KUCHING: Sarawak Delta Geopark which is in its final stages of completion will be a model for regional sustainable development. The geopark will balance conservation of heritage resources, development of tourism infrastructure, and enhancement of local socio-economic activities. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the geopark would also benefit the state in many aspects including global publicity, promotion of Sarawak as an eco-friendly state and geo-tourism.
He added Sarawak recognised the importance of protecting, preserving and conserving the environment for sustainable development. “This is to ensure that the state’s economic model conforms to globally accepted principle of sustainable development.” His speech text was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan during the opening of Regional Geoheritage Conference (RGC) 2019 at a leading hotel here on Wednesday night.
The conference, themed ‘Celebrating Earth’s Legacy Through Geoheritage’, serves as a platform to promote and rebrand the state’s natural resources through geo-heritage. Abang Johari said the objective of the geopark is to provide development tools for integrated sustainable development which comprises nature heritage conservation, economic development and community development based on geo-heritage resources. The geopark framework concept has been accepted globally particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific countries as a suitable framework for sustainable development.
