Sarawak Delta Geopark UNESCO status to boost Kuching, State as world-class tourism destination

Len Talif fielding questions from the press when met at PUSAKA 2026 Aidilfitri gathering at Wisma Sumber Alam on April 17, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 17: Sarawak Delta Geopark’s impending UNESCO Global Geopark status will be fully leveraged to position Kuching and Sarawak as a unique, world-class tourism destination, as the State moves closer to securing international recognition on April 23.

Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the Sarawak Delta Geopark is expected to be officially approved as a UNESCO Global Geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) during the UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris on April 23.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, he said the State has already received initial verbal confirmation indicating acceptance of the certification following approval by the geopark evaluation committee.

“The meeting will discuss and approve the Sarawak Delta Geopark as one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks before the certificate of recognition is handed over to Malaysia’s permanent representative in Paris,” he said when met by reporters after the PUSAKA 2026 Aidilfitri gathering at Wisma Sumber Alam today.

Len Latif added that with this recognition, Sarawak would become the fourth geopark in Malaysia to be listed under UNESCO.

He expressed confidence that the prestigious status would strengthen efforts to promote Sarawak and Kuching internationally as a distinctive tourism destination.

“The geopark’s development is anchored on sustainable development principles, integrating geological heritage, biodiversity, and community participation, while also creating new economic opportunities in gastronomy, food, and cultural sectors,” he added. — DayakDaily