MERSING TO BE FIRST GEOPARK SITE
Matter agreed upon by committee, says assistant district officer
MERSING will be declared the first national geopark site in the state in March.
Mersing assistant district officer Mohamed Afiq Zubir said the matter had been agreed upon by the National Geopark Development Committee.
He said the papers on the proposal by the state executive council, which would be examined by the Valuation Committee, were in the works.
He said geology was the most important element in applying for the geopark status, but it must be accompanied by other elements, including biodiversity and culture of the local community.
“The proposal to make Mersing a geopark is in line with the government’s effort to position the district as a thriving tourist destination, both domestically and internationally.
“The district’s uniqueness is based on the belief that it was one of the earliest land formed in the peninsula, apart from the existence of a once-active volcano 300 years ago.
“Every week, hundreds of tourists would arrive in Pulau Tioman, making it a popular tour destination.
“The geopark status will encourage tourists to spend time to explore the district,” he said at the launch of the 2018 Mersing Geopark Awareness Programme at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim here yesterday.
Afiq said for the past 10 years, the state government, with the assistance of the East Coast Economic Regional Development Corridor, carried out infrastructure projects to achieve this.
He said the geopark was part of a sustainable regional development, which would focus on restoration of natural heritage, people’s wellbeing and generation of income through tourism.
“It is hoped that a comprehensive plan will be prepared in ensuring that the aims of the geopark development are achieved.
“The goals include elevating the socio-economic status of the people, protecting their wellbeing and for them to contribute to Johor’s economy.”
Present was National Geopark Development Committee chairman Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo.