On October 9, 2026, a regional working meeting on the implementation of Decision 48 COM 8B.20 of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held in Aktau.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the conservation, protection and management of the rock-cut mosques of Mangystau and associated sacred sites, as well as to set timelines for implementing the relevant measures and identify further tasks. Particular attention was paid to preserving and protecting the underground mosques of Beket Ata, Shopan Ata, Karaman Ata, Sultan Epe and Shakpak Ata, and to safeguarding their historical and cultural heritage for future generations.

Participants discussed the inventory of historical and cultural heritage sites, the development of a conservation strategy, an integrated management plan, monitoring activities and funding.

Special focus was also placed on the designation of buffer zones, land-use and urban planning, infrastructure development, tourist flow management, and the regulation of tourist and pilgrimage routes.

Representatives of relevant government bodies and district administrations, as well as heads of charitable foundations invited to the meeting, shared their proposals on the conservation and protection of the region’s underground mosques.

Preserving the region’s historical and cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations is an important component of sustainable tourism development in Mangystau. In this regard, effective coordination of measures to protect sacred sites and proper management of tourism activities in line with international standards are of particular importance.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1308541?lang=ru