Abdullah: S’wak Delta Geopark nears Unesco global status with ministry’s final preparations

KUCHING (Oct 7): The Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development is currently in the advanced stages of preparing the necessary documentation for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), in the state’s efforts to have Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp).

Permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi said the documents required included the application dossier as well as a letter of intent, which has already been submitted to the Unesco Secretariat.

“This is a crucial step in our application process to ensure that we meet the strict criteria set by Unesco,” he said when speaking at the International Seminar on Aspiring Sarawak Delta Unesco Geopark here today.

Present to officiate at the seminar was Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abdullah said the ministry has also established a Geopark Management Unit which is tasked with better coordination and focus on this initiative.

“This unit plays a key role in conducting awareness and engagement sessions, reaching out to various stakeholders, including communities, schools, higher learning institutions, and business entities, so as to ensure they are all active participants in this journey,” he said.

He added that there is also the Sarawak Delta Geopark Development and Management Plan 2040, meant to serve as a long-term guideline for managing this initiative.

“It is a comprehensive document that outlines the policies and strategies necessary to ensure that the Sarawak Delta remains a sustainable and well-managed geopark for decades to come,” he said.

Abdullah pointed out that a key principle in Sarawak’s geopark development was through the Geopark Partner concept.

“We have conducted benchmarking visits and learnt invaluable lessons about geopark management and community engagement with other established geoparks, such as South Korea’s Jeju Island UGGp, Indonesia’s Rinjani-Lombok UGGp, and Batur UGGp.

“Our participation in the Global Geoparks Network conference and Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) has provided us with many networking opportunities, enabling us to connect with the Global Geopark Council members, the executive board, and other UGGps across the Asia-Pacific Region.

“We believe that only by working hand-in-hand, we can ensure the long-term success of our geopark,” he said.

On the local front, he said the state had successfully engaged several Geopark Partners, namely Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC), The Lime Tree Hotel, Permai Rainforest Resort, as well as the Wind Cave and Fairy Cave Nature Reserve.

“Their support and active involvement are essential for our continued progress,” he added.

On the seminar, Abdullah said the three-day event will serve as an avenue for networking and partnership-building between SDGp and its stakeholders.

“SDGp is moving steadfastly towards UGGp recognition, and this seminar is part of our broader efforts to raise visibility and awareness of SDGp, both locally and internationally.

“Our journey is not just about gaining recognition but also preserving our natural heritage and fostering sustainable socio-economic development for our communities,” he said.

Representatives from various state and federal government agencies, non-governmental organisations, associations, higher-learning institutions, schools, local communities, private companies, and Geopark Partners were among the participants of the seminar, which also featured presentations from Prof Emeritus Dato, Dr Ibrahim Komoo, and Dr Guy Martini, esteemed members of the Global Geoparks Network Executive Board.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Deputy Minister of Transport Dato Henry Harry Jinep; and Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad.