“This awareness is key to preserving the Toba Caldera,” Toba Caldera Geopark assessor Jose Brilha told students of vocational high school SMK Negeri 1 Simanindo, Samosir district, according to a written statement received here on Thursday.
He emphasized that the younger residents of the seven districts surrounding Lake Toba in North Sumatra must realize that they live close to the largest volcanic lake in the world. The Toba Caldera Geopark is a unique geological, natural, and cultural heritage.
Lake Toba, which lies within the geopark, stretches around 100 kilometers in length and 30 kilometers in width, encompassing seven districts in North Sumatra: Simalungun, Samosir, Toba, Humbang Hasundutan, North Tapanuli, Karo, and Dairi.
“You need to know that Lake Toba is in every geology book and is known worldwide. You live there, in a special place. You must protect it and pass it on to the next generation,” he stressed.
Together with fellow UNESCO assessor Jeon Yong Mun, Brilha also visited Batu Siallagan, a cultural reserve on the shores of Lake Toba; Kampung Ulos Huta Raja, which preserves many Batak cultural sites; and the Toba Caldera Geopark Information Center in Sigulati village, Samosir district.
“We were impressed by the history presented by the geosite managers. We also provided inputs, including about the informational signage,” he said.
The Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark Management Agency (BP TCUGGp) said that the revalidation of the Toba Caldera Geopark’s status is being carried out from July 21–25, 2025.
At the UNESCO Global Geopark Council meeting in Morocco on September 4 and 5, 2023, the Toba Caldera Geopark received a yellow card warning from UNESCO for failing to meet several criteria.
The BP TCUGGp was asked to make improvements before the next revalidation.
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Translator: M Said, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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