LANGKAWI: The National Geoparks Committee has received 15 nominations nationwide, with the exception of Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, for recognition as geopark, says committee member Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo.
He said the growing interest among the states to establish their own geopark was due to the great success achieved by Langkawi after it was recognised as a Global Geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
“We are working hard to help them establish national geoparks (in the respective states),” he told reporters after the unveiling of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark’s new logo and launch of GeoCommunity programme by Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer, Tan Sri Khalid Ramli here today.
A geopark is a nationally protected area containing a number of geological heritage sites which are part of an integrated concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
Ibrahim said the establishment of a national geopark was the initial step before it was recognised as world-class geopark by UNESCO.
“This is the formula being used in Japan and China,” he added.