Latest news with #UNESCOGlobalGeopark
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Geoparks drive sustainability and economic growth
KOTA KINABALU (May 23): Geoparks go beyond beckoning locals and tourists to visit these destinations, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Speaking at the opening of the Malaysia Geoparks Network Conference with the theme 'Geopark – A Catalyst for Sustainability' at Hotel Marriott yesterday night, she said geoparks are a development concept that integrates the preservation of geological heritage, public education and sustainable socio-economic development of communities. 'Through the geopark concept, we learn that environmental conservation and economic development can actually move hand in hand. Hence, geoparks are not just interesting areas to visit, but also for education about the history of the earth, local culture and the value of sustainability. 'Geoparks are not just a recognition but they also carry great responsibility. This is because they play an important role in protecting geoheritage, fostering environmental awareness, and contributing to the economic development of local communities through ethical geotourism,' Liew said. The minister observed that the concept of geoparks in Malaysia has grown rapidly since the recognition of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark in 2007, which was the first geopark in Southeast Asia to receive such recognition from UNESCO. She said this development continued with the success of Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah which was recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023, making Malaysia among the countries with more than one international-class geopark. In addition to these two UNESCO-listed geoparks, Liew noted that Malaysia now has 12 national geoparks that have been recognised by the National Geoparks Committee, each of which features its own unique geology, biodiversity and cultural heritage. 'This effort strengthens Malaysia's position on the world stage in the field of geoheritage preservation and empowers sustainable development at the national and global levels,' she said. Given the unique geology and culture as well as the diversity of ecosystems in our country, the minister stressed that this phenomenon provides great potential for more areas to be developed as geoparks in the future. Liew called on all relevant parties to continue their support for more effective geopark management. 'Local communities in particular can be ambassadors for their respective geopark areas in promoting and preserving these natural treasures. For the private sector, I would encourage more investment in sustainable, ethical and responsible geotourism.' This year (2025) marks the second anniversary of Kinabalu Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Despite this geopark recognition, Liew reminded all stakeholders that there are still many challenges that they need to face together. Among the main challenges confronting efforts in the development of a geopark, she said, are human and financial resource constraints, lack of public awareness of the value of geoheritage, uncontrolled development, and the need for better coordination between government agencies and local authorities. 'It is for this reason that the Sabah Parks management organised this Malaysia Geoparks Network Conference to bring together experts from various sectors from across the country to exchange their views and experiences in managing geopark areas,' said Liew. The conference (participated by three delegates from the Federation of Russia too) can also build and strengthen a network of cooperation between relevant parties, and identify issues and challenges in forming a national strategy towards more sustainable geopark development, she added. Also present were the chairman of Sabah Parks Peter Lintar, director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lakim, Global Geoparks Network Vice-President, Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Ibrahim Komoo, Sabah Parks Senior Principal Assistant Director (International Relations), Dr Nasrulhakim Maidin Director, Deputy Director of the Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG Sabah), Jenneth Liliana Cyril, and Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Datuk Hj Mohd Hanan.
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
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The UK lidos, sea pools and splash pads that are free to get into – perfect for the hot weather
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS Britain basks in highs of up to 25C, there is no better place to cool off than a lido, paddling pool or splash pad - and many across the country are free. Most paddling pools and splash pads, often found in parks, are free across the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 There are may of lidos, outdoor swimming pools, sea pools, splash pads and paddling pools across the UK Credit: Alamy 5 As temperatures warm up, you will want to know which won't hurt your pocket Credit: Supplied Lidos tend to charge for admission, but are usually under £10 per person. Free to all Free supersized paddling pools and splash pads can be found across the UK, in parks and near community venues. For example, Hampstead Heath Paddling Pools reopens on May 24 and boasts a shallow pool, great for little kids. Stoke Park paddling pool in Guildford is another option, with a large pool with wheelchair access. Splash pads, such as Great Hollands in Wokingham, are also great for little ones - this one features 13 water soakers, two bucket drenchers, fountain jets and water tunnels. As for lidos, in Swansea, Blackpill Lido is free to all and booking is not required. The site also has a children's play area, with a paddling pool, climbing rock and picnic area. Sea pools are also a good free alternative to lidos, including Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham, Devon. Set in The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, Shoalstone Seawater Pool stretches 53 metres and is one of only a few tidal pools remaining in the country. Alternatively, head to Bude Sea Pool - a semi-natural tidal pool on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean. The UK lido compared to Australia with amazing sea views from the pool - Instagram shoalstonepool Some locations also offer free passes for special occasions or promotional periods. For example, Park Road Leisure Centre and Lido in North London offers a free day pass to test out the facilities. In Cornwall, Jubilee Pool will soon be celebrating it's 90th anniversary and as a result is giving away free tickets. Free for certain age groups Many lidos, outdoor pools and attractions offer free tickets for under three-year-old's and over 60s. It is worth checking whether the pool or lido near you offers this. 5 Bude Sea Pool is free to all, for example Credit: Facebook 5 And so is Blackpill Lido in Swansea, Wales Credit: Alamy Free for local residents Depending on where you live, your local council might give out free swim passes or access to lidos in your area. For example, if you are a Hackney resident under 18-years-old, over 60-years-old, disabled or a carer - you can swim for free at Britannia Leisure Centre, Clissold Leisure Centre and Kings Hall Leisure Centre. Often you will need to bring proof of address and age to get free access, but it is worth looking into if you area offers such a scheme. Free at specific times A number of lidos will be free at specific times, for example Parliament Hill Lido is free to under 16s and over 60s before 9:30am. The Sun also created a list of the UK's best outdoor water parks and lidos. Plus, the new indoor waterpark with 500-room hotel and restaurants moves closer to opening in UK after success in US.
Barnama
04-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Tourism Malaysia Intensifies Industry Collaboration For VMY2026 Success
GENERAL ALOR SETAR, May 4 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia today convened a high-level engagement session with industry stakeholders in Langkawi, marking a significant step in operational preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Planning) Shahrin Mokhtar said the session involving tourism industry players focused on efforts to intensify promotional strategy implementation, enhance tourism products and strengthen public-private sector cooperation to support VMY2026 goals. 'The selection of 'Malaysia: Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destination' as VMY2026's theme reflects the nation's aspiration to position Malaysia as an exclusive destination that balances tourism development with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. 'Langkawi is a world-class tourism destination renowned for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and unique flora and fauna diversity. Besides being recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi is also known as a premier tourism destination that emphasises sustainability values,' he said in a statement today. The session, officiated by Kedah State Economic Planning Division director Junaidi Abdul Rani@Abdul Ghani, was also attended by Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive Officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, along with representatives from government agencies, tourism associations, airlines, hotel operators, tourism product providers and local travel agents. Shahrin said the Kedah government's continuous commitment to strengthening green tourism initiatives continues to position Langkawi as one of the main destinations in energising VMY2026. 'Among the efforts implemented are environmental area conservation, rebranding of existing tourism products and encouragement of sustainability-based activities to enrich tourist experiences on the island. 'With continuous support from various parties, Langkawi is believed to remain a strategic asset in making VMY2026 a success, establishing Malaysia as a premier sustainable and resilient tourism destination,' he said. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tourism Malaysia steps up VMY2026 preparations with Langkawi dialogue
Tourism Malaysia held a high-level engagement session with industry stakeholders in Langkawi today, marking a significant step in operational preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Planning) Shahrin Mokhtar said the session, which involved tourism industry players, focused on intensifying promotional strategies, enhancing tourism products and strengthening public–private sector cooperation to support the goals of VMY2026. "The selection of 'Malaysia: Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destination' as the theme for VMY2026 reflects the nation's aspiration to position Malaysia as an exclusive destination that balances tourism development with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. "Langkawi is a world-class tourism destination renowned for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and diverse flora and fauna. In addition to being recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi is known as a premier destination that upholds sustainability values," he said in a statement today. The session was officiated by Kedah State Economic Planning Division director Junaidi Abdul Rani@Abdul Ghani and attended by Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, along with representatives from government agencies, tourism associations, airlines, hotel operators, tourism product providers and local travel agents. Shahrin said the Kedah government's continued commitment to green tourism initiatives has helped position Langkawi as one of the key destinations in energising VMY2026. "Among the initiatives undertaken are environmental conservation, the rebranding of existing tourism products and the promotion of sustainability-based activities to enrich the tourist experience on the island. "With continued support from various stakeholders, Langkawi is expected to remain a strategic asset in making VMY2026 a success and in positioning Malaysia as a premier sustainable and resilient tourism destination," he said.
