KOTA KINABALU: Rural community will get more spillover economic benefits from Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark.
Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said the 4,750 km square geopark covers three districts which are Kundasang in Ranau, Kota Belud and Kota Marudu.
“This geopark focuses on three aspects including conservation, building of infrastructure and basic facilities and involving locals in the social economy.
“On how tourism income can be channelled to the community at the villages is through (tourism activities at) geopark. In short, geopark enhances rural tourism (development),” he told reporters after the opening of National Geopark Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Implementation Plan of the National Geopark in the state of Sabah 2023 at a hotel here.
Commenting on the 10-year development plan, Maklarin said that the new initiative would be more inclusive as it involves multi agencies.
Earlier, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment ministry permanent secretary Datuk Yusrie Abdullah confirmed that the ministry had received the document of the plan and it would be presented to the state cabinet for endorsement.
"I hope that the formulated plan not only focuses on physical development aspects but also on the conservation of natural diversity and the uniqueness of local culture.
“It is also essential to emphasise the provision of eco-friendly facilities and infrastructure, as well as sustainable tourism practices.
“We need to ensure that visitors to the Geopark can enjoy a valuable experience without leaving a negative impact on the environment."
Yusrie’s speech was read by his deputy permanent secretary Alesia Sion.
Present were Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Biodiversity and Forestry Management division secretary Norsham Abdul Latip and Sabah Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia director Dr. Ferederick Francis Tating.
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