Raja Ampat Prepares for UNESCO Global Geopark Revalidation Process

Raja Ampat Regency in Southwest Papua is preparing to face an important moment in August 2026. The area is scheduled to undergo the revalidation process for its UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) status, a comprehensive assessment by UNESCO to determine the suitability for continuing its world geopark status, a prestigious recognition that Raja Ampat has held since its initial designation. To ensure readiness, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana continued her second day of working visit to Raja Ampat, focusing on strengthening world-class destination governance, as well as directly checking the conditions of geosites and flagship tourism villages. While inspecting the Piaynemo Geosite on Tuesday (12/5/2026), Minister Widiyanti emphasised that the UNESCO Global Geopark status is not merely an international label, but a manifestation of long-term commitment. “The world geopark status must be maintained through strong governance, tangible conservation, and local community involvement,” said Minister Widiyanti. The UNESCO revalidation process itself includes assessments of geopark management, success in geological conservation, community engagement, environmental education, and the impact of tourism on the local economy. The visit continued to Arborek Tourism Village, a village that once won the 2021 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI). Arborek is regarded by UNESCO and the government as an example of ecotourism that has successfully integrated community economic growth with the preservation of marine ecosystems and local culture. “Arborek Village is real proof that ecotourism is not just a concept on paper. Here we see how the community is economically empowered without neglecting ancestral heritage and marine preservation.” She added that Arborek’s success should inspire other tourism villages in Indonesia that wish to develop quality and sustainable tourism. Concluding the series of visits, Minister Widiyanti inspected the zebra shark conservation programme at Sorido Bay Resort, Kri Island, Meos Mansar District. During the activity, the Minister named one of the incubating zebra shark eggs “Putri” and awaited its hatching time. This symbolic naming serves as a strong message regarding the importance of preserving marine life in Raja Ampat. The zebra shark is a species now threatened and is the focus of conservation efforts in the area. With various governance strengthening measures, conservation commitments, and active community involvement, Raja Ampat demonstrates readiness to welcome the UNESCO assessment team in August 2026. If the revalidation process goes well, Raja Ampat will once again retain its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark, while affirming itself as one of the most important and beautiful ecotourism destinations in the world.