Indonesia’s Toba Caldera Recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark

KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Toba Caldera Geopark is now listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, positioning the nature destination in the Global Geopark Network and Asia Pacific Geoparks Network.

UNESCO decided on this recognition during its 209th Executive Board Session on July 7 in Paris.

Indonesia’s Toba Caldera Geopark is part of Sumatra island’s renowned Lake Toba.

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It has steadily gained popularity for its landscape that have invited millions of domestic and international travelers.

Lake Toba is one of Southeast Asia's largest tekto-volcanic natural lakes.

The information on the UNESCO recognition was confirmed by the Spokesperson for Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry Faizasyah.

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The update is also featured on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Twitter page.

“The preparation for the Toba Caldera Geopark to be recognized by UNESCO demonstrates the strong commitment and cooperation by all parties in Indonesia from the very start," said Indonesian Ambassador to France Arrmanantha Nasir. "From data gathering to conducting workshops, organization, and negotiating the nomination document to submit to UNESCO.”

The recognition means that Indonesia succeeded in convincing UNESCO that the Toba Caldera has geological ties and traditions to the local society.

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This is mainly in terms of culture and biodiversity. UNESCO Member-States agreed to protect and preserve Indonesia’s Toba Caldera as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The evaluation process for the recognition was conducted between August 31 until September 2, 2019, during the 4th UNESCO Global Geoparks International Conference.

Indonesia’s Toba Caldera is the fifth geopark to be recognized by UNESCO after Batur, Cileteuh, Gunung Sewu, and Rinjani.

Ambassador Arrmanantha said the listing of Indonesia’s Toba Caldera as a UNESCO Global Geopark benefits the surrounding communities.

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Local communities will have the chance to promote their culture and local products to a wider audience. In turn, job creation opportunities will also expand.

Ambassador Arrmanantha mentioned that it is the responsibility of the government and local society to protect Toba Caldera’s environmental beauty as well as the preservation of the area.

(Writer: Luthfia Ayu Azanella | Editor: Virdita Rizki Ratriani) 

Source: https://www.kompas.com/tren/read/2020/07/08/141812465/kaldera-toba-ditetapkan-jadi-unesco-global-geopark