Sarawak Delta Geopark undergoes final evaluation for Unesco Global Geopark status
Len Talif delivering his speech during the dinner. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (June 26): Sarawak is one step closer to joining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Global Geopark network as the Sarawak Delta Geopark undergoes a four-day field assessment by Unesco evaluators.
The mission, held since June 23, concluded with a dinner held tonight at the Waterfront Hotel here, attended by Unesco evaluators Jean-Simon Pagés and Antonio Garcia Jiménez, stakeholders from various agencies, academia, and local communities.
Deputy State Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said geopark represents more than just a geological area, but a living classroom and scientific archive that tells the story of Sarawak's natural evolution, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
'From the dramatic Karst limestone outcrops of Santubong to the ancient sediments along the coastline and river deltas, our geopark showcases more than 200 million years of geological history, layered with mythology, multicultural heritage, and traditional knowledge passed down through generations,' he said during the dinner.
He added that the initiative also reflects the state's integrated approach to natural resource management, tourism, education, and community development.
'We have built partnerships with academic institutions, invested in geotourism infrastructure, supported local entrepreneurs, and developed education programmes for our schools and youth because we know that the future stewards of this land are the ones seated in our classrooms today,' he said.
What is a geopark?
A Unesco Global Geopark is an area with internationally significant geological heritage that is managed with a holistic approach to conservation, education and sustainable development.
Globally, there are 229 Unesco Global Geoparks across 45 countries.
Unlike national parks, geoparks focus on community involvement, promoting geotourism and raising awareness on environmental issues such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainability.
Importance to Sarawak
If successful, the Sarawak Delta Geopark will be the first in Sarawak to join the Unesco Global Geopark network.
Len Talif said the process of preparing for the evaluation had deepened their understanding towards the land, brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors, and strengthened the resolve to preserve this unique natural and cultural landscape.
'Whether or not we are awarded the status, this process has already transformed us,' he said.
He also paid tribute to the communities living within the geopark, crediting their stewardship, crafts, and local knowledge as the soul of the initiative.
'This is a shared achievement, one that demonstrates the power of collaboration, the strength of local wisdom, and the vision of Sarawak as a global player in sustainable development,' he said.
He emphasised that this assessment is not the end, but a new beginning.
'We do hope and believe that the Sarawak Delta Geopark will soon join the network of 229 Unesco Global Geoparks around the world.
'We are ready, and we are committed,' he added. Len Talif Sarawak Delta Geopark Unesco Global geopark
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Len Talif delivering his speech during the dinner. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 26): Sarawak is one step closer to joining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Global Geopark network as the Sarawak Delta Geopark undergoes a four-day field assessment by Unesco evaluators. The mission, held since June 23, concluded with a dinner held tonight at the Waterfront Hotel here, attended by Unesco evaluators Jean-Simon Pagés and Antonio Garcia Jiménez, stakeholders from various agencies, academia, and local communities. Deputy State Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said geopark represents more than just a geological area, but a living classroom and scientific archive that tells the story of Sarawak's natural evolution, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. 'From the dramatic Karst limestone outcrops of Santubong to the ancient sediments along the coastline and river deltas, our geopark showcases more than 200 million years of geological history, layered with mythology, multicultural heritage, and traditional knowledge passed down through generations,' he said during the dinner. He added that the initiative also reflects the state's integrated approach to natural resource management, tourism, education, and community development. 'We have built partnerships with academic institutions, invested in geotourism infrastructure, supported local entrepreneurs, and developed education programmes for our schools and youth because we know that the future stewards of this land are the ones seated in our classrooms today,' he said. What is a geopark? A Unesco Global Geopark is an area with internationally significant geological heritage that is managed with a holistic approach to conservation, education and sustainable development. Globally, there are 229 Unesco Global Geoparks across 45 countries. Unlike national parks, geoparks focus on community involvement, promoting geotourism and raising awareness on environmental issues such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainability. Importance to Sarawak If successful, the Sarawak Delta Geopark will be the first in Sarawak to join the Unesco Global Geopark network. Len Talif said the process of preparing for the evaluation had deepened their understanding towards the land, brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors, and strengthened the resolve to preserve this unique natural and cultural landscape. 'Whether or not we are awarded the status, this process has already transformed us,' he said. He also paid tribute to the communities living within the geopark, crediting their stewardship, crafts, and local knowledge as the soul of the initiative. 'This is a shared achievement, one that demonstrates the power of collaboration, the strength of local wisdom, and the vision of Sarawak as a global player in sustainable development,' he said. He emphasised that this assessment is not the end, but a new beginning. 'We do hope and believe that the Sarawak Delta Geopark will soon join the network of 229 Unesco Global Geoparks around the world. 'We are ready, and we are committed,' he added. Len Talif Sarawak Delta Geopark Unesco Global geopark
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