UNESCO Global Geoparks
Curiak Island has been part of the Meratus Geopark in South Kalimantan since 2023, which was recognized a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) on April 16, 2025.
The Secretary General of the Global Geopark Network (GGN), Dr Guy Martini, he himself experienced the natural conditions on Curiak Island during his visit to South Kalimantan from October 24 to November 2, 2022, to assess the Meratus Geopark's readiness to become the UGG.
The cross-sector collaboration in wetland conservation efforts to increase the proboscis monkey population, as well as local community involvement in supporting economic growth without neglecting environmental preservation, impressed Guy Martini.
The natural landscape of Curiak, with its biodiversity potential, and the proboscis monkey or bekantan as its primadona, is not found anywhere else in the world.
The work of the SBI volunteer team and the community has supported government and global authorities' programs in natural resource conservation efforts.
Over the last three years, Amel and the SBI team have continuously strived to foster community involvement in ecotourism management.
She hopes Curiak's presence will improve people's welfare along with its environment preservation.
Sulaiman (60), a community leader in Anjir Serapat Muara 1 village, a pioneer of Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) in his village, expressed his gratitude for the development program provided by SBI.
Local community now benefited from their livelihood aas local guides, kelotok rental service for tourists, and culinary business.
Periodically, 15 members of the Anjir Serapat Muara 1 Pokdarwis receive training in tour guiding and developingseluang fish products.
SBI also provided residents with tourist boats (kelotok), increasing their income through ecotourism on Curiak Island. Previously they do only farming and fishing, but now they earn income from ecotourism.
Nature truly provides livelihood for living creatures on earth. Humans, animals and plants living in harmony with each other, fulfilling their respective functions and needs.
UNESCO requires the more sustainable utilization of natural and socio-cultural wealth must prioritize environmental conservation and protection for a sustainable earth heritage.
