BY AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI
SARAWAK Delta Geopark (SDGp) is an effort by the Sarawak government to preserve the sustainability of nature and sustainable management of areas of interest that have a high geosite value based.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that SDGp with an area of 311,246 hectares is the sixth National Geopark and the first of its kind in Sarawak.
“This recognition is an achievement for the government where this geopark is based on three main aspects of geological, biological and cultural heritage.
“The recognition of the SDGp will not change the existing development policy but will also develop the socioeconomics of the population through geotourism.
“The geotourism initiative will also integrate conservation efforts for natural resources and cultural heritage,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech in the State Legislative Assembly today.
Awang Tengah also added that 81 participants consisting of researchers and officials from various government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have joined research activities organised by the Sarawak Delta Geopark Expedition in Bau and Padawan.
“The expedition themed ‘Unearth the Natural, Cultural and Heritage Treasures’ was held to get information on geological, biological and cultural heritage and also involved participation from the local community as many as 200 people.
“Public awareness activities regarding SDGp have also been implemented involving the local community, students and tourism operators,” he said.
