Langkawi Geopark Should Become International Benchmark - Abdullah
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi |
LANGKAWI, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hopes to see the Langkawi Geopark become an international benchmark for best initiatives in conservation, and socio-economic and infrastructural development.
"This involves the cooperation of all parties concerned, from the federal and state governments, local authorities and regulatory bodies right down to the man in the street," he said in his message in the "Langkawi Sights & Sounds Malaysia" published in conjunction with The First Regional Conference on Asia-Pacific Geoparks and Business here today.
Langkawi is the world's 52nd geopark and the first in Southeast Asia, after having been listed as such by Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) on June 1 this year. The Langkawi geopark comprises 99 islands.
"While progress is imperative, it must never be at the detriment of the environment, natural resources and heritage," said Abdullah.
"We, the present generation, are the keepers of the legacy that must be protected, maintained and passed on to future generations. Therefore, conservation efforts must be in tandem with development to ensure that the natural treasures are preserved -- that is the sacred duty entrusted to us by The Almighty," he said.
He said the vital role of geoparks in fusing the elements of conservation, tourism infrastructure and socio-economic development could not be over-emphasised.
"The vast potential offered by geoparks as excellent tourist attractions puts nations on the global map while driving commerce and industry as well as enabling communities to progress."
He believes the conference will be a guide for development in harmony with nature where constructive ideas would be conceived for the benefit of the nation and global society.
"Each of us is a vital cog in this noble effort and I thank you all for your efforts and initiatives," he said.
The three-day regional conference which ended today, gathered about 240 geoscientists and other experts from 15 countries to exchange ideas on the management and conservation of geoparks.
Themed "Networking Between National Geoparks", it was organised by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia with the support of Unesco.
-- BERNAMA
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