In 2024, Salda Lake from Türkiye has been added to the 'World Geological Heritage List' prepared by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
Prof. Dr. Nizamettin Kazancı, President of the Geological Heritage Preservation Association, stated, "Salda was already very important. This will increase its recognition."
Each year, the IUGS announces the '100 Geological Heritage' list, and this year, Salda Lake was included. The organization's annual summit took place in Busan, South Korea, where sites from around the world were selected for inclusion on the Geological Heritage List.
For 2024, Türkiye had nominated Salda Lake and the Nemrut Crater Caldera (including the lake and surrounding natural structures).
Salda Lake, renowned for its unique turquoise waters and white beaches, which resemble the surface of Mars and are used for scientific experiments, was included on the 'World Geological Heritage' list. However, the Nemrut Caldera was not included.
Currently, 171 separate geological sites from Türkiye are being considered for inclusion on this list in future years. This year, only Salda Lake and the Nemrut Caldera were nominated.
Previously, the Fairy Chimneys of Nevşehir and the Pamukkale Travertines have been included on the list.
