Community involvement and empowerment is one of the requirements for an integrated geographical area that has valuable geological, cultural and natural landscape heritage sites that can be designated as a geopark. On the other hand, sustainable management is a commitment aimed at improving the welfare of society.
In an effort to make the Meratus Geopark a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp), the Governor of South Kalimantan, Sahbirin Noor, emphasized that preserving the Meratus Geopark is a shared responsibility, so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and natural riches that exist today.
“This is a big mission reflected in the geopark’s slogan, namely “Preserving the Earth Prospering the Community” through three important pillars, namely conservation, education and community economic empowerment,” said Sahbirin during the socialization of the Meratus Geopark “The Soul of Borneo”, in Banjarbaru some time Then.
Currently, the South Kalimantan Provincial Government through the Meratus Geopark Management Agency is preparing to face the Unesco assessment which will be carried out in 2024. A series of efforts have been made, including ensuring visibility, infrastructure and facilities in priority areas.
Tourism human resources in the Meratus Geopark area have also been prepared, one of which is through a geopark-based tourism development program. With an area of around 3,645.01 km2 covering six districts/cities, namely Banjarbaru, Banjarmasin, Banjar, Tapin, Hulu Sungai Selatan, and Barito Kuala, the Meratus Geopark is divided into four routes, namely the north, east, south and west routes with a total of 54 sites that can be explored within five days.
With the realization of the Meratus Geopark as UGGp, it is hoped that it can encourage the creation of innovative local businesses and can be used as a source of income generated through geotourism and geoproducts, while geological resources remain protected.
The three pillars of Meratus Geopark’s goals are conservation, education and sustainable economic development.
Meratus, the soul of Borneo
The collision of two continents raised them from the bottom of the ancient ocean 200 million years ago, creating very colorful new life. The green mountains are home to a variety of flora and fauna. A stretch of old rocks tells the history of Bentala, accompanied by the singing of insects and the rustling of leaves, becoming a universal musical drama.
The Banjar and Dayak tribes, two brothers who live under him, blend in symphony. Creating culture and traditions, the fruit of mountainous landscapes with rivers that snake and dance. They firmly maintain a tradition to this day.
Meratus guarantees human life with all the wealth it has, both visible on the surface and in the bowels of the earth. Natural and cultural diversity, the reciprocal relationship between nature and humans, form a harmonious land of Borneo that has a soul.
Western Route
The bustling Lok Baintan Floating Market starts the day. As the sun rises, the river flow takes us into a journey to admire the greatness of Banjarese culture. The beauty of Sasirangan, the grandeur of Traditional House, the tradition to assemble wooden boats. The endanger Long Nose Monkey in Curiak Island puts more colour in this amazing river journey
Southern Route
Tropical forests brings life to Meratus. From Purun Village it shares arts, offers medication in Herbal Village, a home for wildlife and the enchanting orchids. A Dutch Guest House stands firm, a silent witness to the history of colonialism, surrounded by trees that grow on the Snake Skin Stone with the picturesque view as its background. Here, we can see how the earth history creates the forever sparkling Diamond.
Eastern Route
Matang Keladan Hill serves as the viewing tower to enjoy the expanse of man-made lake. A lake that
hold the stories of the Drowned Villages. A lake that hold the history of earth with its Submarine Volcano, archaeological site of Stone Axe, and Diamond. The lake also offers a future for those who survive.
Northern Route
The tree leaves sway, singing the tune of the blowing winds. In Oranje Nassau, the wind break through the long-deserted coal tunnel, whisting when caught by the Dandang Kites. The whispering wind blows to the Village of Dayak Meratus who hold firm their ancient ways, Malaris Long House, the Bamboo Rafting. Tanuhi Hot Spring, Kilat Api Waterfall are markers of the earth history. In Langara Hill, the wind can shout out loud.
anangfadhilah
