By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 6: The recognition of the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) as a UNESCO Global Geopark would mark a significant milestone for the State, placing it alongside world-renowned sites such as Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, says Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
According to Abdul Karim, his ministry will work closely with relevant federal ministries and agencies to implement initiatives aimed at raising the geopark’s profile both locally and internationally.
He added that such collaboration is key to realising the aspiration of listing SDGp alongside iconic Sarawak heritage sites such as Mulu and Niah National Parks, both of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
“I am looking forward to seeing Kuching’s geopark receive the same recognition as Mulu and Niah.
“Although the application process is not directly under my ministry, we are still involved, as it must go through the Department of National Heritage, which is indirectly overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia,” he told reporters during a doorstop interview at a Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri hosted by his two ministries — MTCP and the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) — at a hotel here today.
On April 3, it was reported that SDGp is approaching a crucial assessment stage in its bid for recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark, with the evaluation process set to take place later this year.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment (MUDeNR), Datuk Len Talif Salleh, confirmed that preparations are progressing according to schedule and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum. — DayakDaily
