Proposed Unesco Kinabalu Geopark expected to benefit socioeconomy

 

Sabah Parks’ efforts to get recognition for the Kinabalu Park as a Unesco geopark would help it achieve sustainable development. - Photo courtesy of FelixTongkul.

KOTA BELUD: Sabah Parks' efforts to get recognition for the Kinabalu Park as a Unesco geopark would help it achieve sustainable development.

Its director Dr Maklarin Lakim said the target was part of the state government's aim to improve the socioeconomy of stakeholders including the locals.

He added should they acquire the status, the Kinabalu Geopark would create geotourism products to add on value and complement the existing tourism products.

Sabah Parks with the Department of Minerals and Geosciences are currently in the process of obtaining recognition of the Kinabalu Geopark site to be designated and declared as a Unesco Global Geopark Kinabalu Site.

The proposed geopark has an area of 4,750 square kilometres, involving the Kinabalu Park, and areas in Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Ranau.

"The concept of the geopark development is divided into three which are the rehabilitation of geology sources, tourism infrastructure development and socioeconomic activities that are based on geology or local community.

"There are 46 potential areas to be turned into geotourism sites," he said after the Kota Belud District Land Community Empowerment Programme at the Botung Sports Complex Hall here today.

He added that the Kinabalu Park, which is one of the sites within the proposed geopark, was recognised by Unesco as the first heritage site in the country in 2000.

Maklarin said such a recognition for the Kinabalu Park has lifted the site as a world-class destination that contributes to the income of the locals.

-nst online.