Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark Undergoes Revalidation, Targets UNESCO Global Geopark Status

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHLGP) is targeting international recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Global Geopark through efforts to conserve the area's geological heritage, biodiversity and cultural assets.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said conservation efforts and the geopark's revalidation were important to ensure that its status and standards were maintained, while creating opportunities for its natural treasures to gain international recognition.

“Therefore, these conservation efforts are not only aimed at ensuring that the geopark retains its status and standards, but also at enabling us to elevate it to Global Geopark status in the future and ultimately achieve recognition as a World Heritage Site,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark 2026 Revalidation Session at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) Convention Centre here today.

Also present were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry secretary-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin and Selangor State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Tourism, who is also Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark Advisory Council chairman, Datuk Ng Suee Lim.

He said the geopark, covering an area of 112,000 hectares, spans two district offices and three local authorities, and encompasses 20 major geosites rich in geological heritage, biodiversity, culture and history.

Amirudin said one of the area's distinctive features was the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, which had significant potential to be promoted as a world-class heritage site.

“For the state government, a geopark is not merely a recognition of valuable geological heritage. Rather, it reflects our commitment to sustainable development that balances environmental conservation, education, community development and economic growth,” he said.

Amirudin said conservation, research, public education and tourism product development initiatives were being carried out through cooperation between the state government, ministries, local authorities, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and local communities.

Meanwhile, he said a strategic collaboration between Tourism Selangor and Canon Marketing Malaysia, through a Memorandum of Collaboration to be exchanged at the ceremony, was expected to support efforts to document and promote the geopark.

He  said the revalidation exercise, taking place this week, also provided an opportunity to identify achievements and areas for improvement to ensure that the geopark's management complied with international best practices.

Amirudin said the GHLGP is undergoing a five-day revalidation exercise from yesterday (Oct 26 to 30) to determine its eligibility to retain its National Geopark status, which it obtained in 2022.

The assessment, conducted every four years, examines geopark management, geological heritage and biodiversity conservation, education, community involvement and sustainable tourism development. It is led by Professor Emeritus Dr Felix Tongkul, together with two observers, Madeline Anak George Pau and Fredolin Javino.

During the assessment period ending Oct 30, the panel will conduct field visits to several key locations, including the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge (Bukit Tabur), Batu Caves, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Batu Arang and Sungai Tekala Waterfall.

Besides retaining its National Geopark status, the assessment forms part of GHLGP's preparations for a UNESCO Global Geopark nomination by 2028.

-- BERNAMA