Evaluation Ended, Research in Ciletuh Geopark Continues

[unpad.ac.id, 4/08/2017] UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) Assesor Team has concluded their visit in National Geopark area of Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu, Friday (4/08). During the visit, which had been held since August 1, the team was in charge to evaluate Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu National Geoparkm in order to be developed into global geopark area according to UNESCO.

Professor of Faculty of Geological Engineering who is also Head of Geopark and Geological Disaster Research Center Unpad, Prof. Ir. Mega Fatimah Rosana, M.Sc., PhD, (right), explained research conducted by Unpad academics in Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark area to UNESCO Global Geopark Assessor Team in Bumi Walagri Padjadjaran, Surade, Thursday (3/08). (Photo: Tedi Yusup)*

“God willing (with this evaluation), we will receive certification. It means that we are able to build proper standard for geopark management,” said Rector of Universitas Padjadjaran Prof. Tri Hanggono Achmad after the release event of UGG Assessor Team at the Office Hall of Sukabumi Regional Secretary, Friday (4/08).

Unpad’s continual involvement in developing Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark is encouraged by Rector. During the evaluation, UNESCO Assessor Team was also accompanied by Professor of Faculty of Geological Engineering Unpad Prof. Ir. Mega Fatimah Rosana, M.Sc., PhD. The team was even invited to visit Bumi Walagri Padjadjaran building in Surade district.

Rector further added that various Unpad studies in Ciletuh show that the outputs of Unpad academics are well-approved. Such a contribution has become particular advantage for Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark, the only National Geopark, which development involves university. “The key to build Global Geopark is through networking”, said Rector.

Unpad recently had formed Geopark and Geological Disaster Research Center, led by Prof. Mega. The research center is expected to become reference for science development, particularly in geological resources management, biology, as well as culture, to be developed through terrestrial garden concept.

Realizing Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark potential, focusing in three specific aspects, namely geology, biodiversity, and culture diversity, Rector is committed to continue research activities.

“This research still has to be continued transdisciplinary,” said Rector.

UNESCO Assessor Team consisted of Alexandru Andrassanu (Rumania), Soo Jae Lee (South Korea), and Global Geopark Network Advisor Hanang Samodra. During the evaluation, the team was invited to see various potential location in Ciletuh and Palabuhanratu area.

In Bumi Walagri Padjadjaran, the team observed various research results of Unpad academics in Ciletuh Palabuhanratu area from diverse subjects. Each by each, Prof. Mega explained the details and the outputs resulted from the given studies. Alexandru even praised Unpad’s active activities in conducting research in the given area.

Overall, the team appreciated step taken by West Java Provincial Government, Sukabumi District Government, Unpad, as well as other stakeholders in pushing the development of Ciletuh Geopark.

In his greeting during release event, Alex revealed that his visit to Ciletuh and Palabuhanratu was quite an experience. Various adversity of geological, natural, and cultural potential in Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu can be particular appeals.

“We only found a place with diversity of identity uniqueness in Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark.” He expressed.

Vice Governor of West Java Deddy Mizwar, Regent of Sukabumi Marwan Hamami, as well as the representatives of other stakeholders involved in Ciletuh Geopark development also attended the release event.

 

Reported by Arief Maulana

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