Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark celebrates 10th anniversary

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has drawn up a series of activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (LUGG).

This comprehensive year-long programme sees more exchange of geopark conservation knowledge that will put Malaysia’s first global geopark and also Southeast Asia’s first geopark on firmer footing and position it on a level playing field alongside established international geopark communities.

A six-month schedule between July and December comprising field visits abroad in China and South Korea are bound to cement Langkawi’s prestigious status as the premier geopark site in the Asia Pacific region.

The first overseas trip is a visit by LUGG delegates to Zhijindong Cave to attend the 5th Asia Pacific Geopark Network Symposium of Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark in the Guizhou Province, China, between 27 and 29 September.

Royal Patron of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, the Temenggong Kedah, is scheduled to grace another UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) in Jeju, South Korea between 3 and 7 October.

Among activities in the pipeline are two Global Geopark Communication programmes with the Muroto UGG, Japan, and Gunung Sewu UGG, Indonesia.

On the home front, LUGG hosts a coral reef conservation programme in Pulau Dangli, off Langkawi in August and November.

LADA organised a Geopark Day to engage the local community to appreciate the achievement of its 10th anniversary on June 7.

Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark adviser Prof. Dr Ibrahim Komoo had on the occasion outlined the importance of LUGG and this was followed by a talk by Ustaz Mahmud Hassan who shed light on the linkage between human being and the environment from the Islamic perspective. At the event, LADA handed out uniforms to 21 Langkawi Global Geopark Ambassadors who are active local community leaders promoting geopark.

Meanwhile, the highlight of events that LADA organised was the Second Regional Workshop of the Asia Pacific Geopark Network (AGPN) in Langkawi between May 8 and 12.

Some 47 delegates from seven countries, namely Malaysia, Myanmar, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia, took part in a five-day regional training course to discuss topics related to geoparks in the Asia Pacific to hone the skills and build capacity of Geopark stakeholders within the vast region. Tunku Puteri Intan was on hand to grace the opening ceremony.

Of the topics discussed were Chinese and Japanese geopark experience, field visits, governance, community engagement and public education field.

Also present at the course were Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) CEO Datuk Haji Azizan Noordin and LADA manager (Geopark Division and Conservation) Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari.

Delegates upgraded their knowledge through talks and discussions and adjourned to the scenic Geopark sites at various locations in fun-filled activities with in-depth narrations from guided tours.

Among the places they visited on Geopark Day was the Skycab ride for a panoramic birds’ eye view of Langkawi from vantage point on the platform at the peak of Gunung Machinchang.