Malaysia’s geological heritage can gain recent global recognition. During the tenth session of the UNESCO Global Council (UGGP), which took place on September 5-6, 2025 in Chile Kütlkura Geopark, two Malaysian sites – Gengong in Perak and Sarawak Delta – were out of 12 applications accepted for support as global geopars.
If it’s formally approved by the UNESCO Management Board in 2026, Malaysia will strengthen its position as a middle of geological, cultural and natural treasures in Southeast Asia.
Strengthening the worldwide recognition of Malaysia
Lengong is already referred to as the UNESCO World Heritage Place as a consequence of its archaeological significance, including the invention of the 11,000-year “Perak Man”, essentially the most complete human skeleton in Southeast Asia from the Paleolithic period. The Geopark application expands this recognition, emphasizing the interaction of ancient geology, archeology and community heritage.
Meanwhile, the proposal of Sarawak Delta emphasizes Borneo’s dramatic landscapes and biological diversity, integrating coastal formations, river ecosystems and cultural heritage of local communities.
The approval of those conclusions by the Geoparks Council is a crucial step. Final support is within the UNESCO Executive Council in 2026. In the case of Malaysia proceedings, it might not only increase the variety of recognized geopars, but in addition raised its role in combining geological heritage with sustainable development and tourism.
Larger picture: 12 recent geopars all over the world
Two Malaysia nominations are a part of a wider list of 12 recent proposals accepted this yr. Other countries on the list include:
- China: Changshan and Mt. Siguniang
- France: Land of Hérault
- Greece: Nysyros
- Ireland: Joyce Country and Western Lakes
- Japan: Miné-kiyoshidai karst plateau
- Portugal: Algarvensis
- Russian Federation: Toratau
- Tunisia: Dahar (first geopark within the country, if approved)
- Uruguay: Serranos Manantiales
This diverse set of landscapes – from the volcanic islands and the Karst plateau to the coastal delty and mountain ranges – raises the vision of UNESCO geopars as live laboratories that mix geology, biological diversity and folks.
Why geopars matter
UNESCO global geopars are greater than just areas with geological interest. They constitute a comprehensive approach to landscape management of international importance – integration protection, education and sustainable development. Communities living in geoparek and around them are of key importance for this mission, using geotourism, cultural behavior and scientific exchange.
During the session, Chile UNESCO emphasized how Geoparks support scientific cooperation and strengthen local communities. Of the 44 cases of overestimation, 38 received the renewal of the “green card”, and 6 received a “yellow card” with two years to enhance management.
Looking to the long run
If it’s approved by the UNESCO Management Board in 2026, the worldwide network will expand from 229 to 241 geopars in 51 countries. Lengong and Sarawak Delta from Malaysia would join Langkawi – currently the one global Geopark within the country – making a stronger national network.
In the case of Malaysia, this milestone is just not only international recognition, but in addition the potential for linking geological heritage with development -based development. Thanks to the deep history of humanity, Lengong and the living landscapes of Sarawak Delta, Malaysia may soon be on the forefront of how the world understands the connection between geology, culture and sustainable development.
