Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government aims for the Sarawak Delta to be recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) by 2026. “The experts are here and they are evaluating on our assets as part of the geopark and if successful, then we can be connected to other areas that have also been declared as UGGps,” he said.
According to a local media, Abang Johari said one of the areas that the state is placing focus on is South Korea’s Jeju Island, a UGGp recognised for its diversity of volcanic formations and geological resources.
“We hope to connect Kuching with Jeju Island so that during the winter season, they can come to Kuching to enjoy our geopark.” He added, “That is why we need our own airline so that we can have direct flight from South Korea to Kuching, from Japan to Kuching, as well as the other Asian destinations,”.
The Sarawak Delta covers an area of 3,112 sq km. It is rich with unique landscapes including 28 rock geosites, 12 diverse biological geosites, and 14 cultural geosites. It was certified as the sixth national geopark at the National Geopark Committee meeting in 2022.
