Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan – Meratus Mountains that have been designated as a nationwide geopark are a special and significant result of geological procedures that should be promoted as valuable geological properties to the worldwide community.
“The Meratus Mountains are unique not just for their high geological value but also stunning landscapes that can be delighted in by both regional and worldwide neighborhoods,” Head of the Geological Study Center, Geological Firm of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Hendra Gunawan specified in Banjar District, South Kalimantan, Friday.
Gunawan and the Geological Firm team conducted a study at numerous geological websites of the Meratus Geopark to be designated as a geological heritage.
Based Upon the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister ' s Decree No. 1 of 2020 on guidelines for determining geological heritage, all nationwide geoparks should likewise qualify as a geological heritage.
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Likewise, the Meratus Mountains, which are estimated to be 200 million years old and have been designated as a national geopark in 2018, should likewise be designated as a geological heritage.
Currently, the Meratus Geopark remains in the process of being proposed as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG). The 200- million-year-old Meratus Mountains have a complicated geological history.
It has 74 potential geosites spread across 9 districts and cities in South Kalimantan.
Numerous actions have been required to attain the UGG status for the locations, including improving geosite centers and increasing access and outreach to schools and tourist awareness groups.
Hendra expressed optimism that the Meratus Geopark would attain its status as a UGG with its geological worths, natural wealth, culture, and biodiversity.
“It is just how we handle it efficiently, so that we can get optimum results,” he specified.
According to Hendra, development of the Meratus Geopark must describe its initial aim of natural preservation with sustainable economic and educational value.
“All these elements can be blended. It is very important for us to manage these elements for sustainable advancement without harmful nature. People need to know the value of safeguarding nature,” he affirmed.
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The link in between geological components and culture should likewise be highlighted to include the community because one of the main components in a geopark management is neighborhood participation, he stressed.
Narratives related to geological procedures at each Meratus Geopark website require to be provided to supply awareness to the general public, specifically geosite visitors.
“This narrative does not have to be extravagant, but it will be informative. It is also needed to have actually fascinating narratives related to legends and regional wisdom of the local community,” Hendra stated.
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