Sabah expands Kinabalu Geopark, Crocker Range Reserve in push for UNESCO 'Triple Crown'

Borneo Post

03-05-2025

Hajiji, Christina and guests pose for a photo with recipients of corporate social responsibility contributions from the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark during the Launch Ceremony of the Stakeholder and Local Community Consultation Process and the Scientific Expedition for the Expansion of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, Tuaran District, at Linangkit Cultural Village on Saturday.
TUARAN (May 3): The State Government remains committed to preserving Sabah's natural treasures through the expansion of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGP) and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, in line with the state's sustainable development goals under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said that the international recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for Kinabalu Park as a World Heritage Site and Global Geopark, and the Crocker Range as a Biosphere Reserve, has positioned Sabah as among the top three sites in the world to attain the 'Triple Crown of UNESCO.'
'This is not only an honor but also a big responsibility. We must strengthen the scientific foundation, enhance public awareness, and preserve our natural resources sustainably,' he said at the launch of the Stakeholders and Local Communities' Consultation Process and the Scientific Expedition for the Expansion of KUGGP and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve at Linangkit Cultural Village here on Saturday.
Hajiji said that the proposed expansion of the KUGGP to the Tuaran district is a strategic move that has the full support of the state government.
This area is not only rich in biodiversity but also has high potential for the eco-tourism sector and community development.
He also announced plans to establish a Public Awareness Center or an information gallery in Tuaran, as an additional requirement to meet the UNESCO criteria. This center will serve as a platform for educating the local community and for disseminating information.
'I want the KUGGP Committee together with the Tuaran District Office to identify a suitable location for the establishment of this center. It is crucial to support community awareness on the importance of the Geopark,' he stated.
He further added that the development of the Geopark should not focus solely on science and conservation, but also should also empower the community economically through geoheritage-based tourism.
Sabah, he said, has natural advantages that are not found in other states, such as tropical rainforests, mountains, seas, and extraordinary biodiversity.
Hajiji cited examples of successful eco-tourism locations such as the Nohutu Eco-Tourism in Kota Belud, Kiulu Farmstay, Walai Tobilung Cultural Centre in Kota Marudu and the Misompuru Homestay in Kudat, which can serve as models for eco-tourism development in Tuaran.
Touching on the success of the recently completed Geo-Sulaman Scientific Expedition (EGOS 2025), he hopes the results of the study can be documented to serve as a basis for developing management plans, guidelines, and educational materials related to expanding the Geopark area.
He stated that the state government is also planning additional scientific expeditions in the Crocker Range area, involving the districts of Ranau and Tuaran as preparation to further expand the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve.
'The success of the Geopark does not solely rely on its name, but on our collective effort to learn, share and protect this natural treasure for future generations,' he said.
Hajiji is confident that the expansion of the KUGGP and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve will provide comprehensive benefits, including environmental preservation, community education enhancement, and socio-economic development of the state.
Also present at the event was Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew.