Merangin Jambi UGGp participated in the 4th Geotourism Festival and International Conference

Mataram City, 19 - 22 July 2023
 
Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark participated in the Geotourism Festival Geotourism activities and the 4th International Conference held by Rinjani Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark. The event had organized at the Prime Park Hotel, Mataram City.
 
On the 1st day of the event, Mr. Guy Martini, Secretary General of UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp), opened the activity and conveyed high appreciation for the international-scale event held by Rinjani Lombok-UGGp. The Vice Regent of Merangin, Mr. Nilwan Yahya, SE as a representative of Merangin Jambi UGGp, and also be a part of the opening panel discussion, which attended by Vice Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Australian Geoscience Council, Dr. Young NG and the Representative of ASO UGGp Japan, Mr. Nagata Chef.
 
Vice Regent of Merangin, Mr. Nilwan Yahya, at the panel discussion, conveyed the contribution of relevant stakeholders, local communities, and society from all elements in supporting various development activities, both infrastructure, coaching, and community improvement at the level, both of the government and local initiatives, involvement of company CSR funds, massive information dissemination, and full support during the assessment process by UGGp evaluators.
 
Commitment with related stakeholders will continue to be encouraged to increase the impact on the development of the MJ-UGGp in the future. The goal of the Geopark itself is to glorify the earth and prosper the community can be implemented.
 
In addition, Mr. Nilwan Yahya was a speaker at the panel discussion; also several the Heads of Regional Government Organizations (OPD) were also present such as the Heads of the Tourism, Youth and Sports Office, Public Works and Spatial Office, Environmental Office, Education and Culture Office, Communication and Information Office, and the Fisheries Office. Demonstrates the commitment of the Regional Government Organizations (OPD) to continue working together to build the Merangin Jambi Geopark and improve the aspects that be recommendations and notes of the UGGp evaluator.
 
MJ-UGGp also participates in exhibition activities as part of an effort to introduce various Geopark products from the community around the sites. The visitor's presence from different backgrounds becomes one of the indicators that the product promotion and explanation by MJ-UGGP personnel is interesting to hear and witness.
 
Visitors also served the typical coffee of Merangin. The coffee has been recognized and has received a Geographical Indication certificate from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Even green bean coffee had purchased by Mr. Chef Nagata, and he told the story that Japanese people are more familiar with Arabica coffee, and the Taste of Robusta is also very delicious to slurp with Japanese specialties.
 
On the 2nd day of activities, participants have divided into classes with material related to community management in dealing with natural disasters, halal tour packages, compilation of the geo-trail packages, sharing sessions, and the signing of the MoU.

The signing of the MoU was initiated by Indonesian Geopark Network and Rinjani UGGp.

The General Manager of UGGp makes collaborations with several Geoparks which are marked with the signing of the MoU between General Manager of Merangin Jambi UGGp and General Manager of Ijen UGGp, and Merangin Jambi UGGp with Vice General Manager of Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark in the context of developing Indonesia's Geopark in the field of Geo-tourism, Community Empowerment and Education.
"One small step for us to continue to carry out our commitment to managing a sustainable environment and empowered communities, safeguarding the earth's heritage for the next generation" said General Manager of Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark, Dr. Agus, S.Sos., M.Hum.

On the 3rd day of the geotourism festival event and international conference, participants will go to Sambelia in East Lombok. It is an area that has great potential because it has many small Gili (islands) with beautiful beaches and white sand; Then, the activity is continued with a tour of the mangrove area as well as mangrove planting activities in the mangrove area on Gili Petarando which continues with snorkeling activities and crossing to the Gili Pasir. The event closed with a farewell event.
 
The Merangin Jambi's participation in this activity is supposed to be a lesson and be replicable in the Geopark Manifesto Art event. The event will take place at the end of August 2023. Moreover, the target is to reach out audience widely and spread the spirit of Geopark to all levels of society.