UNESCO recognition in the cards

SARAWAK is aiming to obtain United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognition for the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) in 2026.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said various efforts are being vigorously implemented to ensure that the SDGp nomination meets and complies with UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) criteria.

“Among the initiatives that have been and are being carried out are establishing the Geopark Management Unit, preparing the dossier, conducting various public awareness activities, and constructing infrastructure for the visibility of SDGp.

The recognition of the Sarawak Delta Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark will boost the geotourism industry in Sarawak while enhancing the socio-economic status of the population in line with the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.

He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 15).

Awang Tengah, who is also Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, added that an Integrated Conservation Management Plan document has been prepared and submitted to the UNESCO Office in Paris in February 2024 to support the nomination.

He said the nomination proposal is expected to be decided during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting, scheduled for July 2024 in India.