State government seeks to retain national recognition, with Unesco bid targeted by 2028
Three key outcomes covering governance, geotourism and community development are being targeted as Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHLGP) in Selangor undergoes assessment to retain its national status.
The five-day revalidation exercise, running until tomorrow, occurs every four years.
It will also be a gauge of the state government’s readiness to pursue Unesco recognition by 2028.
Spanning more than 112,000ha and 20 main geosites, GHLGP was recognised as the seventh national geopark by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) in 2022.
NRES secretary-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said reassessment outcomes included strengthening local governance, improving quality of education and geotourism as well as community upskilling and economic development.
“The exercise should help clarify management responsibilities, ensure adequate resources and strengthen coordination among agencies.
“It will also recommend ways to educate the public about the geopark through accessible information, while respecting local sensitivities in promoting its products and services.
“Another priority is that it should support local entrepreneurship, skills development and job opportunities for the community,” she said during the assessment’s launch in Ampang Jaya.
She added that the exercise would also help gauge GHLGP’s preparedness towards Unesco Global Geopark recognition.
The bid aims to showcase the region’s unique geological heritage, biodiversity and cultural significance on a global platform, boosting sustainable tourism efforts led by Tourism Selangor.
Also present at the launch ceremony were Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, state local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim and Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling.
Amirudin said the assessment exercise was also an opportunity for the state to evaluate the geopark’s achievements over the years.
“It also allows us to determine areas for improvement within the geopark and strengthen future development direction.
“I believe that every opinion and recommendation from the panel can become an important guideline for the geopark to continue developing into a progressive, inclusive and sustainable model.
“The assessment also mirrors the efforts by all parties to ensure management of the geopark continues to improve, in line with national and international best practices,” said the Mentri Besar.
Amirudin said the assessment panel would visit various geosites such as Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge, Batu Caves and Forest Research Institute Malaysia.
The team is headed by Emeritus Prof Dr Felix Tongkul from Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Faculty of Science and Technology.
Also on the panel are Sarawak Forest Department geopark management unit head Madeline Anak George Pau and Sabah Minerals and Geoscience Department geophysics division head Fredolin Javino serving as observers.
The assessment criteria include geological heritage and biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism development, education and public awareness programmes, community engagement, park governance and strategic collaborations with groups and agencies.
During the event, Tourism Selangor also signed a collaboration agreement with Canon Marketing to produce digital content, document heritage sites and develop photography and videography talent.
