Kuala lumpur: Melaka aims to achieve National Geopark status this November, with 29 potential geosites identified across the state to be highlighted as new tourism products.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka Tourism Promotion Division (BPP) general manager Nasrul Ahmad stated that efforts to secure the recognition had entered a crucial phase, with preparations being strengthened through engagement sessions with tourism industry players and stakeholders. "These engagement sessions are mandatory to meet the requirements for National Geopark recognition. They also aim to brief government agencies, local authorities, communities, Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK), tourism associations, the hotel sector, and geoguides on the geopark and geosite concepts," he said.
Nasrul was speaking to reporters after the 'Aspiring Melaka Geopark Engagement Session with Melaka Tourism Industry Players', officiated by state Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman. He mentioned that preparations would be intensified over the remaining two months to ensure all assessment criteria were met. Since the initiative began in 2022, the state government and relevant agencies have carried out various efforts, including scientific studies, geosite inventories, geocommunity development, and public awareness programmes.
"A total of 29 potential geosites featuring unique geological, biodiversity, and cultural heritage elements have been identified across three districts, namely Melaka Tengah, Jasin, and Alor Gajah. Among the geosites in Melaka Tengah are Pulau Upeh, Pulau Besar, and Teluk Mas, while Jasin features Bukit Batu Lebah, and Alor Gajah includes Tanjung Tuan and Tanjung Bidara," Nasrul elaborated.
Nasrul further explained that Pulau Upeh possessed a unique historical feature with the discovery of cut laterite stones on the island. "Based on briefings by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), these laterite stones were cut and transported to Melaka in the past to build the Grand Mosque and the A Famosa Fort," he said. He emphasized that Geopark recognition went beyond the presence of geosites, encompassing the conservation of geological, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, as well as an effective management system and active stakeholder involvement.
Nasrul encouraged tourism industry players to promote and integrate these 29 geosites into state tour packages, grouping them by district and highlighting unique activities at each site. He added that the recognition could attract nature enthusiasts, particularly from Europe and America, while creating opportunities for local communities to participate in developing and promoting geosites as tourism products.
Meanwhile, Nasrul announced that Melaka had introduced 'Lantero' - derived from the word laterite - as its official Geopark mascot and logo, which was developed through prior engagement sessions and presented to the State Executive Council.