According to a British natural history publisher, Sabah’s collection of three Unesco crowns will attract more visitors to Malaysia. John Beaufoy, an avid wildlife enthusiast, praised the state’s extraordinary triple-crown achievement as a powerful catalyst to reignite a profound fascination with Sabah’s exceptional wildlife. Beaufoy believed that this achievement would not only deepen the world’s appreciation for Sabah’s ecological wonders but also encourage a global audience to explore the region’s rich biodiversity. He stated, “With its newfound Unesco triple-crown status, I firmly believe it will elevate Sabah, especially Kinabalu Park, to the pinnacle of wildlife history destinations.” Beaufoy made these comments after the unveiling of Sabah’s Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark during the World Travel Market 2023 at Excel London on November 6.
Sabah achieved triple-crown status after Unesco recognized the Kinabalu National Geopark as a Global Geopark in May this year. The Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark covers an area of 4,750 sq km and encompasses the districts of Ranau, Kota Marudu, and Kota Belud, as well as numerous rural villages. This achievement makes Sabah the third destination in the world to receive this esteemed triple crown, following Shennongjia in China and Jeju Island in Korea. Sabah’s other two Unesco “crowns” include the Kinabalu Park, designated a World Heritage Site in December 2000, and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, declared in June 2014.
During the launch of the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark, Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Datuk Zakri Jaafar, were also in attendance. At the event, they also unveiled a bird guidebook titled “A Naturalist’s Guide to Borneo’s Birds (4th edition)” by Sabah’s Wong Tsu Shi and published by John Beaufoy Publishing. Zakri expressed that this latest Unesco recognition expands its impact beyond Sabah and encompasses Malaysia as a whole. He stated that this recognition would undoubtedly enhance the global status of both Sabah and Malaysia, positioning them at the forefront of international recognition and appreciation.
Beaufoy mentioned that Sabah has already attracted many UK wildlife enthusiasts eager to explore the state’s diverse wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and mammals. He believed that the Unesco Global Geopark status would act as a strong magnet, encouraging even more wildlife enthusiasts to consider Malaysia as a premier destination for wildlife watching.
