KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is exploring a proposal to expand the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) to include parts of the Tuaran district, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said preliminary findings from the Geo-Sulaman Scientific Expedition (EGOS 2025) conducted in April 2025 showed Tuaran has distinctive geological features, rich biodiversity, significant cultural heritage and valuable community knowledge.
“These assets merit careful study, documentation and where appropriate, inclusion within a broader conservation and sustainable development framework to strengthen Sabah’s ecological and ecotourism connectivity,” he said at the closing ceremony of the KUGGp Revalidation Mission at the Rumpun Bajau Sama Cultural Centre in Lok Batik Tuaran on Friday.
His speech was delivered by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
At the moment, Hajiji said KUGGp covers approximately 4,750 square kilometres across three districts - Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and part of Ranau.
Managing an area of this scale, with multiple administrative jurisdictions and diverse communities, requires a clear, coordinated and long-term strategy, he added.
Accordingly, Hajiji said the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark Management Plan 2026–2035 replaced the Interim Management Plan 2021–2025.
“The new plan integrates the geopark’s principal pillars - resource conservation, research, education and socio-economic development and will be implemented in three phases (foundation-building, acceleration and transformation), guided by nine strategic themes toward 2035,” he said.
Hajiji said the KUGGp revalidation mission, which began on Aug 10, is not merely about retaining a Unesco designation, but an opportunity to strengthen institutions, improve management, deepen community participation and ensure Unesco’s values are translated into tangible action on the ground.
“Let us commit to converting international recognition into stronger conservation, improved education, resilient communities and fairer economic opportunities for our people.
“Our aspiration is clear. By 2035, the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) should be a globally recognised model of integrated landscape management, a place where conservation, community well-being and sustainable prosperity reinforce one another,” he said.
