Latest news with #GlobalGeoparksNetwork
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Geoparks must embrace people: Expert
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Vice President of the Global Geoparks Network, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia's geoparks are undergoing a bold transformation to reposition themselves as platforms for sustainable regional development, said Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo, Vice President of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). In his keynote presentation, Prof Ibrahim said that the transformation of geoparks in Malaysia is rooted in five core areas. The first area, cooperative governance, involves a shift from a top-down, authoritative model to a more inclusive and participatory system. 'The management of geoparks must move away from an authoritative model to one that is more cooperative and inclusive,' he said during the Malaysian Geopark Network Conference here, on Thursday. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Communities must lead heritage conservation, says Sabah geoparks expert
KOTA KINABALU: Local communities must be at the heart of efforts to preserve geological and cultural heritage, said Global Geoparks Network (GGN) vice president, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo. He emphasised that public understanding is the foundation of effective conservation. Speaking at the Malaysia Geopark Network Convention at a hotel here, Ibrahim said heritage conservation must be grounded in the values and trust of local and indigenous communities. "Many people don't realise that education about heritage is a key part of preservation. In developed countries like Japan, places are preserved not because of conservation officers, but because the people are educated and aware. "We need to build awareness and skills through education and training. If communities don't know about the existence or value of heritage, conservation efforts won't succeed," he said. "If we help improve their livelihood through heritage tourism, they will take care of it because they'll see it as a source of income," he said. He noted the growing popularity of geo-food — local village dishes elevated to premium tourist experiences — as well as traditional crafts that could flourish with improved product quality. "I once saw a mengkuang mat sell for up to RM500, where previously it would've gone for only RM30 to RM50. It's all because of quality," he said. The expert also proposed incorporating storytelling into tourism experiences, rooted in the natural and cultural significance of each location. "In the past, people climbed mountains just to reach the summit. "Now, we should encourage them to stop at five or six points along the way to learn about the beauty and importance of the landscape." Malaysia currently has 10 national geoparks, with Langkawi and Kinabalu recognised as Unesco Global Geoparks. Also present were Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Peter Lintar and director Dr Maklarin Lakim.
Kuwait Times
17-05-2025
- Science
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Society for Geosciences eyes UNESCO Global Geoparks Network listing for key sites
Establishing geological parks aligns with sustainable development objectives KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Geosciences Dr Mubarak Al-Hajri affirmed that Kuwait is home to several significant geological sites that are eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. In remarks to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Dr Al-Hajri stressed that establishing geological parks in the country aligns with sustainable development objectives, serves as a potential source of national income, and supports the tourism sector. Dr Al-Hajri noted that listing local geological sites under the Global Geoparks Network is a strategic goal for the Society and a vital step in preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage. He emphasized that the initiative could be realized through cooperation with relevant government bodies. Explaining the nature of geological parks, he said they are geographically defined areas known for their unique and diverse geological features, and are managed comprehensively to protect their heritage while promoting sustainable development. These parks support education, tourism, local community participation, and job creation. Subiya geological site that mimics the surface of Mars. Natural laboratories open to students and researchers to study Earth sciences. An attractive site for visitors interested in nature, contributing to strengthening the local economy and raising environmental awareness. 'Geological parks serve as open-air laboratories for students and researchers to explore earth sciences, biodiversity, and climatic history,' he stated. 'They are also attractive destinations for nature enthusiasts, thereby contributing to the local economy and fostering environmental awareness.' Citing international examples, Dr Al-Hajri said many countries have successfully leveraged geological parks to reduce disaster risks and raise public awareness on seismic and volcanic hazards. These parks also serve as sanctuaries for rare ecosystems, helping to safeguard biodiversity. Outlining the Society's vision, Dr Al-Hajri described the project as a national endeavor that requires the collaboration of government entities, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. He highlighted the importance of incorporating cultural and heritage components such as traditional crafts, local cuisine, and community-led activities that support sustainability while protecting fragile sites from neglect or misuse. Among the sites identified for the initial phase of the project is Al-Subiya, which Dr Al-Hajri described as one of the most promising candidates due to its historical significance, links to the ancient Ubaid civilization, and its rich environmental and ecological diversity. He explained that the implementation process involves several stages, including evaluating candidate sites based on their geological, environmental, and cultural value; ensuring connectivity among them to form a cohesive geological network; and developing necessary infrastructure such as visitor trails, signage, and information centers. Certain areas would be open to visitors while others would be protected to maintain ecological balance. The plan also includes forming a multidisciplinary site management team comprising geologists, environmentalists, cultural experts, and tourism professionals, in addition to establishing monitoring systems to prevent environmental violations or degradation. Future phases will involve launching educational and training programs, organizing tourism-related activities, collaborating with international geoparks, and utilizing digital technologies to enhance site promotion and accessibility through media platforms. Dr Al-Hajri reiterated that the initiative reflects Kuwait's broader commitment to developing its tourism sector as a key pillar of the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision, which aims to diversify income sources and promote sustainable growth. He also noted Kuwait's readiness to host the 52nd meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization's Regional Commission for the Middle East next year, under the chairmanship of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. The UNESCO Global Geoparks designation, launched in 2015, is awarded to geographic areas with internationally significant geological heritage and managed under a holistic model integrating conservation, education, and sustainable development. The designation is valid for four years and subject to periodic reevaluation to ensure continued compliance with UNESCO standards.— KUNA
Saudi Gazette
05-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark to celebrate its inclusion in Global Geoparks Network
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — An official delegation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), led by Assistant Director General for Natural Sciences Dr. Lidia Brito, conducted a field visit to the North Riyadh Geopark to mark its inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network — the first achievement of its kind in the Middle East and the Arab world. Director of the Saudi Geopark Initiative Eng. Hussam Al-Turki, along with a select group of officials and experts joined the UNESCO delegation in the tour. The delegation explored the site's unique geolandmarks, reviewed development plans and administrative facilities, and visited key formations such as Abu Shaddad Cave — home to some of the region's most remarkable geological features — and the 'Edge of the World' escarpment, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and rock layers that chronicle geological epochs spanning millions of years. Dr. Brito expressed her delight at the North Riyadh Geopark's inclusion in the UNESCO Network, calling it a remarkable accomplishment that reflects the Kingdom's rich natural and cultural diversity. She emphasized the importance of leveraging this international recognition to advance Saudi Arabia's goals for ecotourism and educational outreach. The visit concluded with an interactive session in Ghamrah Village that showcased the site's landscapes and local heritage. Earlier, UNESCO officially welcomed both the North Riyadh Geopark and the Salma Geopark into its Global Geoparks Network, an initiative that underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its geoheritage and promoting sustainable development. Saudi Arabia aspires to have 13 sites inscribed on the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The National Center for Vegetation Cover (NCVC) is working to develop and protect these sites as well as to promote environmental conservation, biodiversity, and nature-based tourism.
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
RIYADH: UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history. The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development. Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit. They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh. Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO's network, the SPA added.
