State working on attaining Unesco recognition for geopark

KUCHING: Sarawak is currently in the advanced stages of preparing documentation to attain Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) recognition for the Sarawak Delta Geopark.

Permanent Secretary to the Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry Datuk Abdullah Julaihi said this preparation includes the submission of the Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Unesco Secretariat and the Application Dossier.

He added that the Sarawak Delta Geopark Development and Management Plan 2040 is now in its draft final report, which will serve as a long-term guideline for managing the initiative.

“This is a crucial step in our application process, ensuring we meet the strict criteria set by Unesco.

“The Sarawak Delta Geopark Development and Management Plan 2040 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.

He said this during the opening ceremony of the International Seminar on Sarawak Delta Aspiring Unesco Global Geopark here today (Oct 7).

As part of the roadmap, Abdullah shared that the Sarawak government has established the Geopark Management Unit, a dedicated team tasked with better coordination and focus on this initiative.

He noted that 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, to ensure they actively participate in this journey.

In line with this, he emphasised that the seminar is part of the state government’s ongoing effort to introduce the Sarawak Delta Aspiring Unesco Global Geopark to a broader audience.

The objectives are to share knowledge and ideas, provide a platform for networking, and raise awareness about the significance of geoparks.

The seminar’s theme, ‘Building Partnerships for Conservation, Education, and Geotourism,’ reflects the spirit of geoparks, emphasising not only the conservation of geological heritage but also the education of people about the geological, biological, and cultural heritage of Sarawak’s geopark.

“I hope this seminar will serve as an avenue for networking and partnership-building between the Sarawak Delta Geopark and its stakeholders.

“We would like to express our gratitude for the support received from the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, and the Malaysian National Geoparks Network in our efforts to attain Unescorecognition,” he said.

During the event, several partners of the Sarawak Delta Geopark were presented with certificates of partnership.

The Geopark Partner certificates were awarded to the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Wind Cave & Fairy Cave Nature Reserve, Bako National Park, Permai Rainforest Resort, and The Lime Tree Hotel.

Additionally, Borneo International School was presented with the Geopark School Certificate.

“Their support and active involvement are essential for our continued progress.

“Looking ahead, we aim to broaden our collaboration by reaching out to local communities, businesses, the private sector, NGOs, and associations to form more partnerships that will benefit not only the geopark but the entire region,” Abdullah added.