Liew: Tap geopark potential

Sabah’s pride: Hajiji (third from right) receiving a souvenir from Liew during the Sabah Parks’ Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which also celebrated the declaration of the Kinabalu Unesco Geopark.

KOTA KINABALU: Local communities within the three districts of the Kinabalu Unesco Geopark should take advantage of the site to promote nature tourism, says state minister Datuk Christina Liew.

Liew, who is in charge of the tourism, culture and environment portfolio, said the diverse flora and fauna as well as the geological landscape are among the geopark’s extraordinary and unique features for nature tourism.

“Such diversity is, in itself, a nature-based tourism product that is of high value and needs to be tapped by the local communities in Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Ranau,” she said.

Liew said there are already various tourist attractions in the aforementioned geopark areas that could provide economic opportunities to the local communities.

“Given the potential of the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark in the tourism and culture sectors, we are currently planning the development of new and sustainable tourism products,” she said during a ceremony to celebrate Sabah Parks’ Diamond Jubilee and the declaration of the Kinabalu Unesco Geopark in Kota Belud about 80km from here on Saturday.

The event was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

The geopark concept, said Liew, coincides with the role played by her ministry, especially in relation to community-based tourism.

The geopark incorporates elements of tourism, culture and environment.

“These elements of conservation, culture and environment are interrelated and must be given a new lease of life in the districts.

“Cultural preservation is our main focus in these three districts. The original cultural treasures of some ethnic groups are reflected in their traditions, traditional clothing, performing arts and ethnic festivals,” she said.

In her speech, Liew also paid tribute to the departments, agencies, universities and non-governmental organisations for their hard work and contribution in realising the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark.

The geopark was declared in May last year as one among the 195 Unesco geoparks in the world, which are located in 48 countries.