KUCHING: The Sarawak Delta Geopark is expected to be officially approved as a Global Geopark Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on 23 April.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said early verbal feedback had been received regarding acceptance of the certification after securing the agreement of the geopark evaluation committee.

He stated that the official decision is expected to be finalised during the UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris on 23 April.

“The meeting will deliberate on and approve the Sarawak Delta Geopark as one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks before the certificate of recognition is presented to Malaysia’s permanent representative in Paris,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after the 2026 PUSAKA Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event at Wisma Sumber Alam, on Friday.

Elaborating further, Datuk Len said that with the recognition, Sarawak would become the fourth geopark in Malaysia to receive UNESCO recognition.

At the same time, he expressed optimism that the high-profile status would be fully utilised to promote Kuching, and Sarawak as a whole, as a unique world-class tourism destination.

He explained that the development of the geopark emphasises the concept of sustainable development which encompasses elements of geology, biodiversity, and local community participation, while simultaneously opening up economic opportunities in gastronomy, food, and culture. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: Douglas Demong