Latest news with #MtKinabalu-shaped
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
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Geoparks key to sustainable growth, says Liew
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew (centre) joins others in cutting a Mt Kinabalu-shaped cake to mark the second anniversary of the Declaration of Kinabalu Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (May 22). KOTA KINABALU: Geoparks are more than just scenic destinations as they are also vital platforms for sustainable development, says Datuk Seri Christina Liew. The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister also said geoparks are sites for geological heritage conservation, education, and community-driven economic growth. 'Geoparks show that conservation and economic progress can go hand in hand. "They empower local communities, raise public awareness of natural heritage, and support sustainable tourism,' she said at the launch of the Malaysia Geopark Network Conference 2025 here on Thursday (May 22). She added that in addition to offering stunning landscapes, geoparks also give visitors the chance to learn about the planet's history, local culture, and the importance of sustainability. Liew noted that Malaysia has made significant progress in this area, starting with Langkawi's designation as South-East Asia's first Unesco Global Geopark in 2007. With Kinabalu Geopark gaining global recognition in 2023, Malaysia now has 12 national geoparks rich in geological, biological and cultural value, she said. 'This effort strengthens Malaysia's role on the global stage in geoheritage preservation and supports sustainable development at both national and international levels,' she said. Given Malaysia's rich geology, culture and ecosystems, Liew said, the country holds strong potential for more geopark designations. She called on all stakeholders to continue supporting effective geopark management, urging local communities to become ambassadors for their respective sites and encouraging the private sector to develop tourism responsibly. However, she acknowledged several challenges, including limited resources, low public awareness and weak coordination among stakeholders. Describing the conference as timely, Liew said it provided a crucial space for experts to exchange ideas, build networks and forge a stronger path forward. 'That is why Sabah Parks organised this conference … to bring together stakeholders from across the country to share insights and experiences in managing geopark areas,' she said. Commending Sabah Parks and the Malaysia Geopark Network for hosting the event, she reiterated Sabah's commitment to becoming a leader in geoconservation.
