Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - Meratus Geopark in South Kalimantan has officially been recognized as the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG).
The recognition was announced during the 221st Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held in Paris, France, from April 2 to 17.
Daily Chairperson of the Meratus Geopark Management Agency (BP) Hanifah Dwi Nirwana congratulated that the Meratus Geopark was finally approved as Unesco Global Geopark at the Unesco's 221st Session in Paris, and is just waiting for a certificate handover in September.
“Congratulation to the Meratus Geopark Management Agency, Governor and all the people of South Kalimantan,” she said in Jakarta, Wednesday.
Hanifah said this is a new phase for South Kalimantan tourism that should be more open by becoming part of the world network.
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The struggle is not easy to get to this level, so it must be able to mobilize all components of South Kalimantan society to work together to build Meratus Geopark to be more global.
Meratus Geopark was recognized together with Kebumen Geopark from Central Java after successfully convinced 58 member states of the board of their geological uniqueness and cultural richness.
All member states, including Indonesia, reached a consensus to endorse 16 new geoparks, as recommended by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council during its meetings in September and December 2024.
In addition to Indonesia, other geoparks also recognized as UGG were from China, North Korea, Equador, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Saudi Arab, Spain, England, and Vietnam.
With this latest recognition, Indonesia now has 12 geoparks included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
Previously, Indonesia has already Batur, Belitong, Ciletuh, Mount Sewu, Ijen, Maros Pangkep, Merangin Jambi, Raja Ampat, Rinjani Lombok, and Toba Caldera Geoparks that have been recognized by the world.
Ambassador Mohamad Oemar, as Head of the Indoensian Delegation for the 221st Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, emphasized that the UGG status held by 12 Indonesia's geoparks implies a responsibility to preserve, sustainably manage, and promote the geological and cultural wealth they possess.
He asserted that the UNESCO recognition was a real evidence of Indonesia's contribution in preserving the earth's heritage of universal value.
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