RRI.CO.ID, Banyuwangi - UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) assessors have commended the Banyuwangi Regency Administration in East Java for maintaining high international standards in managing the Ijen Geopark during its first official four-year revalidation evaluation.

The revalidation process, taking place from August 3 to 6, 2026, is being conducted by two UNESCO assessors: Andreas Schüller from Germany and Qinling Zhongnanshan from China. Official UNESCO status for Ijen Geopark was first granted in 2023.

The ongoing evaluation will determine whether the site maintains its Green Card status, receives a Yellow Card requiring two years of improvements, or gets a Red Card resulting in status revocation.

Assessors conducted extensive field visits across key sites, including the Geopark Geological Information Center (PIGGI), the Kemiren Indigenous Village, local creative economy centers, as well as ecological sites in the Alas Purwo and Pangpang Bay regions. International assessors and regional executive leaders affirmed that effective geopark governance relies on integrating geological conservation with local community empowerment and public education.

UNESCO Global Geopark Assessor, Andreas Schüller, lauded Banyuwangi's community-centered management strategy.

"A geopark is not only about geology, but also about the people, where the community is the main actor, I see a strong commitment from the Regent and all parties involved. That is a perfect start for this evaluation mission," Assessor Andreas Schüller stated in Banyuwangi on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the local administration clearly understands that a geopark does not only function to protect geological heritage of international value, but also integrates education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment as the foundation of sustainable development.

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani emphasized the regency's long-term commitment to multi-stakeholder collaboration.

"The visit of the two UGG assessors is an honor and a momentum to demonstrate our regional commitment to developing the Ijen Geopark sustainably, since receiving UNESCO recognition in 2023, the management of the Ijen Geopark has been continually strengthened alongside the administration, local communities, academics, and stakeholders through three core pillars: education, conservation, and community empowerment," she noted. ***