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Official! Ijen Geopark Officially Joins UNESCO Network
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arrakesh - Ijen Geopark has finally become a part of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG). This was confirmed at the 10th international conference of UGG held at the Habous Cultural Complex in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Saturday. UNESCO is the United Nations body that focuses on education, science and culture.
The certificate of designation as a Global Geoparks Network was presented directly by the president of the Global Geopark Network, Nickolos Zourous. Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani was invited to attend the prestigious conference. The head of the East Java Cultural and Tourism Department, Hudiyono, was also present.
"The recognition of Ijen Geopark as part of UNESCO's global geopark network is not the end, but the beginning of Banyuwangi's efforts to bring the region's potential to an international level," he said.
Despite having to be relocated due to a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Morocco, the certification event, added Ipuk, proceeded solemnly. "We express our condolences for this tragedy. We hope that the people of Morocco are given the resilience and strength to face it," Ipuk said.
Ipuk added that the inclusion of Ijen Geopark in the global geopark network will increase international public attention to Ijen Geopark. Moreover, the forum was attended by more than 1,200 scientists and geopark enthusiasts from 50 countries.
"There is ample evidence that when a geopark joins the global geopark network, it will be accompanied by international attention and an increase in visitor numbers. We hope that this can help boost the economy, create job opportunities and of course, preserve the environmental and local cultural sustainability," said Ipuk.
Ijen Geopark is a natural park that not only possesses unique natural landscapes and cultural wealth but also promotes sustainable tourism. Ijen Geopark stretches across the entire district, with specific areas located on Mount Ijen, Pantai Pulau Merah and TN Alas Purwo. It has various geological, biological and cultural sites.
Ipuk continued that over the past 10 years, Banyuwangi has been implementing initiatives in line with the concept of global geopark development, emphasizing conservation efforts and involving communities in protecting and enhancing the potential of nature for local economic development.
For example, Banyuwangi has organized many sports tourism events such as the Ijen Green Run, the International Tour De Ijen cycling race, and other competitions that showcase the authentic natural beauty and abundant fresh, clean air.
The development of tourism in Banyuwangi itself, said Ipuk, also encouraged broad community participation. "We encourage the participation of the community in various cultural preservation events. For example, the Tumpeng Sewu event, Seblang and Ngopi Sepulu Ewu, where the local residents actively participate," said Ipuk.
"Banyuwangi prohibits the construction of hotels around Ijen and other tourist attractions, so that the local community can open homestays for economic development. This is also part of efforts to preserve local wisdom," he added. (*)
