UNESCO Designates Belitung's 'Rainbow Troops State' As A Global Geopark

Belitung Island. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated Belitung Island in the Province of Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) as a Global Geopark, thus becoming a new history of tourism in the Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops) Country.

"Thank God, the UNESCO Global Geopark at the 211th Session of the UNESCO Executive Council in Paris has designated Belitung as a Global Geopark", said the Governor of the Babylon Islands, Erzaldi Rosman Djohan in Pangkalpinang, quoted from Antara, Monday, April 19.

He said that UNESCO recognized the geological diversity in Belitung Island and the surrounding islands. This diversity includes landscapes, rocks, minerals, geological and tectonic processes, as well as the evolution of the earth in Belitung.

Apart from that, the Belitong Geopark is also considered to be unique with a strong connection between geological, biological, and cultural aspects. The unique geological landscape of Belitung Island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are only found in Belitung, such as the Hampala Fish and Toman Fish.

"This biodiversity is used by the people of Belitung, among others, by the use of herbal plants. That is the reason why the Belitong Geopark won the highest score in the history of submitting a national geopark to the UNESCO Global Geopark, which is 850 out of the highest 1000 points", he said.

According to him, the designation of Belitong Island as a UNESCO Global Geopark, is a joint effort of various stakeholders, both central and regional governments and academics, youth and local communities, especially in compiling a nomination document that describes universal values, management plans, visibility, and networks. with the Belitong geopark.

"Belitong Geopark is the 6th Indonesian national geopark included in the UNESCO Global Geopark list", he said.

Previously, Indonesia had successfully registered the Caldera of Toba, Batur, Ciletuh, Mount Sewu, and Mount Rinjani. Indonesia also has many natural and cultural properties that are included in the UNESCO list, including 9 cultural and natural heritage sites and 18 biosphere reserves.

He stated that the official Belitong Geopark ceremonial as a new member of the UNESCO Global Geopark can be watched by the whole community by the live streaming from Paris, France, or through the GGN Association youtube channel.

"Together, let us witness the history of its inauguration on April 22, 2021", said Governor Erzaldi.