Sarawak Delta Geopark considered for Unesco Global Geopark endorsement

KUCHING (Sept 10): The Sarawak Delta Geopark is set to be endorsed as a Unesco Global Geopark, said Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

“The Sarawak Delta Geopark has officially earned recognition as a Global Geopark following its acceptance at the Unesco Global Geopark Council meeting held in Chile in August,” he told reporters after launching the second edition of the Natural Science and Technology Conference at a hotel here today.

He was representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Len Talif said out of nine entries presented during the council meeting, two were from Malaysia.

“All were approved. Other entries were from France, Dubai, Indonesia and China,” he said.

He said the council’s decision meant the geopark would proceed to the ratification stage by the Unesco Executive Board in Paris at a later date.

“Once approved at the council level, it is almost certain that the executive board will endorse it.”

Len Talif revealed assessors had visited Sarawak in June to review the state government’s submissions, documentation, and identified geo sites, and even then, they agreed to recommend the Sarawak Delta Park as a Unesco Global Geopark.

He said this latest achievement was the result of a “long journey that began in 2009”.

“At the early stages, we did not take concrete steps as we were still trying to understand the concept. Only in 2019, with strong backing from the Sarawak Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), we pushed forward seriously to secure this global recognition,” he said.

He added this recognition brought significant impact, especially in terms of visibility and prestige.

“Countries with sites listed under Unesco, whether they are geoparks or heritage sites, gain global recognition. This visibility strengthens Sarawak’s position internationally, and opens new opportunities in eco-tourism development,” he said.

According to him, the recognition brings significant impact, particularly in terms of visibility and prestige.

“Countries with sites listed under Unesco, whether they are geo-parks or heritage sites, gain global recognition. This visibility strengthens Sarawak’s position internationally and opens new opportunities in eco-tourism development,” he explained.

The Sarawak Delta Geopark encompasses over 300,000 hectares and features four core components: geology, biosciences (flora and fauna), sustainable development related to local communities, and tourism.

He said these elements were balanced to ensure long-term sustainability, and can support research.