UNESCO Global Geoparks:

Sustainability Science in Action

Ibrahim KomooVice Chair, UNESCO Global Geoparks Council

Vice President, Global Geoparks Network Association

Coordinator, Asia Pacific Geoparks Network

Advisor, Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark

Chair, Langkawi Research Center (PPL)

c/o LESTARI-UKM, Malaysia

ikomoo@ukm.edu.my

Project’s Second Regional/ Thematic Symposium | 19 - 21 Disember 2016

WHAT IS GEOPARK?

an area where international geoheritage sites are manage with holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development

• natural and cultural heritage are linked to enhance understanding of key issues facing society;

• give local community the sense of pride of their region; and

• creation of innovative local enterpriseKilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi

Project’s Second Regional/ Thematic Symposium | 19 - 21 Disember 2016

FRAMEWORK FOR GEOPARK DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Community as a key player Capacity building of local

community Education on heritage Strengthening of ‘shared values’

HERITAGE CONSERVATION Conservation of geological,

biological and cultural heritage Integrated conservation of natural

and cultural heritage Sustainable utilisation of heritage

resources without destruction

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Balancing mass and specialised

tourism Geotourism as a part of

knowledge-based tourisms Innovative tourism products

Project’s Second Regional/ Thematic Symposium | 19 - 21 Disember 2016

SUCCESS STORY

2004 - 2016: • 120 UNESCO Global

Geoparks in 33 countries• 46 UNESCO Global

Geoparks in Asia Pacific• 1 UNESCO Global Geopark

in Malaysia (Langkawi, Kedah)

• 5 Aspiring National Geoparks in Malaysia

Project’s Second Regional/ Thematic Symposium | 19 - 21 Disember 2016

Lanzarote UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain

GEOPARK IS ABOUT..

• promote protection of geoheritage sites

• encourage integrated nature and cultural heritage conservation

• bottom-up approach/ model for regional sustainable development

• local community participation in sustainable tourism (geotourism)

• work in progress, sustainable development in action

Project’s Second Regional/ Thematic Symposium | 19 - 21 Disember 2016

thank you

Jeju UNESCO Global Geopark, Koreaç