Sarawak Delta Geopark to get UNESCO recognition this month

A handout photo of a landmark viewpoint within the Sarawak Delta Geopark, part of the area under final UNESCO evaluation from June 23 to 26.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 11: Sarawak is due to receive its first-ever UNESCO Global Geopark recognition for the Sarawak Delta Geopark this month, marking a historic milestone for the State’s environmental conservation and sustainable development agenda.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the recognition is expected to be formally announced by UNESCO in Paris on April 23, followed by the official presentation of the certificate on April 27.

“On the 23rd of this month, in about a week or so, the Sarawak Delta Geopark will be recognised by UNESCO in Paris, insyaAllah. The certificate will then be presented on April 27.

“This reflects the commitment of both the Sarawak and federal governments to ensure that every step and action we take is based on environmental sustainability and will benefit the people as a whole,” he said when speaking at the Community Ranger Appointment Ceremony, Flag-Off of Integrated Wildlife Conservation Operations (OBK), and the launch of the “1000 Site Visit to Save Wildlife” programme at state level, held at Dewan Semeba, Kampung Semeba here today. An audio recording of his speech was later shared with DayakDaily.

The map for Sarawak Delta Geopark.

With the expected UNESCO Global Geopark status, the Sarawak Delta Geopark will join Langkawi, Kedah; Kinabalu, Sabah; and Lenggong, Perak, making Malaysia home to four UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Sarawak also has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park. — DayakDaily