Datuk Christina Liew believes that the newly-acquired status as a Unesco Geopark for those living near the Kinabalu Unesco Geopark should be used to promote nature tourism.
She stated that the area’s diversity of flora and fauna, as well as the geological landscape, were among its unique features that local communities in Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Ranau should take advantage of.
Liew, who is the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, expressed that the geopark incorporates the elements of tourism, culture, and environment.
She also emphasized the interrelated nature of conservation, culture, and environment and the need to give them a new lease of life, adding that the ministry was planning new tourism products for the area.
Liew acknowledged the efforts and contributions of various departments, agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations towards the Kinabalu Geopark achieving Unesco recognition, particularly over the last seven years before the area was declared a Unesco geopark in May.
Among those recognized for their vital role are the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, Sabah Chief Minister’s Department, Sabah Attorney General’s Department, Unesco, Geological Heritage of Malaysia, Land and Survey Department, Sabah Minerals and Geosciences Department, Sabah Biodiversity Centre, Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Agriculture Department, and Sabah Fisheries Department.
Liew also thanked Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for his leadership and support, as well as the district offices of Ranau, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), UiTM Mara, and University College Sabah Foundation for their important work.
