UNESCO Delegation Evaluates Satun Global Geopark for Revalidation

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

A delegation from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) is in Satun Province conducting a comprehensive revalidation assessment of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, with a focus on geotourism development and community enterprise initiatives in La-ngu District.

The international assessment team includes Prof. Dr. Mega Fatimah Rosana of Indonesia and Mr. Ferran Climent Costa of Spain. The visit is part of the official Satun UNESCO Global Geopark Revalidation Mission, scheduled from 15–19 July 2025.

On the morning of 18 July, the delegation visited Mu Ko Phetra National Park in La-ngu District. Here, they reviewed collaborative efforts between the national park, local educational institutions and community enterprises. Highlights included the development of a local geo-learning centre, educational activities to promote geological knowledge, the storytelling of local legends connected to the region’s geoheritage and the use of creative media such as a Geopark theme song. Infrastructure improvements, notably the renovation of the “Bridge Across Time,” were also presented to demonstrate safety and sustainability upgrades.

The Department of Mineral Resources reported on progress made in response to eight key recommendations issued by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council during the previous evaluation. These centred on enhancing geotourism attractions, delivering appropriate visitor services and integrating geological education into the wider community.

At 11:00 the assessors visited Panya Batik Community Enterprise, a successful local business that has evolved from a small shop into a nationally recognised learning centre. The group’s transformation has been supported by innovation from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and serves as a model for other community enterprises aiming to align their products with Geopark standards.

In the afternoon, the delegation held a working session to review documentation submitted and listened to progress reports from Satun Geopark management. The team began drafting preliminary feedback and discussed long-term strategies for strengthening the park’s sustainability and collaborative development.

Satun Geopark, which gained UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2018, is currently undergoing its scheduled revalidation. The outcome of this assessment will determine whether it retains its prestigious designation for the next four-year cycle.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-19