Final Unesco assessment for Sarawak Delta Geopark next week

Handout photo shows one of the locations under the Sarawak Delta Geopark.
KUCHING (June 17): The Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) will undergo its final and most critical step in securing the Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) status, as the field evaluation mission takes place next week.
A statement published by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) said the mission will be conducted from June 23 to 26 by two highly regarded Unesco evaluators, namely Jean-Simon Pagès from France and Antonio Garcia Jiménez from Spain.
According to the statement, both evaluators bring extensive experience in geopark assessment and management.
'Their findings will be instrumental in determining whether the Sarawak Delta Geopark meets the strict international standards required for official designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco),' the statement added.
During the four-day evaluation, the experts will tour various significant locations across the Sarawak Delta region that collectively demonstrate its rich geological, biological, and cultural diversity.
Key areas they will explore include the Schist Tuang Semeba and Paku Rock Maze in Bau, known for their distinctive geological features, as well as the Wind Cave Nature Reserve in Bau, which highlights both geological and biological importance.
The Semenggoh Nature Reserve in Padawan, home to diverse flora and fauna, will also be part of the itinerary.
Cultural heritage will be prominently showcased through visits to the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching and the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, both serving as important centres for preserving and promoting local traditions.
The evaluators will also make their way to Kampung Peros in Krokong, Bau, an example of a kampung geopark, and SMK Paku in Bau, a geopark school actively involved in education and awareness related to geoconservation.
Additional strategic locations throughout the aspiring geopark area will also be assessed.
'This evaluation mission holds great significance, not only for the potential Unesco recognition but also for showcasing Sarawak's commitment to sustainable development, geoconservation, education, and community empowerment.
'It is a vital opportunity to present the region's efforts in preserving its natural and cultural heritage through inclusive and forward-thinking geopark initiatives,' the statement added.
The Sarawak Delta Geopark covers an area of 3,112 square kilometres and is characterised by stunning landscapes, remarkable geological formations, and a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures.
These communities not only depend on the natural resources of the area but also play a crucial role in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural practices that are deeply intertwined with the environment.
The region's geological history is particularly notable, with rock formations and features dating back around 250 million years, shaped by significant tectonic activity.
These geological processes are part of a broader narrative that connects Southeast Asia with other regions, including Europe and Asia, making many of the sites within the Sarawak Delta of international geological importance.

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