The Sianok-Maninjau Geopark is a potential geological heritage on account of the faults in the Sumatra volcanic system, the minister noted in a statement here on Monday.
"This is an extraordinary wealth. Bappenas is striving to ensure that the Sianok-Maninjau Ngarai Geopark is included into the UNESCO Global Geoparks network," the PPN minister, who had visited the geopark on Saturday, remarked.
Ngarai Sianok-Maninjau is a nature’s laboratory for research and study on disaster and environmental mitigation as well as for natural and cultural conservation.
Monoafga pointed out that at least 17 requirements had to be met for its inclusion into the UGGp List.
Related news: Belitung to be added to UNESCO Global Geoparks' list: governor
The Bappenas head stressed that the biodiversity and endemic species at Lake Maninjau should be preserved and utilized for the welfare of the community and the future generations.
Pollution and tourism activities, which are detrimental to the environment, have reduced the number of species at the lake, from 33 species in 1916 to 16 in 2014.
The number of endemic species that were earlier recorded at 16 had also decreased to seven species.
The local government plays a crucial role in ecotourism that is clean, healthy, safe, and environment-friendly, he affirmed.
“I suggest, the mayor, to start banning plastics here. This can help our geopark because plastics are threatening and damaging the environment. Meanwhile, the environment here is extraordinary," he stated.
During his visit to West Sumatra, Monoafga also headed to Pandai Sikek, Tanah Datar, which is known for its traditional woven cloth craft.
The PPN minister held a dialog with MSMEs producing songket that are woven traditionally on non-machine looms (ATBM) and have unique motifs of silver and gold threads. Related news: UNESCO tag for Toba Caldera to boost N Sumatra tourism
Translator: Astrid FH, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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