Tuaran: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government remains committed to preserving Sabah’s natural treasures through the expansion of the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGP) and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, in line with the state’s sustainable development goals under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap.
The Chief Minister said the international recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) for Kinabalu Park as a World Heritage Site and Global Geopark, and the Crocker Range as a Biosphere Reserve, has positioned Sabah as among the top three sites in the world to attain the “Triple Crown of Unesco.”
“This is not only an honour but also a big responsibility,” he said at the launch of the Stakeholders and Local Communities’ Consultation Process and the Scientific Expedition for the Expansion of KUGGP and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve at Linangkit Cultural Village, here, Saturday.
“We must strengthen the scientific foundation, enhance public awareness, and preserve our natural resources sustainably.”
Hajiji said that the proposed expansion of the KUGGP to the district is a strategic move that has the full support of the State Government.
This area is not only rich in biodiversity but also has high potential for the eco-tourism sector and community development.
He also announced plans to establish a Public Awareness Centre or an information gallery here, as an additional requirement to meet the Unesco criteria.
This centre would serve as a platform for educating the local community and for disseminating information.
“I want the KUGGP Committee together with the Tuaran District Office to identify a suitable location for the establishment of this centre.
“It is crucial to support community awareness on the importance of the Geopark,” he said.
He added that the development of the geopark should not focus solely on science and conservation, but also empower the community economically through geoheritage-based tourism.
Sabah, he said, has natural advantages that are not found in other states such as tropical rainforests, mountains, seas and extraordinary biodiversity.
Hajiji cited examples of successful eco-tourism locations such as the Nohutu EcoTourism in Kota Belud, Kiulu Farmstay, Walai Tobilung Cultural Centre in Kota Marudu and the Misompuru Homestay in Kudat, which can serve as models for eco-tourism development here.
Touching on the success of the recently completed Geo-Sulaman Scientific Expedition (EGOS 2025), he hopes the results of the study can be documented to serve as a basis for developing management plans, guidelines, and educational materials related to expanding the Geopark area.
He said the State Government is also planning additional scientific expeditions in the Crocker Range area, involving Ranau and Tuaran as preparation to further expand the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve.
“The success of the geopark does not solely rely on its name, but on our collective effort to learn, share, and protect this natural treasure for future generations,” he said.
Hajiji is confident the expansion of the KUGGP and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve would provide comprehensive benefits, including environmental preservation, community education enhancement, and socio-economic development of the state.
Saturday’s event saw the presence of various stakeholders including government agencies, higher education researchers, local community representatives, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), all working together to ensure the success of the scientific expedition and the geopark extension.
Meanwhile, State Tourism, Cultural and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the district holds extraordinary potential, not only for its rich geological features and biodiversity but also for its unique ethnic cultures like the Dusun Lotud and Bajau-Sama, which are considered priceless heritage assets of Sabah.
She stressed that stakeholder and community consultation is crucial in developing such areas, especially for initiatives aiming for Unesco recognition.
“Every geopark or biosphere reserve acknowledged by Unesco must integrate three core pillars—natural and cultural heritage conservation, sustainable economic development for the local community, and education and public awareness,” she said.
Liew said Sabah is blessed with immense natural beauty and cultural wealth, but it is the shared responsibility of all to protect and manage these resources responsibly.
“Our goal is to ensure they are preserved and enjoyed not only by today’s generation but by generations to come,” she said.
She emphasised that sustainable development is not solely about minimising environmental damage but about seeking a balance between human needs and the environment’s well-being.
She cited the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve as exemplary models.
“These areas are not only biodiversity protection zones, but also represent harmonious coexistence between humans and nature,” she said.
Christina noted that such models can guide other communities in pursuing development without sacrificing ecological or cultural integrity.
At the event, several bodies received monetary contributions from KUGGP as part of its social responsibility commitment.
Also present were Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Peter Lintar, Sabah Parks director Maklarin Lakim and District Officer Herman Tunggiging.
