Sarawak Delta Geopark Targeted To Receive UNESCO Recognition By 2026 - Abang Johari

KUCHING, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is aiming for Sarawak Delta Geopark to be recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) by 2026.

He said for the time being the state government is working to meet the criteria set to get the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"There are several criteria (to be fulfilled) and we want experts from UNESCO to evaluate our geopark's treasures... if we can fulfill all of them then it is possible that it will be taken to the UNESCO board to consider recognising our geopark as a UNESCO site.

"If approved, there will be three in Malaysia as the country already has two, namely Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Kedah and Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, Sabah, so if Sarawak secures the recognition then there will be a unique geopark trail in Malaysia," he told reporters after attending the programme ’International Seminar On Aspiring Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark' here, today.

In July, the Niah National Park Cave Complex in Sarawak was recognised as a UNESCO World Archaeological Heritage Site.

In the meantime, Abang Johari said the recognition of the Sarawak Delta Geopark will have a positive impact on the quality of Sarawak's tourism industry, in addition to fostering the appreciation of the environment by the people and tourists.

Earlier, in his speech, he said efforts to raise the Sarawak Delta Geopark as an UGGp were in line with the goals of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS) by the Sarawak government which also emphasised the aspect of environmental sustainability.

"The other aspect based on our PCDS 2030 is that when we plan our development, we want to make sure the sector called tourism must be based on quality tourism unlike other countries which prefer mass tourism but for Sarawak we prefer to attract quality tourism to Sarawak," he said.

-- BERNAMA