Unesco declares Kinabalu National Geopark as Global Geopark

 

Sabah is now the third location in the world to have a Unesco triple crown site.

This follows the declaration of the Kinabalu National Geopark as the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark.

Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said Unesco’s executive board made the decision in Paris on Wednesday (May 24).

The move places Sabah alongside Jeju Island in South Korea and Shennongjia in China in the distinction of having three Unesco sites.

Kinabalu Park’s two other Unesco ‘crowns’ are the World Heritage Site and the Unesco Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, declared on Dec 2, 2000, and June 12, 2014, respectively.

“This is a great achievement for the state government under its Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya initiatives through the Tourism, Culture and Environment and Sabah Parks Ministry,” he said in a statement today.

He said the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark, covering an area of 4,750 square kilometres, is now officially a Global Geotourism destination, adding significant value to Sabah’s existing eco-tourism products.

“The geopark is home to many endemic plants and animals, including 90 orchid species found only on Mount Kinabalu.

“This includes the crimson-headed partridge bird not found anywhere else on earth, which will bring direct and indirect benefits to Sabah’s socio-economy.

“Particularly to more than 290,000 local communities within the district of Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Ranau,” he said.

With the declaration of Kinabalu National Geopark as a Unesco Global Geopark, there are now 195 geoparks in the world in 48 countries.

The Unesco Global Geopark label recognises the geological heritage of international significance.

Geoparks serve local communities by combining the conservation of their significant geological heritage with public outreach and a sustainable approach to development.

- Bernama