JakartaPost-Apr 16
The United Nations cultural body has recognized two geoparks in Central Java and South Kalimantan, namely Kebumen and Meratus, as UNESCO global geoparks, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. They are among the 16 new global geoparks that have just been approved by the UNESCO executive board in a session in Paris, France, the ministry said in the press release. This followed their nominations by the Global Geoparks Council late last year. “The UNESCO recognition is evidence of Indonesia’s contribution to preserving Earth heritage,” Mohamad Oemar, Indonesia permanent delegation to UNESCO, said in the press release from the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. “At the same time, it signifies a responsibility to preserve, manage sustainably and promote our geological sites and culture,” said Oemar, who is also the ambassador to France. Located in the southern part of Central Java, Kebumen geopark stretches across an area of about 1,100 square kilometers. According to a UNESCO document, the geopark has conical hills to the southwest and flat alluvial plains to the southeast. The highlight of the geopark is its records of plate tectonic activities that date back as far as 119 million years ago. The Meratus geopark, meanwhile, covers an area of about 3,600 sq km at the southern tip of South Kalimantan. The landscape has many valleys, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and karst landforms. It is home to Banjar and Dayak people. The geopark features the Meratus Mountains, which are characterized by ophiolite, an exposed oceanic crust that is globally rare. According to the UNESCO document, although ophiolites are found elsewhere in Indonesia, the Meratus Mountains preserve the most complete ophiolite sequence and the oldest in the country. A UNESCO global geopark is an area that features landscapes of international geological significance. A geopark must be managed with a concept that combines conservation, public outreach and sustainable development. Read more at:
