VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Ciletuh Geopark in West Java declared as part of Global Geopark network on the 204^th UNESCO Executive Board commission's meeting in Paris, France on April 14, 2018. Permanent Representative of Indonesia to UNESCO for 2015-2018 period, Fauzi Soelaiman said, after the long process, Ciletuh successfully becomes one of global Geopark. At a Discussion themed Indonesia World Heritage in International Diplomacy and Interaction on Tuesday, April 17, he said West Java provincial government has built road to Ciletuh Geopark, Pelabuhan Ratu. According to him, this infrastructure development effort is highly appreciated by UNESCO. In addition, academics from Padjajaran University also participated in various research related to Ciletuh, and support the process to declareCiletuh as Geopark by UNESCO. Bythis recognition,the number of tourist visiting the area will increase.

“If a site has been recognized by UNESCO.They usually put the symbol of geopark there. Then more people will come. UNESCO’s recognition shows that the site has been good, well managed.It is the magnetif we got recognition from UNESCO, said Fauzi.

Fauzi pointed out that after Wakatobi was declared Man and The Biosphere by UNESCO, there was a surge in the number of visits. He reminded, the future challenge is to create sustainable tourism. According to Fauzi, things concerning cleanliness and sustainability of nature will be the attention of UNESCO in the future. In addition to Ciletuh Geopark, at the session the commission also declared Mount Rinjani, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara as the world Geoparks. Previously, Batur Geopark in Bali and Gunung Sewu Geopark have been declared as Global Geopark. In the future, Caldera Toba will be nominated as Global Geopark Network. (VOI/Sekar/DP)