Sarawak Delta Geopark aims for UNESCO recognition by 2026, becoming 3rd site in Malaysia after Langkawi and Kinabalu

Abang Johari (4th left) presents a certificate to a geopark partner of Sarawak Delta Geopark while other dignitaries look on during the International Seminar on Aspiring Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark held at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching on Oct 7, 2024. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 7: Sarawak aims to secure UNESCO recognition for its Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) by 2026, making it the third UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) site in Malaysia after Pulau Langkawi and Kinabalu.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said SDGp covering an area of roughly 3,112 square kilometers, is currently making preparations to meet and comply with UGGp criteria.

“We already have two UGGp sites in Malaysia which is the Langkawi Geopark in West Malaysia and Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah.

“If we are successful with all the data that we ‘share’, we will have another one in Sarawak—this is what we call Geopark 3 in Malaysia that will cover the whole nation,” he said when officiating at the International Seminar on Aspiring Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark held at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Abang Johari noted that the seminar is part of the process to guide SDGp in its journey towards achieving UGGp status.

“There are several qualifications and one of them is that we need to have experts from UNESCO to evaluate SDGp’s heritage values.

“If we can fulfil all this process, there is a possibility for SDGp to be brought up to UNESCO Executive Board for nomination as a UNESCO site.

“Our target is 2026—meaning within two years,” he stated.

Abang Johari also said the UNESCO recognition will benefit Sarawak in terms of education and environmental conservation.

“Geopark is not solely about geology or land formation but also the ecosystems that depend on it. For instance, even ants rely on the soil for their habitat.

“By protecting the geopark, we are also preserving the habitats for various species. Geodiversity, which refers to the variety of Earth’s features, and biodiversity, which involves the flora and fauna, are dependent on one another,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sarawak’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi in his speech, revealed that the Ministry has established the Geopark Management Unit—a dedicated team tasked with better coordination and focus on gaining UGGp recognition, preserving natural heritage and fostering sustainable socio-economic development for the local communities.

He also said SDGp is in the advanced stages of preparing the necessary documentation for UNESCO, including the Letter of Intent (LOI) already submitted to UNESCO Secretariat and the Application Dossier.

Additionally, the Sarawak Delta Geopark Development and Management Plan 2040—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, will serve as a long-term guideline for managing the initiative.

In June last year, a delegation from Sarawak led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, visited Jeju Island Global Geopark in South Korea, to learn, gain experiences, and ideas to promote SDGp for UGGp recognition. — DayakDaily