More recognition awaits Kinabalu
Ranau: The Kinabalu Park is inching closer towards becoming the bearer of yet another of Unesco’s recognitions with efforts to introduce the area as a Global Geosite.
Sabah Park Director Dr Jamili Nais said the proposal will once again harness the spirit of camaraderie between the State Government, Sabah Parks and the communities surrounding Mount Kinabalu towards achieveing the common good.
“Within Unesco there are three main recognitions, namely World Heritage Site, Global Geopark and as a Biosphere Reserve via the Man And Biosphere Programme.
“Kinabalu Park is already recognised as a World Heritage Site, while the Crocker Range Park has already been acknowledged as a Biosphere Reserve. That leaves us with one last recognition to attain, which is as a Global Geopark. And as far as I can recall, there is only one single place on earth where all three recognitions were successfully obtained, and that’s Jeju Island in Korea,” he said.
Jamili said should the effort to vie for the Global Goepark status from Unesco resulted in a favorable outcome, then we could laud to the whole world that Mount Kinabalu and Crocker Range have attained the coveted Unesco “Tripple Crown”.
Jamili said this in his welcoming speech at the Kinabalu Geopark Proposal (Siri 1/2017) briefing that was held at the Rafflesia Meeting Room in Kinabalu National Park on Friday.
To make it all happen, four proffessors from the National Professors Council – Prof Emeritus Dato Dr Ibrahim Komoo, Prof Dr Che Aziz Ali, Prof Dr Sanuddin Tahir and Prof Dato Dr Norzaini Azman – were present at the briefing.
“Prof Emeritus Dato Dr Ibrahim Komoo is an old friend of Sabah because through his hardwork, the Kinabalu Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. He is here again to spark a new venture for the third recognition.
“Along with him are three other professors, including Sabah born Prof Dr Sanuddin Tahir. Together with the State Government, Sabah Parks as well as the communities surrounding the foot of Mount Kinabalu, we will strive for the repute,” said Jamili.
Meanwhile, he said that to achieve the title is actually not Sabah Park’s main priority, but the co-operation and relationship between Kinabalu Park and the surreounding communities.
“This goes in line with the fundemental essence of a Global Geosite when summed up in a nutshell, which is the concept to foster a beneficial bonding between the environment and the community.
“This means our pledge as the community to care for the invironment, not only for this generation, but also our descendents for thousands of years in the future, so that they too will be able to breath fresh air, drink fresh water and live in a secured environment that is enough to be enjoyed by all,” he said. – Clarence G Dol
Source: Daily Express
