Langkawi, 28th October 2021 – Malaysia and Canada agree to build a closer working relationship endorsed through a virtual signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of geopark management. The ceremony took place simultaneously in the respective offices of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark (DUGGp) today.

The MoU was signed by representative of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (LUGGp), YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin bin Abdul Muttalib who is also Chief Executive Officer of LADA from Malaysia and John Norman, Chair of Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark (DUGGp) from Canada. Also witnessing the momentous event were Encik Azmil Munif bin Mohd Bukhari, Manager of LUGGp and Cyndy Stead, Manager of DUGGp. This MoU marks a sign of cooperation between both parties in fulfilling their respective duties and functions through information exchange and sharing of mutually beneficial geopark initiatives.

With the signing of this MoU, both parties have therefore expressed their interest to engage in collaborative activities in relation to sustainable development of the two geoparks involved. These include activities in areas such as tourism promotion, education, research, and community development in the respective geopark territories.

“This MoU will serve as a catalyst to promote international cooperation between LUGGp and DUGGp on a reciprocal basis. We look forward to providing each other all the necessary information, experience, and best practices for the good of both geoparks. For instance, some knowledge sharing will take place regarding geoheritage protection, geosciences popularisation, and local geotourism development, among which we hope would further improve the current management of the two geoparks concerned,” says YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin.

Meanwhile, Norman also expresses DUGGp’s enthusiasm in entering into such agreement with LUGGp. “Sistership agreements such as this solidifies the magnitude of being part of worldwide geopark network – it expands our borders while providing possibilities to participate in joint projects and programs that will have far reaching benefits for our tourism industry, schools, and municipalities. To cooperate in terms of culture and tourism will especially be beneficial as we look forward to the recovery of our local economy, creating new sustainable employment in geotourism.”

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