KUCHING: Sarawak Government aspires for the Sarawak Delta to be recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark as it has the potential to drive the socio-economic development of Sarawak.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said one of the main strategic objectives of a geopark is to stimulate economic activities within the framework of sustainable development.
“The geopark branding will further boost the tourism industry in Sarawak in tandem with Sarawak’s reputation to preserve our natural treasures.
“We will develop our geosites as part of our geopark branding efforts, which will indirectly have significant socio-economic benefits to our local communities through the creation of more business and job opportunities.
“This initiative will also integrate conservation and preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage while increasing the income of our people. We have waterfalls, mountains, caves, and beaches, which could potentially be enhanced through geo-branding,” he said.
He said this in a recent press statement on Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) upon his benchmark visit to Jeju Island Global UNESCO Geopark in South Korea from June 14 to June 20.
Elaborating, Awang Tengah said that the state needs to emulate the Jeju UNESCO Global Geopark to improve connectivity and accessibility to geosites in Sarawak.
“I am impressed with the infrastructure, facilities, and accessibility to the geosites, namely Manjanggul Lava Tube, Gimnyeong Geo Trail, Sanbangsan Mountain, Yongmeori Coast, and Suwolbong Tuff Ring in Jeju.
“Jeju Island UGGp demonstrated that the visibility of a geopark is crucial to attract visitors and promote its unique geological features.
“Signage and interpretation within a geopark are important for guiding visitors and enhancing their understanding of geological, biological, and cultural heritage features,” he said.
Meanwhile, geo-branding aims to promote local tourism attractions by integrating unique geological resources, various narratives of surrounding communities, specialty foods produced in the geosites, and a series of events and activities leveraging the natural environment, history, food, and folklore of local communities as well as cultural aspects of geological features.
