Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Meratus Geopark Management Agency (BP Geopark Meratus) will hold a photo exhibition at the ANTARA Journalistic Photo Gallery (GFJA) as part of the promotional efforts and for public education on the Meratus Geopark.

The exhibition will be held on October 4-13, 2022, in collaboration with ANTARA News Agency's South Kalimantan Bureau.

"The exhibition is a medium to promote Geopark Meratus and educate people both at home and abroad regarding the geopark," Deputy Chairman of BP Geopark Meratus Nurul Fajar Desira stated in Banjarbaru on Friday.

For the development of Meratus Geopark, which is being proposed as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG), collaboration is being forged with stakeholders, including academics, businesses, media and communities, Desira stated.

A total of 40 photos that will be showcased at the event are winners and nominees in a photo competition themed "Meratus Geopark Towards the World" that was held by ANTARA News Agency.

The three photo categories in the competition are landscape, biodiversity, and cultural diversity.

The exhibition will be opened by Governor of South Kalimantan Sahbirin Noor and attended by ambassadors from foreign countries and academics.

In addition to the exhibition, a discussion is organized that will present three speakers, including from BP Geopark Meratus.

Related news: Meratus Geopark oldest natural lab in Indonesia: researcher

Earlier, in August-end, the Indonesian Geopark National Committee team had selected two national geoparks -- Karangsambung - Karangbolong Geopark and Meratus Geopark -- as aspiring UGGp candidates.

The two geoparks will then be recommended to UNESCO to obtain the status as UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Meratus Mountains, which are almost 200 million years old, have a complex geological history.

This area has been designated as a national geopark in 2018.

South Kalimantan has 74 potential geosites located in nine regencies and cities including Tabalong, Balangan, Hulu Sungai Tengah, Hulu Sungai Selatan, Tapin, Banjar, and Kotabaru.

Related news: Meratus dossier for UGG should be submitted by November: KNIU

Reporter: Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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