Latest news with #DeclarationofKinabaluGeopark
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Unesco status not mere badge: Liew
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Liew (fifth left) joins others in cutting a Mt Kinabalu-shaped cake to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Declaration of Kinabalu Geopark as a Unesco Global Geopark. Kota Kinabalu: Unesco Global Geopark status should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a symbolic accolade, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew. She underscored the need for stronger cooperation across all levels of government and civil society to maintain and grow Malaysia's geopark credentials. 'Let us not treat Unesco recognition as a mere badge of honour. It comes with responsibility to protect, educate and uplift,' she said at the opening of the Malaysia Geopark Network Conference 2025 on Thursday, Malaysia currently has two Unesco Global Geoparks - Langkawi (recognised in 2007) and Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah (recognised in 2023). Kinabalu Geopark is now celebrating its second anniversary as part of the Unesco network, said Liew, and affirmed Sabah's commitment to sustainable environmental leadership. Liew emphasised that geoparks are not simply tourist attractions, but critical sites for environmental education, community empowerment and heritage preservation. Advertisement 'They are spaces where we preserve history, empower communities and prove that conservation and economic development can progress side by side,' she said. Despite progress, she warned of ongoing challenges, including funding constraints, lack of skilled personnel, low public awareness of geoheritage and insufficient coordination between agencies. The conference brings together stakeholders from across the country, including government agencies, academics, NGOs and local leaders, to share insights and develop strategies for more resilient and inclusive geopark management. Liew also called for greater involvement from the private sector, urging responsible investments in ethical geo-tourism and asking local communities to actively champion the preservation of their natural heritage. Jointly organised by Sabah Parks and the Malaysia Geopark Network, the conference is expected to shape future national policies and deepen Malaysia's role in global geoconservation efforts. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
UNESCO Geopark status comes with responsibility
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Liew (fifth left) joins others in cutting a Mt Kinabalu-shaped cake to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Declaration of Kinabalu Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark. KOTA KINABALU: UNESCO Global Geopark recognition should be treated as a responsibility, not just a title of prestige, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said. In her opening address of the Malaysia Geopark Network Conference 2025, Liew called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, civil society, and local communities to ensure Malaysia's continued leadership in geoconservation and sustainable development. 'Let us not treat UNESCO recognition as a mere badge of honour. It comes with responsibility to protect, educate, and uplift,' she said. Malaysia currently has two UNESCO Global Geoparks, Langkawi, designated in 2007, and Kinabalu Geopark, recognised in 2023. Liew said Kinabalu's second anniversary as a UNESCO site reaffirms Sabah's commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical geotourism. She noted ongoing challenges in geopark development, including funding gaps, manpower shortages, and limited public awareness. Addressing these, she said, is key to expanding Malaysia's geopark network in a meaningful way. Advertisement Jointly organised by Sabah Parks and the Malaysia Geopark Network, the conference brings together stakeholders from across the country to exchange strategies and strengthen the country's national geopark framework. Liew also encouraged the private sector to invest in responsible geotourism and urged communities to serve as local champions for conservation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
