Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, November 6, 2026 at 04:27 AM UTC

Five geoparks recommended for UNESCO green card status

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Farika Nur K, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Five UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) in Indonesia were recommended for green card status in revalidation process discussed at the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting in Paris, France, on November 2-4, 2026.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture, also as Chair of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (KNIU), Fadli Zon explained the recommendation demonstrates international recognition of Indonesia's efforts in preserving its geological and cultural heritage.

"The recommendation of green cards for five Indonesian UNESCO Global Geoparks is a proud moment for Indonesia. It shows that our efforts to preserve Indonesia's geological riches are being appreciated at the global level," Zon conveyed in a press statement received here on Friday.

The five geoparks include Belitong, Ijen, Maros Pangkep, Merangin in Jambi, and Raja Ampat. All were recommended for green cards, while none were recommended for yellow cards.

Based on the discussion, four geoparks, namely Belitong, Ijen, Maros Pangkep, and Raja Ampat, were unanimously recommended. Meanwhile, Merangin received a recommendation through a vote, with seven members in favor and four against.

The recommendation will then be submitted to UNESCO member states as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark status determination process.

Minister Zon noted geoparks are closely connected to the natural heritage, history, traditions, local knowledge, and identity of the communities in their surrounding areas. As such, their management should involve local communities in preservation efforts.

He also called for improvements in geopark governance by strengthening education, research, and community empowerment to ensure that local communities directly benefit from development in the area.

"We must not rest at taking pride in the positive recommendations from the revalidation session. Instead, they should serve as both motivation and a greater responsibility for us to continuously improve the quality of geopark management," Zon pointed out.

The Ministry of Culture, through KINU, will strengthen coordination with ministries, institutions, local governments, and other stakeholders to support the preservation of geological and cultural heritage, education, research, and the development of sustainable tourism.

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