Three Indonesian Geoparks Receive UNESCO Green Card, What Are They?

Three geoparks in Indonesia have successfully obtained Green Card status, also known as the green card, from UNESCO. The three geoparks are: Rinjani UGGp (UNESCO Global Geopark), Toba Caldera UGGp, and Ciletuh-Pelabuhanratu UGGp. “As a country with the third highest number of UGGp in the world, Indonesia has proven its ability to maintain and manage them for sustainable development. Congratulations and thank you to all parties who contributed to this proud achievement,” said Acting Chairman of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (KNIU) Ananto Kusuma Seta in an official statement received by Kompas.com on Thursday (30/4/2026). This green card is granted by UNESCO as recognition of the sustainable performance of UGGp in protecting natural heritage, while also supporting sustainable development in the surrounding local communities. The green card certificate was received by Muhamad Oemar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France, Andorra, Monaco, and Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Indonesia to UNESCO. “The main challenges reported by the Geoparks are funding and financial sustainability, human resource capacity, access to expertise and international collaboration, education and public outreach capacity, government and institutional capacity, as well as infrastructure and accessibility,” explained Kristof Vandenberge. This support includes: training and capacity building, international collaboration facilities, access to funding sources, operational guidelines and equipment, as well as stronger visibility and advocacy for all global network members.