scientific research, and thematic excursions.  Folklore and local history association “Rainbow” program designed for children 10-16 years old. The goal is to introduce children to the folk art of the Salavat district. Within the framework of this program, participation in regional and local festivals, sabantuys is intended.  “Folk costume of northeastern Bashkirs” educational program was developed in the Children's House of Creativity in the village of Maloyaz and is designed for children of 10-12 years old. In the course of the study, the students learn about the folk costumes of the northeastern Bashkirs; master classes on making dolls in folk costumes are offered.  Also with the participation of the geopark, new educational programs were prepared, the implementation of which will start in 2018.

 “Studying the flora and fauna of the geopark”. The program is designed for children 12-17 years old and is carried out a field campsite lasting 14 days. The students will learn about the flora and fauna of the geopark, will be taught to make geobotanical descriptions, and do a bird count, will go on botanical and ornithological excursions, identify plants and assemble herbaria, and will identify birds by their song.  The basics of geology – “Yangan-Tau” Geopark . The program is designed for children 15-17 years old and includes a preparatory, field and cameral stage, with a total duration of 14 days. It is planned that the students become acquainted with the concept of a "geopark", the foundations of general geology, the diversity of the rocks in the geopark, to teach the basics of hydrogeology, to include mapping and topographic training. Identification of rocks in the field will be taught. The fieldwork will include excursions to the Mechetlino section, Yangantau Mountain, Kuselyarovo sulfur sources, and Karatau nappe.  Work program of educational geological practice in the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark . This practice is based on mastering theoretical knowledge in such disciplines as “General Geology”, “Mineralogy”, “Stratigraphy”, “Fundamentals of Crystallography, Mineralogy and Petrography”, “Geomorphology with the Basics of Quaternary Geology”, “Computer Workshop on Geology”. The program is designed for bachelor students of the first year of the Geographical Faculty of the Bashkir State University.  Read more about these programs by clicking on the link https://cloud.mail.ru/public/6xSz/sxdoFBEKU.

D. 4.3. Geo-heritage 1. In 2014 a joint working group “Stratigraphy of oil and gas reservoirs of the Upper Paleozoic” was established at the Kazan Federal University, headed by Professor Jorg Schneider, Deputy Chairman of the International Permian Subcommission, which in particular deals with the issue of proposing of the Mechetlino as the base of the Kungurian GSSP. 2. In 2015, the XVIII International Congress on Carboniferous and Permian (XVIII ICCP) was held in Kazan at the Kazan Federal University. A congress field trip was organized to the Mechetlino section, which was attended by the members of the International Permian Subcommission. In 2015, a working group was organized to study the geology and paleontology of the section, and the clearing of the Mechetlino section began. 3. In September 2017, the Institute of Geology of the Ufa Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the “Yangan-Tau” Resort resumed work on clearing and improving the Mechetlino section. 4. On September 23-25, 2017, in the framework of the Fourth All-Russian Conference “Upper Figure 19. Field excursion to Paleozoic of Russia: Planetary Systems of the Upper the Mechetlino section during Paleozoic: Biostratigraphy, Geochronology and the Fourth All-Russia Hydrocarbon Resources” held at the Kazan Federal Conference “Upper Paleozoic University, in conjunction with the Institute of of Russia: Planetary Systems of Geology of the Ufa Science Center of the Russian the Upper Paleozoic: Academy of Sciences and the “Yangan-Tau” Resort, Biostratigraphy, Geochronology a field trip was organized to the Mechetlino section and Hydrocarbon Resources”. Photo by F. Ardislamov. 46

(Figure 19), Kuselyarovo sulfur sources, and the Yangan-Tau geothermal springs. Also, a round table was held to address the conservation of the geological heritage of the Republic of Bashkortostan in the Salavat District. 5. The study of the Mechetlino section of in the framework of the study “Multidisciplinary study of sections of the lower (Cisuralian) subsystem of the Permian system in the South Urals, presented as candidates for the global stratotype of section and point (GSSP) of the Sakmarian, Artinskian and Kungurian stages”, supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 16-05-00306). D.5. POLICIES FOR, AND EXAMPLES OF, COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT (INVOLVEMENT AND CONSULTATION) IN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

D.5.1. Local community participation and consultation policy These activities will have three directions: conservation of geoheritage, geotourism and distribution of agricultural products. The following activities are planned in accordance with the plan for the development of the geopark and conservation of geoheritage:  Quarterly meetings and information presentations, open to the public from January 2018.  Organization of a working group on the geopark with the participation of the municipality, the Ministry of Nature Management and Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the State Committee for Entrepreneurship and Tourism, the regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society in the Republic of Bashkortostan, scientific and educational organizations, local businesses, with a schedule of periodic meetings with five major directions: 1. Scientific activities: - inventory of geological resources; - definition of geological sites prospective for geotourism; - monitoring of the state of natural heritage in the area considering the increased recreational activity due to the presence of the geopark; - development of a strategy for adaptation to the global climate change with a view to preserving the geological and natural heritage; - storing and archiving of scientific literature; - conducting student extern-ships in the territory of the geopark; - research of options for cooperation with foreign scientific organizations within the framework of the Global Geopark Network.

2. Environmental education: - publication of a children's edition dedicated to geological and natural objects, compiled with the participation of children; - Conducting thematic children's camping trips to study the flora and fauna of the geopark. 3. Tourism and geotourism: - annual review of the state of tourist activity in the territory of the geopark; - assessment of the current state and proposals for the development of tourist infrastructure; - organizing of tour guide training courses for local residents. 4. Economic Activities: - monitoring of the economic development of the territory of the geopark; - comparative analysis with other geoparks; - promotion of local agro- and souvenir products; - holding seminars for local businesses.

5. Preservation of cultural heritage: - identification of priority cultural values that can become key points of the geopark; - identification of ways of combining cultural values with economic activities (for example, their inclusion in tourist products, establishment of links with souvenirs and agro products); - development of information materials.

D.5.2. Examples of policies for community participation and consultation Participation of the scientific community in the geopark activities: In September 2017, work began to improve the section of the Mechetlino and the design of the territory around the Mechetlino, Bolshaya Luka, Yakhino, and Lakly sections. September 23-25, 2017 in the Salavat District within the framework of the All-Russian Conference "Paleozoic of Russia", an excursion of leading scientists (stratigraphers, paleontologists, paleobotanists) was organized to the Mechetlino geological section. The sections were thoroughly sampled, while the most representative samples were chosen for the geopark museum collection https://www.instagram.com/p/BZvxWT5l-i1/?taken-by=geopark_rb Holding meetings and conferences on the activities and opportunities of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark : On March 24, 2017, at the initiative of the Directorate of the resort "Yangan-Tau", a visiting session of the working group on the organizing of the UNESCO Geopark in the northeastern regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan was held (http://www.yantau.ru/about/news/6235.html, https://www.bashkortostan.ru/presscenter/news/528360/); On June 6-8, 2017 in Ufa, at the International Environmental Forum a round table was held to discuss prospects of organizing a geopark (http://ufaved.info/articles/obchestvo/pervyy_geopark_yunesko_mozhet_otkrytsya_v_yangan_ta u/, http://www.unescorb.ru/ru/news/detail.php?ID=1546); On September 24, 2017 in the “Yangan-Tau” resort a working meeting was held within the framework of the geopark in the Salavat District, which was attended by researchers from leading Russian scientific institutions. D.6. POLICIES FOR, AND EXAMPLES OF, PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER AWARENESS IN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

D.6.1. The policy of informing the public and interested parties in the proposed geoparks Raising public awareness of the activities of the geopark is an important task. The strategy in this issue covers the following areas:  Informing about the importance of the geopark (preparation and publication of educational materials “Geology for schoolchildren”, “The Paleontological Atlas of the Mechetlino section”, a guidebook “Plants and animals of the “Yangan-Tau” Geopark” in Russian and English);  Dissemination of information on the importance of natural and cultural heritage;  Informing about the importance of local participation in the work of the Geopark;  Dissemination of information among private businesses about the need to share experiences.

D.6.2. Raising awareness of the proposed geopark Conservation of the geological heritage:  Dissemination of information among vacationers of the “Yangan-Tau” Resort about geo-tours options on internal television.  Dissemination of information on geological, natural and cultural sites on the territory of the geopark on the website of the regional branch of the Russian

Geographical Society in the Republic of Bashkortostan (http://www.rgo- rb.ru/2017/10/v-salavatskom-rajone-respubliki-budet-sozdan-geopark-yunesko/).  Maintaining pages on social networks (https://www.instagram.com/geopark_rb/).  Participation in the TV program "Seven Wonders of Bashkortostan", "Bashkortostan" Regional TV Company, 2009.  Participation in the 5th All-Russia Youth Geological Conference with international participation “Geology, geoecology and resource potential of the Urals and adjacent territories” (Ufa, September 25-30, 2017). Geoeducation:  Exhibition “Paleontology of our Region”, 2016;  Seminar for geography and history teachers “Ecological study of local natural history in a modern school” (February 8, 2017, Salavat Yulaev Museum); Distribution of agricultural products:  Participation in the republican contest “Best Goods of Bashkortostan", 2007-2017  Participation in the specialized exhibition “Agrocomplex” and the republican wholesale fair, 2008;  Participation in the specialized exhibition “BashProdExpo”, 2010.  Participation in the All-Russian competition “100 best goods of Russia”, 2009- 2015. Tourism:  Participation in the interregional competition “Golden brand of the hospitality industry”, 2007-2008.  Participation in the annual specialized exhibition “The Urals Tourism Industry: Health Treatment and Vacation-2009”. Cultural heritage:  Organization of the international festival “Salaat yiyiyny”;  Participation in the International Festival of Folk Art and Crafts “SADKO”, 2009.  Participation in the festival of world cultures “Altyn Maydan-Tatarstan”, 2010.  Participation in the regional festival of the traditional creativity of the Turkic peoples “Uralym”, which was held in Ust-Katav, Chelyabinsk region, G. Suleymanov Kurai Festival and the “Kyygyrkurai” kurai players contest in 2016. Environmental heritage:  Participation in the Republican contest “Enterprise of high ecological culture”, 2008;  Publication of a register of specially protected natural territories of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 2006, 2010, 2016;  Publication of an annual newsletter is planned;  Organization by the geopark of the photo competition “Wildlife of Bashkortostan” in 2019.

D.6.3. Examples of stakeholder awareness in the proposed geopark Geoheritage Yangantau Mountain – one of the “seven wonders” of the Republic of Bashkortostan. From all over Bashkortostan, 180 sites were nominated to take part in the contest. As a result of the competition, seven objects were selected, one of which was Yangantau Mountain. The photo album “Seven Wonders of Bashkortostan”, was published in 3 languages (Russian, Bashkirian and English) by the Bashkortostan “Kitap” publishing house. The photo album contains 7 chapters, each discussing one of the Bashkirian wonders. Geoeducation Since August 29, 2016, the Museum of Salavat Yulaev runs the exhibition “Paleontology

of our Land”, created together with the Duvan Local History Museum. The exhibition displays items from the Paleolithic era found on the territory of the Duvan and Salavat districts. On February 8, 2017 the Salavat Yulaev museum hosted a seminar with teachers of geography and history on the topic “Ecological study of local lore in a modern school”. The agenda included a report on the expedition “In the footsteps of S.P. Pallas” attended by local geography and history teachers. Participants saw the presentation about natural and historical places of interest, which included examples of natural monuments: Idrisovo Cave, Kuselyarovoy Hydrogen Sulfide Spring, and Lagerevo Marsh. Distribution of agricultural products. Diplomas of the “The Best Product of Bashkortostan” contests 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Diplomas of the contest All-Russian competition “100 best goods of Russia” of 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Tourism In 2009 the presentation of the “Yangan-Tau” Resort was successfully held in Yekaterinburg at the international exhibition “Urals Tourism: Treatment and Recreation Industry”, which resulted in the Grand Prix “For a high level of services provided and creative approach to the exhibition work”. For the last 5 years, the All-Russian competitions in sports tourism for people with disabilities - the “Yuryuzan” Touriads – have been held in the Salavat District. In 2016 more than 150 athletes from 11 teams representing Chelyabinsk, Moscow, Orenburg, Tyumen, and Ulyanovsk regions, the Republic of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan participated in the tournaments. The purpose of the event is to involve people with disabilities in sports. The organizers of the Touriads especially noted the natural beauty of the territory of the geopark. Cultural heritage The folk musical group of the “Yangan-Tau” Resort is another pearl of the “Burning Mountain”. In 2011, its creative activities and high artistic level, earned the group the important title of “People's Collective”. The artistic team of the resort performs to the customers of the health resort, and also gives concerts in the Salavat District and over the Republic of Bashkortostan, repeatedly representing Bashkortostan at All-Russian and International festivals (http://www.yantau.ru/comfort/leisures.php ). The international festival “Salauat yiyiyny” (Figure 20) is held annually in the Salavat District aiming to preserve the cultural traditions of the Bashkir people. This festival includes a contest of yurts, traditional national and folk sports tournaments: kuresh wrestling tournament, horse racing; performances of ethnic music groups. In 2017 this festival was held within the framework of the international festival of national cultures “Berdemlek-Unity” under the auspices of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF), which was attended by more than 200 people from China, Estonia, South Korea, Serbia, India, Iran, and South African Republic.

Figure 20. Yurt at the festival “Salauat yyyiny” Environmental heritage Foto by Khadi Navid. The Scientific Research Institute of Life Safety of the Republic of Bashkortostan, a partner organization of the geopark, is actively working in the field of conservation of the natural heritage of the republic and in particular the territory of the geopark. In 2006, 2010 and 2016, the registers of specially protected natural territories, including unique geological and natural objects of the Salavat region, were prepared. 50

E. INTEREST AND ARGUMENTS FOR BECOMING A UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK E.1. INTEREST IN BECOMING A UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK  It is expected that the inclusion of the applicant's territory in the Global Geoparks Network will bring the following advantages to the territory:  Growth of various types of tourism (geotourism, ecotourism, etc.) - the very title of the UNESCO Geopark indicates a high-quality tourist destination.  Sharing successful experience of the development of UNESCO's geoparks (exchange of staff, training of local specialists and entrepreneurs), which will give the best results in the sustainable development of the territory.  Opportunity to use the tools of advertising, promotion and communication of the Global Geopark Network (website, conferences, publications).  The status of the first geopark in Russia is important for the self-esteem of the local population and for the republic as a whole.  Periodic assessments of the geopark’s work by the monitoring bodies of the Global Network. The very desire to fulfill the requirements of the level of the geopark of UNESCO allows you to set and fulfill clear goals for achieving sustainability in the development of the territory. E.2. ARGUMENTS FOR BECOMING A UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK  The unique Yangantau geothermal source, located outside the magmatic process zone, the scientific debates and studies of the phenomenon of which are still being actively conducted - the main distinguishing feature of other UNESCO geoparks.  Quality and quantity of stratotype sections in the candidate territory (Mechetlino section – neostratotype of the Kungurian stage of the Permian period, Bolshaya Luka Section – stratotype of the Bashkirian stage of the Carboniferous System).  Wide age range of rocks in the candidate's territory: from upper Riphean (≈1 billion years) to Recent Quaternary sediments.  Strongly expressed identity of the territory, expressed in: historical and cultural values, annual national holidays, the presence of women's cooperatives in the production of national clothes, household items, the production of a series of local products, as well as folk healers, beekeepers, etc.  Accumulated experience in the tourism sector, providing resort, health treatment, which is a distinctive feature, i.e., spa services in the “Yangan-Tau” Resort in the territory of the candidate (attended by more than 30 000 people a year).  Close cooperation in order to create a geopark and use of the candidate's territory by scientific institutions.  The presence of large areas of the proposed geopark territory occupied by unspoilt nature, far from large industrial enterprises.