RRI.CO.ID, Mataram - The Rinjani-Lombok Geopark has successfully maintained its prestigious status as a UNESCO Global Geopark, receiving its second "Green Card" during an international revalidation process at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for West Nusa Tenggara, as the Green Card serves as an official endorsement from UNESCO that the site continues to meet rigorous global standards. General Manager of Rinjani Geopark, Qwadru Putro Wicaksono, noted that retaining the status proved to be a far more demanding task than achieving the initial designation.

“The second green card is global recognition of the collective hard work of all stakeholders in West Nusa Tenggara,” Qwadru said in Mataram, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the success is a testament to the park’s governance, which remains consistent in its pillars of conservation, education, and community economic empowerment.

The revalidation process conducted by UNESCO assessors went beyond the aesthetic appeal of Mount Rinjani's landscape. The evaluation scrutinized the real-world impact of the geopark on the welfare of communities living within its perimeter.

Several key highlights contributed to the successful revalidation, including significant strides in educational innovation. The geopark achieved this by integrating specialized materials into local school curricula and strengthening geological literacy among nearby communities.

UNESCO also praised the park's disaster mitigation efforts, particularly how geological knowledge has been integrated into safety protocols for both tourists and residents to address Lombok’s vulnerability to tectonic earthquakes. Furthermore, the park demonstrated sustainable governance through its continued excellence in managing the site as a geological laboratory while simultaneously fostering local economic growth.

During the certificate presentation in Paris, the Indonesian Ambassador to France, Mohamad Oemar, emphasized that Rinjani-Lombok is much more than a tourist destination, it serves as a vital natural laboratory for global science. He described the site as a "jewel" in Indonesia's network of world geoparks.

The Indonesian government has pledged continued support for the international promotion of the country’s geoparks. The success of Rinjani-Lombok is expected to serve as a benchmark for other Indonesian geoparks currently preparing for their own UNESCO revalidation processes. ***