Meratus Geopark Conservation in South Kalimantan Targets Heritage and Economy

RRI.CO.ID, Banjarmasin - Conservation efforts in the Meratus UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) area in South Kalimantan continue to be directed toward two main goals, which are honoring Earth’s heritage and boosting the local economy. South Kalimantan Provincial Administration and local communities believe that protecting cultural sites, such as Purun Village craft centers, must directly improve the welfare of artisans in surrounding areas.

The South Kalimantan Tourism Agency held a clean-up and conservation action at the Purun craft site in Cempaka Subdistrict, Banjarbaru. Head of the agency, Iwan Fitriady, described the move as a concrete step to strengthen and maintain global recognition of the Meratus Geopark.

“Certification from the international recognition granted by UNESCO does not automatically last forever; there will be validation, revalidation, and evaluation. One of our efforts to face UNESCO’s evaluation and revalidation is to show that the Meratus Geopark deserves this international recognition,” he said in Banjarbaru on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

The UNESCO recognition, whose charter was handed directly to the Governor of South Kalimantan in France in 2025, is a major achievement that must be safeguarded through sustained commitment and ongoing work.

He explained that the activity involved the Youth Geopark community and the regional tourism ambassador Putra-Putri Pariwisata Kalimantan Selatan (Sons and Daughters of Tourism of South Kalimantan). The initiative aims to foster and spread environmental awareness, particularly among communities around the Meratus Geopark sites.

“Why did we choose to clean-up? Because, as we know, preserving tourist destinations requires the role of all parties, especially the younger generation. We hope this spirit among young people can be passed on to others, including residents around the site,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

“The mandate of the UGGp Meratus Geopark, if we summarize it, has two points. First, together we honor and preserve Earth’s heritage. Second, it is hoped that the sites where these locations exist can improve the local economy. That is our main objective through this activity,” he concluded.

Previously, the agency carried out similar activities in the underwater tourism area near the Barito Bridge in Barito Kuala Regency. That effort was part of ongoing work to maintain the cleanliness and sustainability of tourist destinations in South Kalimantan.

Meanwhile, the latest activity engaged various community elements, from local Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) and subdistrict heads (camat) to the Youth Geopark community and the Bhayangkara community policing unit. ***