Indonesia's Jambi prepares for UNESCO review of Merangin Geopark

Jambi (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Jambi provincial government is stepping up conservation efforts to help the Merangin Jambi Geopark retain its UNESCO Global Geoparks status during this year's revalidation.

"We are confident our geopark will remain part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network," Jambi Governor Al Haris said in Jambi on Saturday.

He said a verification team is scheduled to reassess the 4,832.31-square-kilometer geopark this year. The site spans 12 sub-districts and 131 villages in Merangin District.

According to the governor, local communities have continued to protect the area and prevent environmental damage to ensure the geopark maintains its international recognition.

Al Haris added that the Merangin district administration had formed an integrated team to safeguard the geopark from damage and preserve its status as a world-class natural heritage site.

Merangin District Head Muhammad Syukur called on local residents, particularly young people living near the site, to help preserve the geopark, which is home to numerous prehistoric fossils.

He said current efforts focus on integrating infrastructure development, local economic activities, and socio-cultural values with geopark conservation while strengthening Merangin District's appeal as a tourism destination.

Syukur emphasized that the district's prehistoric fossil sites and rich biodiversity are valuable tourism assets for Jambi Province that require collective preservation.

Merangin Jambi Geopark is known for its Permian flora fossils dating back about 252 million to 299 million years and carries the theme, "The Best and Most Complete Fossil Flora from the Early Permian."

Related news: Rinjani-Lombok Geopark retains UNESCO Global Geopark Green Card

Related news: East Java targets Ijen Geopark UNESCO status renewal

Translator: Agus Suprayitno, Raka Adji

Editor: Anton Santoso

Copyright © ANTARA 2026