The chairman of the management board and the CEO of the Qeshm Free Zone Area announced the accomplishment of the lightening project of the Stars Valley geosite under international safety standards.

Published on : Mar 19, 2023

The Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Qeshm Free Zone Organization announced the completion of the illumination project for Stars Valley Geosite in accordance with international conservation standards.

According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of Qeshm Free Zone Organization, Afshar Fathollahi made the announcement during the inauguration ceremony attended by Hojjat Abdolmaleki, Advisor to the President and Secretary of the Supreme Council of Free Trade-Industrial and Special Economic Zones. He stated that the project was implemented with the objective of strengthening the local economy and enhancing the attractiveness of this geosite.

He noted that the total value of the project exceeded IRR 7 billion, including more than IRR 2.5 billion allocated to the illumination of the galleries and the geosite grounds.

The Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Qeshm Free Zone Organization further stated that electricity infrastructure had been extended over a distance of 600 metres from the Visitor Centre to provide power to seven local stalls through an investment of IRR 450 million, creating direct employment opportunities for seven local households.

Fathollahi added that these stalls, located within Stars Valley Geosite and adjacent to Borkeh Khalaf Village, were established in cooperation with the village council and local authorities and have contributed to strengthening local livelihoods and supporting the activities of rural cooperative enterprises.

According to the report, Stars Valley Geosite is one of the principal geosites of Qeshm UNESCO Global Geopark, located on the southern coast of Qeshm Island, approximately 15 kilometres from Qeshm City.

Known locally as Estaleh Kaftah ('Fallen Star'), Stars Valley is situated near Borkeh Khalaf Village and is regarded as one of the flagship geosites of Qeshm UNESCO Global Geopark, with geological formations dating back approximately two million years.

According to local folklore, a star once struck the Earth at this location, giving rise to the valley’s extraordinary landforms and distinctive geological features.

There are also local beliefs associated with the presence of spirits and mysterious sounds within the valley after dark. Scientifically, these perceptions are attributed to the valley’s unique geomorphological setting and the sounds produced by nocturnal winds moving through its rock formations.

The remarkable geomorphological landscape of Stars Valley is the result of natural erosion processes caused by water and wind over millions of years. These processes have created an exceptional natural environment that continues to captivate visitors with its outstanding geological features and scenic beauty.