TUARAN, Aug 14 — The Sabah government is studying a proposal to expand the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) to include parts of Tuaran district, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said preliminary findings from the Geo-Sulaman Scientific Expedition in April 2025 showed that Tuaran has unique geological features, rich biodiversity, significant cultural heritage and valuable community knowledge.

“These assets should be studied and documented carefully and, where appropriate, incorporated into a broader conservation and sustainable development framework to strengthen Sabah’s ecological connectivity and ecotourism,” he said at the closing ceremony of the KUGGp Revalidation Mission at the Rumpun Bajau Sama Cultural Centre in Lok Batik here today.

His speech was delivered by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

Hajiji said KUGGp currently covers an area of about 4,750 square kilometres across three districts, namely Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and parts of Ranau.

“Managing an area of this size, involving multiple administrative jurisdictions and diverse communities, requires a clear and coordinated long-term strategy.

“In this regard, the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark Management Plan 2026-2035 replaces the Interim Management Plan 2021-2025.

“The new plan integrates the geopark’s key pillars, namely resource conservation, research, education and socioeconomic development, and will be implemented in three phases – foundation building, acceleration and transformation – guided by nine strategic themes towards 2035,” he said.

He said the KUGGp Revalidation Mission, which began on Aug 10, was not merely about maintaining Unesco recognition, but was an opportunity to strengthen institutions, improve management, enhance community participation and ensure Unesco’s values were translated into tangible action on the ground.

According to him, Unesco recognition must provide more than international prestige by creating meaningful and sustainable opportunities for communities through responsible tourism and geotourism, community-based enterprises, local product development, cultural experiences, education, skills training, employment opportunities and participation in decision-making processes.

“This approach is in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development plan for 2026-2030, which aims to drive a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable Sabah, while ensuring development contributes to the well-being of our people.

“For KUGGp, this means expanding market access, strengthening local entrepreneurship, improving appropriate infrastructure and ensuring communities become active partners in shaping development, rather than merely passive beneficiaries,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation to Unesco assessors Dr Zhang Yuanhai and Dr Atsuko Niina for their expertise and diligence throughout the 2026 KUGGp Revalidation Mission.

He said every Unesco Global Geopark undergoes revalidation every four years, and the process was important not only to maintain international recognition but also to ensure that the geopark continues to meet the standards, principles and responsibilities set by Unesco.

“We also thank the KUGGp scientific advisers, Sabah Parks as the lead agency, federal and state government agencies, institutions of higher learning, district offices, local authorities, community leaders and local communities, as well as every organisation and individual whose efforts contributed to the success of this revalidation mission,” he said. — Bernama