KOTA BELUD: The Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGP) has proven to bring economic benefits to various layers of society, particularly impacting approximately 291,300 residents across three districts.
Encompassing 4,750 square kilometers, KUGGP spans Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Ranau, involving 423 villages.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that the geopark provides numerous opportunities for the community, emphasising income growth through tourism activities and cultural preservation in the respective areas.
The geopark, with its 423 villages, presents significant economic prospects, including business opportunities, employment, and tourism.
"The geopark's existence offers benefits such as global marketing opportunities, ultimately increasing tourist influx to the Geopark area.
"Additionally, educational programmes and awareness initiatives regarding sustainability practices in the geopark area add value to agricultural yields."
He added that the infrastructure development in the geopark area would lead to road network improvements and public facilities, facilitating the transportation of agricultural products and creating new business opportunities such as homestays.
This, in turn, generates new job opportunities, including local tour guides.
Hajiji was speaking during the inauguration of the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGP) Appreciation Ceremony and the Launch of Sabah Parks' Diamond Jubilee Celebration at Dataran Kota Belud on Saturday.
Hajiji added that the geopark recognition is a significant achievement for the state under the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative, aligned with the concept of envisioning the area as a global geotourism destination in the future.
The three main focuses of the geopark—natural resource conservation, basic infrastructure development, and socioeconomic upliftment for local residents—need special attention.
"The National Geopark Development Plan 2021-2030 has been received from the State Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.
"We will bring it to the Sabah State Cabinet for approval to be adopted by the state government."
The Kinabalu Geopark received recognition from Unesco in Paris on May 24, last year.