GHL Geopark partners with Kinabalu in push for UNESCO Status

SEMPORNA, SABAH, 11 June 2026 — The Gombak-Hulu Langat (GHL) Geopark has marked a significant milestone in its pursuit of UNESCO Global Geopark status, formalising a network partnership with Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark through a document exchange ceremony held at the Seafest Regency Hotel here.

The signing formed part of a broader engagement session on the management and grant-disbursement methodology of the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) scheme, organised by the Selangor State Treasury in collaboration with the Sabah Ministry of Finance and Sabah Parks. The programme brought together a range of stakeholder agencies, including Tourism Selangor, the Selangor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), the Selangor Department of Minerals and Geoscience, District and Land Offices, and relevant local authorities.

The partnership between the two geoparks is aimed at strengthening geopark governance through the sharing of best practices, exchange of expertise, joint research, community development, and educational programmes of mutual benefit. It is also regarded as a strategic step in advancing GHL Geopark's preparations to achieve UNESCO Global Geopark recognition by 2028.

The development of GHL Geopark is among the key initiatives championed by the Selangor State Government through EFT grant funding, in line with the state's commitment to preserving its geological heritage, biodiversity, and cultural legacy whilst promoting sustainable tourism.

The initiative is expected to contribute to the economic development of local communities through nature-based tourism and geotourism, which are sectors that attract growing interest both domestically and internationally.

The document exchange was conducted between Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor and Chairperson of GHL Geopark, Puan Chua Yee Ling, representing GHL Geopark, and Research Officer (Geology), Puan Noorannezza Junsin, representing Sabah Parks. The ceremony was witnessed by Mohamad Nazrie bin Paulus from Sabah's Ministry of Finance, and Sabrina binti Adnan, Deputy State Financial Officer of Selangor.

Through this strategic network, GHL Geopark aims to broaden its collaboration at both the national and international levels, further consolidating its position as a competitive geopark destination and strengthening its potential to become Selangor's first UNESCO Global Geopark.

PHOTO CREDIT: TOURISM SELANGOR