VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated 17 sites on Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Islands province as global geoparks in recognition of their geological, biological, and cultural uniqueness.

"The meeting of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) Council has declared that 17 geosites in Belitung Geopark meet the qualifications as new members of UGG," Bangka Belitung Islands Governor Erzaldi Rosman Djohan disclosed in Pangkalpinang on Monday..

The 17 geosites include Juru Sebrang, Terong Tourism Village, Kuale Granite Mangrove Forest, Peramun Hill Granite Forest, Tanjung Kelayang Trias Granite, Batu Bedil Trias Granite Rock, Nam Salu Open Pit, Lumut Hill, Batu Pulas Granite Rock, Cendil Heat Forest, Tebat Rasau Cenozoic Swamp, Burung Mandi Cretaceous Granidiorite, Siantu Pillow Lava, Tajam Mountain, Baginda Rocks, Punai Beach, and Garumedang Tektite.

"The world currently recognizes the 17 tourist sites because of their uniqueness in terms of geology, biology, and culture. Hopefully, (the UNESCO recognition) will increase the number of tourist arrivals in the province,” Governor Djohan remarked.

He said the unique geology of Belitung Island and its ecosystem support several species of flora and fauna, some of which are only found on the island. The island’s unique geological sources are a major draw for tourists, he added.

In addition, Belitung Island also has historical value in terms of social and economic civilization, the governor said. The island has four potential geological heritages of high value, he added.

"UNESCO Global Geopark has recognized Belitong Geopark. The recognition is a gift for the people of Belitong and East Belitung, in particular, and Bangka Belitung, in general, to usher a creative economy because after being declared a geopark, tourists will visit the area," he said. (Antaranews)