Ijen Geopark Officially Joins UNESCO Global Geopark Network

TEMPO.CO, Banyuwangi - Ijen National Park in East Java Province has been officially included in the list of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGG) at the 10th UGG International Conference at the Habous Cultural Complex, Marrakech, Morocco, on Saturday, September 9, 2023, local time. 

The certification was handed over directly by the President of the Global Geoparks Network, Nicolas Zourous. Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani and East Java Culture and Tourism Agency Head Hudiyono attended the prestigious event.

UNESCO or the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization is a United Nations organization that focuses on education, science, and culture. 

Global Geopark Network Status Brings Ijen Geopark to International Level

“The recognition of Ijen Geopark as part of UNESCO's Global Geopark Network is not the end, but the beginning of Banyuwangi's efforts to bring the region's potential to an international level,” Ipuk said in a written statement quoted on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

He said the inauguration event proceeded solemnly, despite the original venue had to be moved due to the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Morocco. “We offer our condolences for this tragedy and hope that the Morocco people are given the resilience and strength to overcome it,” Ipuk added.

The inclusion of Ijen National Park in the global network of geoparks, he went on, would certainly boost international public awareness, not to mention that the forum was attended by more than 1,200 scientists and geopark activists from 50 countries.

“There is a lot of evidence that when a geopark joins the world geopark network, it is followed by international attention and an increase in people's visits. We hope that this can help stimulate the economy, open up job opportunities, and of course maintain the sustainability of the environment and local culture,” Ipuk explained.

Potential and Uniqueness of Ijen National Park

The natural park of Ijen Geopark has unique natural landscapes and cultural riches. It also promotes sustainable tourism. It is located across the entire regency which is specifically in the Mount Ijen area, Pulau Merah Beach, and Alas Purwo National Park,  and has a variety of geosites, biosites, and cultural sites.

Over the past decade, Ipuk claimed that Banyuwangi has initiated efforts in line with the global geopark development concept, which emphasizes conservation efforts and community involvement to protect and enhance the natural potential for local economic development. For example, Banyuwangi hosted many sports tourism events, such as the Ijen Green Run, the Tour De Ijen International bicycle race, and others that showcase pristine nature with clean and fresh air.

Tourism development in Banyuwangi has also encouraged widespread community involvement. “We encourage the public to participate in various cultural preservation events. “Such as the Tumpeng Sewu, Seblang, Ngopi Sepulu Ewu,” said Ipuk.

“Banyuwangi also prohibits the construction of hotels around Ijen and other tourist attractions, so that local people can open homestays for economic development. This is also part of the effort to preserve local wisdom,” Ipuk concluded.

DAVID PRIYASIDARTA (CONTRIBUTOR)

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