"Based on the information we received, the session will take place in September in Chile, though we are still uncertain about our participation. During the session, UNESCO will reassess the feasibility of the status," he remarked in Mataram, NTB, on Wednesday.
He explained that UNESCO would use the Chile meeting to evaluate the results of the first-hand assessment conducted by its team in Lombok in June and July 2025.
"The evaluation results will be announced in April next year," Wicaksono added.
The general manager affirmed that his office would follow up on all inputs conveyed by the UNESCO team, including the need to provide more comprehensive information in the geopark’s information centers in Sembalun, Lombok Timur, and Gili Trawangan, Lombok Utara.
Despite these minor shortcomings, he underscored that the assessment team viewed Mount Rinjani as a geopark rich in cultural values, which he believes serves as valuable capital for the destination to retain its place in the UNESCO Global Geopark network.
"This geopark has received more appreciation compared to others abroad. Therefore, let us hope that this place will receive a 'green card'," he remarked.
UNESCO officially included Mount Rinjani in its Global Geopark Network in 2018. The volcano lies within Mount Rinjani National Park, which is home to Lake Segara Anak, a prominent tourist attraction located more than two thousand meters above sea level.
The mountain has been under national and international scrutiny following the fatal accident of Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins last June. The tragedy prompted the Indonesian government to take various measures to enhance safety and comfort for visitors.
These measures include improving and adding facilities and infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of local residents in search and rescue missions, and designating the mountain as a pilot model for new hiking procedures and standards to be applied nationwide.
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Translator: Nur I, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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