TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The uniqueness and natural richness of Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Islands, are finally recognized by the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared 17 tourist attractions in the Belitung Geopark as world geoparks.

“The session of UNESCO Global Geopark Council concludes 17 Geosites in the Belitung Geopark as the new members of the UGG,” said Bangka Belitung Islands Governor Erzaldi Rosman Djohan on Monday, April 19, 2021.

The 17 attractions are Juru Sebrang, Terong Tourism Village, Kuale Granite Mangrove Forest, Peramun Hill Granite Forest, Tanjung Kelayang Trias Granite, Batu Bedil Trias Granite Rock, Nam Salu Open Pit, Lumut Hill, Pulas Granite Rock, Cendil Heat Forest, Tebat Rasau Cenozoic Swamp, Burung Mandi Cretaceous Granodiorite, Siantu Pillow Lava, Tajam Mountain, Baginda Rocks, Punai Beach, and Garumedang Tektite.

“The world now recognizes that these 17 tourist sites are unique in terms of geological, biological, and cultural aspects so this can increase tourist visits,” Erzaldi added.

He explained that Belitung island is unique as it is home to a variety of flora and fauna that cannot be found elsewhere. Erzaldi hoped that the local community could be prepared and use the recognition as a potential for the development of tourism and creative economy. “Because after this, there will definitely be a hike in tourist visits,” he said.

Read: Bangka Belitung Proposes Belitung as Super-priority Tourist Destination

ANTARA