Sabah's Kinabalu National Geopark declared as Global Geopark by Unesco

KOTA KINABALU — Sabah has achieved a remarkable feat by being recognised as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Triple Crown site, making it the third destination in the world to receive such a prestigious title.

This recognition came after the declaration of the Kinabalu National Geopark as the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark, announced by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor on Friday (May 26).

Sabah now proudly stands alongside Jeju Island in Korea and Shennongjia in China as the only places in the world with three Unesco titles.

The decision was made by the Unesco executive board in Paris on Wednesday.

Kinabalu Park's other two Unesco "crowns" are Mount Kinabalu, which was declared a World Heritage Site on Dec 2, 2000, and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve which was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve on June 12, 2014.

"This is a significant achievement for the state government under its Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya initiatives through the Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry and Sabah Parks," said Chief Minister Noor.

"The Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark, covering an area of 4,750 square kilometres, is now officially a Global Geotourism destination, adding significant value to Sabah's existing eco-tourism products.

"The Geopark is home to many endemic plants and animals, including 90 orchid species found only on Mount Kinabalu.

"This includes the crimson-headed partridge bird, which is not found anywhere else on earth, and it will bring direct and indirect benefits to Sabah's socioeconomy, particularly to more than 290,000 local communities within the districts of Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Ranau," he added.

With the declaration of the Kinabalu National Geopark as a Unesco Global Geopark, there are now 195 geoparks in the world located in 48 countries.

The Unesco Global Geopark label recognises the geological heritage of international significance.

Geoparks serve local communities by combining the conservation of their significant geological heritage with public outreach and a sustainable approach to development. NEW STRAITS TIMES