UNESCO Reviews the Status of Indonesia's Meratus Geopark

SOUTH KALIMANTAN, KOMPAS.com - General Secretary of the Global Geopark Network (GGN) Guy Martini is in South Kalimantan province to review the preparations of the Meratus Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp).

During his visit from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, the GGN official will see several sites at the geopark.

"We will work together with the local team to review the condition [of the sites], then provide opinions and recommendations [to the local government] for the development of the Meratus Geopark," he said during a meeting with South Kalimantan regional secretary Roy Rizali Anwar on Tuesday. Oct. 25.

The GGN general secretary and his team are scheduled to visit a diamond mining site in Pumpung Village, Cempaka Sub-district, Banjarbaru City, which is one of the cultural heritage of the geopark.

Also read: UNESCO Assessors to Visit Meratus Geopark in Indonesias South Kalimantan

They will also go to Curiak Island to see the Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), which are a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Meratus Mountains.

Besides, the team will travel to Loksado Sub-district, Hulu Sungai Tengah District, to meet the Dayak community, visit Malaris traditional hall, as well as review local geoproducts made from cinnamon.

Meanwhile, the South Kalimantan regional secretary said he hoped that the GGN general secretary’s visit would increase support for Meratus Geopark’s bid to become a UGGp.

"We are looking forward to Mr. Guy's [Martini’s] support and recommendations [on Meratus Geopark]," he said.

Roy added that his administration will carry out an evaluation based on the recommendations of the UNESCO team so that Meratus Geopark can become a global geopark and provide more economic, social, and cultural benefits to the community.

Also read: UNESCO Designates Indonesia’s Maros-Pangkep Karst Forest as New Geopark

The status is also expected to increase the number of tourists to the region, which will have a positive impact on the people and help increase awareness about protecting the environment, he said.

"Hopefully, it [Meratus Geopark] will be ready and included in the UGGp next year," he added.

The UNESCO assessment on Meratus Geopark will take place in 2023. Currently, Indonesia has 19 geoparks, 6 of which have become global geoparks.

Meratus Geopark was declared a national geopark in November 2018.

Source: State News Antara