Sabah looks to grow Kinabalu Unesco geopark with Tuaran’s natural treasures

TUARAN, Aug 14 — Sabah's Chief Minister, Hajiji Noor, has announced plans to expand the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) to incorporate Tuaran district. During the KUGGp Revalidation Mission's closing ceremony, Hajiji revealed that the Geo-Sulaman Scientific Expedition's findings in April 2025 highlighted Tuaran's unique geological features, rich biodiversity, significant cultural heritage and valuable community knowledge.

He emphasized that these assets should be carefully studied, documented and potentially integrated into a broader conservation and sustainable development framework to enhance Sabah's ecological connectivity and ecotourism. Currently, KUGGp covers 4,750 square kilometres across three districts, including Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and parts of Ranau.

The Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark Management Plan 2026-2035, set to be implemented in three phases, will focus on resource conservation, research, education and socioeconomic development. The revalidation mission, which began on Aug 10, aims to strengthen institutions, improve management, enhance community participation and ensure Unesco's values are translated into tangible action on the ground.

Hajiji thanked Unesco assessors Dr Zhang Yuanhai and Dr Atsuko Niina for their expertise and the numerous contributors to the mission's success.