BAU: The Bau Karst Geosite Development Project has the potential to become one of the main catalysts in enhancing the tourism sector in Sarawak.
This development project involves the detailed mapping of the geosite, conducted by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience, which remains highly committed to ensuring the realisation of its main objective without overlooking any party’s interests.
Deputy Director of the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia, Edward Muol, said that this mapping process includes characterising geological diversity, assessing heritage value, delineating sites, and proposing potential developments in the project area.
He added that the Bau Karst Geosite Development Project also plays a role in preparing plans for the preservation of key features and geosite conservation efforts.
“Indirectly, this effort will open opportunities for Bau Karst Geosite to be promoted as a geo-tourism product.
“Geo-tourism is a tourism concept that allows visitors to gain knowledge and understanding of the geology and geomorphology of a place, beyond mere aesthetic appreciation,” he said.
He stated this while speaking at the Geo-Tourism Product Promotion Program for the Bau Karst Geosite at Dewan Suarah Bau today.
Edward mentioned that this project falls under the Third and Fourth Rolling Plans of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12).
In 2023, the project began with engagement sessions and the collection of preliminary information in the field before a detailed study is conducted this year.
“A geosite is a geological site or landscape with scientific heritage value and/or aesthetic, recreational, and cultural value.
“Meanwhile, karst is defined as a topography/landscape formed from the dissolution of limestone.
“This geosite project covers three main locations, namely Fossil Trail Gua Angin, Lubang Posih Merembeh Caving Park, and Paku Rock Maze Garden. These areas feature formations derived from Bau Limestone,” he explained.
Edward highlighted that on a global scale, the vision of geoparks, which involves sustainable regional development based on conservation and utilization of natural heritage, especially geological and landscape heritage, has gained widespread support.
“In Sarawak, we have the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp), which was recognized as a national geopark on June 20, 2022.
“SDGp is highly committed and is moving towards UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) recognition by 2026,” he added.
Hence, he said, through the efforts of the Bau Karst Geosite Development Project, it is seen as a potential catalyst in achieving this aspiration.
Bau District Officer Constantine Gerald David Jonas, Geoscience Officer from the Geopark Management Unit Dr. Dana Badang, National Geopark Committee Chairman Professor Dr. Che Aziz Ali, and Chief Executive Officer of Borneo Geoscience Sdn Bhd James Bachat were also present at the program.
For the record, Bau Limestone is a massive limestone formation, and at its base, the formation consists of sandstone, shale, and conglomerates from the Krian Member.
The Bau Limestone Formation was formed during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous period, approximately 163 to 100 million years ago.
The formation of this limestone resulted from deposition in a very shallow marine environment with warm ocean currents far from terrestrial sediment sources. This process involved the accumulation of shells, coral reefs, and fragments of marine life, as well as the precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from seawater, forming the sedimentary rock known as limestone.
