Latest news with #UnescoGlobalGeopark
BBC News
15 hours ago
- BBC News
Charnwood Forest: Bid to win Unesco status for historic landscape
A landscape in Leicestershire could be set for the world stage as a bid is made to secure a prestigious international application to get Unesco Global Geopark status for Charnwood Forest is being led by The National area in the north of the county is home to attractions including Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill, and is famous for its landscapes and ancient fossil behind the bid said an application would be submitted to Unesco later this year with international evaluators visiting the site in 2026. If the application is successful, the designation would be awarded in the spring of 2027. Geoparks are areas of outstanding geology that are used by local communities to promote sustainable economic development, conservation, and education, organisers are currently 229 Unesco Global Geoparks in 50 Forest Geopark has been developed over the past four years as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported scheme, hosted by the National site has a geological story that dates back nearly 600 million years, and is home to some of the oldest animal fossils ever include a 560 million-year-old fossil representing the earliest known animal predator. Since 2020, a partnership comprising several organisations including Bradgate Park Trust, Leicestershire County Council, the Environment Agency and the British Geological Survey, has been working to try to raise the profile of Charnwood Jack Matthews, a geo-heritage officer who is part of the team behind the application, said: "Since the discovery of our famous fossil Charnia by two schoolchildren in the 1950s, Charnwood Forest has been one of our planet's most important places to visit and understand how animals first evolved."The Geopark is promoting this fascinating story through new interpretation at sites across Charnwood Forest, welcoming local people and visitors to learn more about their oldest animal ancestors and support local businesses while they're here."From rocks and fossils to our unique human history, and biodiversity, Charnwood Forest has many layers of heritage, and with Unesco Global Geopark status we can share these with even more people."
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Call to protect customary land and herbal heritage at Tuaran village
The cleared site in Kampung Lumawang. KOTA KINABALU (July 25): Urgent action is needed to protect a vital piece of Sabah's cultural and ecological heritage — the customary land in Kampung Lumawang, Tuaran, which houses Malaysia's first Customary School (SAANS) and a valuable herbal plant conservation site. Sabah Indigenous Peoples' Association (Sunduan Nabalu) president Shalmon Sanangan said the site is not only a centre of indigenous knowledge but is also slated for inclusion in the Unesco Good Safeguarding Practices, with a scheduled Unesco visit in November. However, he warned that the land is under serious threat due to ongoing development, which has already reduced Kampung Lumawang's customary land from over 150 acres to just ten acres. Shalmon Sanangan Shalmon, who also sits on the National Customary Heritage Expert Committee, said: 'This land is more than just soil — it is the heart of our efforts to preserve botanical treasures and irreplaceable traditional knowledge. The loss of this site would also mean the collapse of our unique Customary School model.' The area currently serves as the only teacher training hub for SAANS in Sabah, with 26 principals already trained and stationed across the state. The programme also plays a key role in conserving endangered native languages and indigenous knowledge systems. The historical significance of the site stretches back to pre-Japanese era settlements, serving as a traditional transport base during the British era. An oath stone still stands in the area, symbolising its undeniable status as indigenous customary land. Several local and international institutions have recognised the site's importance, including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) — through its Native Customary School Living Lab — UiTM, the International University of Nagasaki, Japan, and the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC). SaBC is currently considering the site as part of its expansion plans for the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark to Tuaran. Shalmon added that losing the site would also undermine Sabah's efforts to earn the prestigious 'Triple Crown of Borneo' recognition, which encompasses ecological, cultural, and geological excellence. 'We urge the state government to act immediately to protect the remaining ten acres of customary land for future generations,' he stressed. Issuing a stern warning, Shalmon declared: 'If developers continue to destroy the herbs and sacred land here, I will escalate this matter to the Prime Minister and, if needed, to His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.' He concluded that the ongoing destruction represents a tragedy threatening Sabah's rich cultural, historical and ecological legacy — one that all stakeholders must act swiftly to preserve.
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Deputy Minister: New Bako Research Station to bolster Sarawak's biodiversity, conservation efforts
Len Talif (second left) signs the plaque during the launch. Also seen are Abang Arabi (right), Sulong (left) and Dr Ahmad Hata (second right). – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING: The newly established Bako Research Station at Bako National Park near will enable researchers to conduct more in-depth biodiversity and climate-related studies, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said the research station, which will be utilised primarily by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), represents a significant step forward in enhancing research collaboration and advancing Sarawak's conservation and sustainability agenda. 'This is a historic day for us. While the research station is located within Bako National Park, we hope its use will extend beyond the park's boundaries, particularly to the surrounding ecosystems such as the nearby mudflats and Kuching Wetlands Ramsar Site,' he told reporters after officiating at the station's launch at the national park here yesterday. Gazetted in 1957 as Sarawak's first national park, Bako covers 2,742 hectares at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is also part of the Sarawak Delta Geopark, which recently underwent final evaluation for the Unesco Global Geopark status. Len Talif said the dynamic nature of biodiversity within the park reinforces the need for continuous research, especially in light of growing environmental challenges such as climate change. 'We already have extensive data collected over the years, but because biodiversity here is dynamic, we need to continue monitoring changes and understand how climate change impacts the environment and wildlife ― not just here but across Sarawak,' he said. He also called for greater community involvement in research-related efforts, particularly in areas such as the mudflats where local residents depend on natural resources such as 'ambal' (razor clams) for their livelihoods. 'I have proposed meaningful engagement between Unimas and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to see how the community here can benefit. This is to ensure proper mudflat management where research outcomes can be utilised by students or any experts interested in this area,' he said. Len Talif highlighted Bako's potential as a hub for cross-disciplinary and international research, urging universities beyond Unimas to explore collaboration opportunities with SFC. 'Unimas and SFC can form a strong synergy and elevate Sarawak's visibility on the international stage. 'With the right partnerships, we can turn this into a gold standard research hub ― supporting not just academic excellence but also better park management and conservation outcomes,' he added. He emphasised that public education is crucial to dispel misconceptions about national parks, particularly the belief that gazetting an area for conservation deprives local communities of opportunities. Len Talif (fifth left), Abang Arabi (fourth left), Sulong (sixth left), Dr Ahmad Hata (eighth left) join other dignitaries in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to symbolically officiate the launch of the Bako Research Station. – Photo by Roystein Emmor 'Many do not realise that national parks bring long-term benefits, not only for the ecosystem but also for the people who live in or around them. This is why education and outreach are key,' he stressed. Earlier, Unimas vice chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said Bako Research Station marks the university's first facility, a result of ongoing collaboration between Unimas and SFC. 'This research station plays a vital role in Unimas' plan to elevate the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) into a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, and to establish it as a Biodiversity NEXUS not just nationally, but globally,' he said. He said that the station strengthens the role of Unimas and Sarawak as leaders in biodiversity research and environmental conservation, particularly in the context of tropical forest ecosystems. 'The strategic location within Bako National Park will serve as a field research hub not only in biodiversity, but also for sociocultural studies and sustainable tourism. 'With this station in place, researchers will be able to carry out field data collection more efficiently,' he said. He added that the station will serve not only Unimas students and lecturers but also international researchers and other relevant external agencies as a reference and training site. 'I am confident that this initiative will be the foundation for many impactful research endeavours contributing not only to academic advancement but also to the preservation of Sarawak's natural heritage,' said Dr Ahmad Hata. Also present at the launch were Unimas Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie and SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. Bako National Park Bako Research Station biodiversity Len Talif Salleh
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
New Bako Research Station to bolster Sarawak's biodiversity, conservation efforts ―Deputy Minister
KUCHING: The newly established Bako Research Station at Bako National Park near will enable researchers to conduct more in-depth biodiversity and climate-related studies, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said the research station, which will be utilised primarily by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), represents a significant step forward in enhancing research collaboration and advancing Sarawak's conservation and sustainability agenda. 'This is a historic day for us. While the research station is located within Bako National Park, we hope its use will extend beyond the park's boundaries, particularly to the surrounding ecosystems such as the nearby mudflats and Kuching Wetlands Ramsar Site,' he told reporters after officiating at the station's launch at the national park here yesterday. Gazetted in 1957 as Sarawak's first national park, Bako covers 2,742 hectares at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is also part of the Sarawak Delta Geopark, which recently underwent final evaluation for the Unesco Global Geopark status. Len Talif said the dynamic nature of biodiversity within the park reinforces the need for continuous research, especially in light of growing environmental challenges such as climate change. 'We already have extensive data collected over the years, but because biodiversity here is dynamic, we need to continue monitoring changes and understand how climate change impacts the environment and wildlife ― not just here but across Sarawak,' he said. He also called for greater community involvement in research-related efforts, particularly in areas such as the mudflats where local residents depend on natural resources such as 'ambal' (razor clams) for their livelihoods. 'I have proposed meaningful engagement between Unimas and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to see how the community here can benefit. This is to ensure proper mudflat management where research outcomes can be utilised by students or any experts interested in this area,' he said. Len Talif highlighted Bako's potential as a hub for cross-disciplinary and international research, urging universities beyond Unimas to explore collaboration opportunities with SFC. 'Unimas and SFC can form a strong synergy and elevate Sarawak's visibility on the international stage. 'With the right partnerships, we can turn this into a gold standard research hub ― supporting not just academic excellence but also better park management and conservation outcomes,' he added. He emphasised that public education is crucial to dispel misconceptions about national parks, particularly the belief that gazetting an area for conservation deprives local communities of opportunities. 'Many do not realise that national parks bring long-term benefits, not only for the ecosystem but also for the people who live in or around them. This is why education and outreach are key,' he stressed. Earlier, Unimas vice chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said Bako Research Station marks the university's first facility, a result of ongoing collaboration between Unimas and SFC. 'This research station plays a vital role in Unimas' plan to elevate the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) into a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, and to establish it as a Biodiversity NEXUS not just nationally, but globally,' he said. He said that the station strengthens the role of Unimas and Sarawak as leaders in biodiversity research and environmental conservation, particularly in the context of tropical forest ecosystems. 'The strategic location within Bako National Park will serve as a field research hub not only in biodiversity, but also for sociocultural studies and sustainable tourism. 'With this station in place, researchers will be able to carry out field data collection more efficiently,' he said. He added that the station will serve not only Unimas students and lecturers but also international researchers and other relevant external agencies as a reference and training site. 'I am confident that this initiative will be the foundation for many impactful research endeavours contributing not only to academic advancement but also to the preservation of Sarawak's natural heritage,' said Dr Ahmad Hata. Also present at the launch were Unimas Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie and SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lenggong Valley surging in popularity as heritage tourism site
Saarani being greeted by participants at the UGGp dinner event on July 12. – BERNAMApic LENGGONG: Lenggong Valley continues to record rapid growth as a heritage tourism destination, with tourist arrivals soaring by over 280% in just two years. Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the number of tourists rose from 24,770 in 2022 to 114,182 last year, following continuous efforts to develop the area. "Tour guides saw their income increase by 237%, while accommodation providers recorded a 145% increase in revenue over the same period," he said at a dinner event here on Saturday (July 12). "This development has had a direct impact on the local economy, especially for rural communities, including traditional villages and the Orang Asli, who are now actively involved in tourism-related activities such as handicrafts, traditional food and homestay programmes,' he added. The dinner was in conjunction with the evaluation session of the Aspiring Lenggong Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) site. ALSO READ: Perak govt wants Tourism Ministry to help preserve, develop Lenggong Valley site Saarani said studies have identified several areas with development potential, involving 39 geosites, 11 geoarchaeological sites, eight biosites, and 21 cultural and heritage sites. "Five of these sites have been recognised for their international geological value, encompassing unique and interrelated elements of geological heritage, biodiversity, culture and archaeology. "This diversity of resources makes Lenggong Valley not only an important site for research activities but also a competitive international tourism destination,' he said. He also said the state government is actively strengthening Lenggong Valley's international standing through collaborations with various international geopark networks and participation in global conferences, including with Japan, South Korea and Turkey. "Lenggong Valley is no longer just a tourism destination, it is now a centre for human capital development based on heritage,' he added. Lenggong Valley, designated as a Unescp World Heritage Site since 2012, spans 22sq km, about 1% of the total 2,248sq km area of the Aspiring Lenggong Unesco Global Geopark. The UGGp area covers five subdistricts – Durian Pipit, Temelong, Lenggong, Kenering and Gerik – with a total population of 61,039 people. – Bernama
