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KUCHING, June 20: An effective management system and local communities’ participation are crucial to ensure the Sarawak Delta national geopark obtains the Unesco Global Geopark’s (UGGp) status, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
This was what Awang Tengah and his delegation had learned during their visit to South Korea to learn about how it manages Jeju Island UGGp.
“Jeju UGGp is a model geopark by actively engaging the local community in geopark activities through strengthening social cohesion to foster collective responsibility.
“It demonstrated the harmonious coexistence of conservation, socio-economic development, and cultural preservation. The involvement and participation of local communities in decision making will create a sense of ownership and pride to ensure sustainability and long-term success of the geopark,” he said in a statement today.
Awang Tengah who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) further said Jeju UGGp highlighted capacity-building and effective management structure with strong policy support as key elements to successful implementation.
The geopark has also developed a strong and attractive narrative of the geological features, which, are closely related with local culture and heritage.
“Thus, we need strong community support, involvement of local leaders, effective management structures, policies for sustainable development, and an attractive storyline for geo-tourism products.
“In this regard, we need to develop a comprehensive management plan that addresses the socio-economic needs of the local communities while balancing conservation and preservation of the geo-sites for the success and sustainability of a geopark,” Awang Tengah added.
He also said continuous engagement with the local community is vital where it can be done through awareness programmes and capacity-building to foster understanding, acceptance, and involvement among the local community.
The Sarawak delegation to Jeju Island included Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts/Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh and MUDeNR permanent secretary Datu Zaidi Mahdi. — DayakDaily
