TUARAN: The State Government is exploring the proposal to expand the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGp) to include parts of the Tuaran district, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said preliminary findings from the Geo-Sulaman Scientific Expedition (EGOS 2025) conducted in April 2025 showed Tuaran has distinctive geological features, rich biodiversity, significant cultural heritage and valuable community knowledge.
“These assets merit careful study, documentation and where appropriate, inclusion within a broader conservation and sustainable development framework to strengthen Sabah’s ecological and ecotourism connectivity,” he said at the closing ceremony of the KUGGp Revalidation Mission at the Rumpun Bajau Sama Cultural Centre in Lok Batik here on Friday.
His speech was delivered by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
At the moment, he said KUGGp covers approximately 4,750 square kilometres across three districts – Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and part of Ranau. Managing an area of this scale, with multiple administrative jurisdictions and diverse communities, requires a clear, coordinated and long-term strategy.
Accordingly, Hajiji said the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark Management Plan 2026–2035 replaced the Interim Management Plan 2021–2025.
“The new Plan integrates the geopark’s principal pillars – resource conservation, research, education and socio-economic development and will be implemented in three phases (foundation-building, acceleration and transformation), guided by nine strategic themes toward 2035,” he said.
Hajiji said the KUGGp revalidation mission, which began on Aug 10, is not merely about retaining a UNESCO designation, but an opportunity to strengthen institutions, improve management, deepen community participation and ensure UNESCO’s values are translated into tangible action on the ground.
“Let us commit to converting international recognition into stronger conservation, improved education, resilient communities and fairer economic opportunities for our people.
“Our aspiration is clear. By 2035, the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGp) should be a globally recognised model of integrated landscape management, a place where conservation, community well-being and sustainable prosperity reinforce one another,” he said.
Hajiji said that in this respect, the KUGGp has been strengthened with a clear governance structure, while key committees, namely Infrastructure and Community Empowerment; Conservation and Geotourism; Tourism and Promotion; and Networking and Collaboration under the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry operate with overall strategic direction provided by the Sabah Geopark Steering Committee.
This structure reflects an important principle: the geopark is a shared responsibility, he said, adding that a key initiative has been the establishment of Infrastructure and Community Empowerment Committees coordinated by the respective District Offices across the KUGGp territory.
“Through this mechanism, local development needs and community capacity-building priorities are identified and coordinated, enabling more integrated action that directly responds to local needs.
“Coordinated committee efforts have expanded programmes such as the Geopark Outreach Programme and Geopark Camp, and have strengthened collaboration with industry players, site operators, educational institutions and other stakeholders through the Geopark Partner and Geopark School initiatives.
“These programmes are important steps toward building skills, creating livelihoods and broadening opportunities for local communities,” he said.
According to the Chief Minister, UNESCO recognition must deliver more than international prestige, but it must provide meaningful, sustainable opportunities to benefit the community through responsible tourism and geotourism, community-based enterprises, local product development, cultural experiences, education, skills training, employment and participation in decision-making.
“This approach aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development plan for 2026–2030, which aims to drive a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable Sabah while ensuring development contributes to the welfare of our people.
“For KUGGp, that means expanding market access, strengthening local entrepreneurship, improving appropriate infrastructure and ensuring communities are active partners in shaping development, not merely passive beneficiaries,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the UNESCO evaluators, Dr Zhang Yuanhai and Dr Atsuko Niina, for their expertise and diligence during the KUGGp Revalidation Mission 2026.
He said every UNESCO Global Geopark undergoes revalidation every four years and this process is essential not only to maintain international recognition but to ensure the geopark continues to meet UNESCO’s standards, principles and responsibilities.
“We also thank the scientific advisers of KUGGp, Sabah Parks as the lead agency, Federal and State government agencies, institutions of higher learning, district offices, local authorities, community leaders and local communities, and every organisation and individual whose efforts have made this revalidation mission a success,” he said.-pr/BNN
