KOTA BELUD, October 11, 2026 – The UNESCO recognition of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark must translate into tangible economic benefits for local communities, particularly those living around Mount Kinabalu, through tourism, local products and community-based businesses.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the recognition was a significant achievement for the state, but greater efforts were needed to turn the international accolade into higher household incomes, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods.

“The major challenge for all of us is how to translate UNESCO’s recognition into economic activities that the people can experience and benefit from,” he said.

Ewon was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kota Belud Geopark Tamu, held as part of the 2026 Kota Belud Grand Tamu celebrations.

He said Kota Belud was well positioned to develop distinctive tourism experiences, given its diverse natural attractions, including islands, seas, beaches, rivers, forests, hills and Mount Kinabalu.

The district’s attractions include Mantanani Island, Kadamaian River, Tampasuk River and the iconic Mount Kinabalu, offering opportunities to create integrated tourism packages under a distinctive Kota Belud brand.

“From the mountain peaks to the sea, everything is available within one district. The challenge now is to develop these assets into a tourism package with its own branding, particularly in the context of the Kinabalu Geopark,” he said.

Ewon, who is also Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, stressed that stronger marketing and destination branding would be essential to attract more visitors and expand income opportunities for local communities.

He said the benefits of tourism should extend beyond major attractions to include homestay operators, tour guides, food businesses, handicraft producers and small traders.

Visitors should not only enjoy the area’s natural beauty but also experience its cultural heritage and purchase locally made products, allowing tourism spending to circulate within the community.

“When tourists come, we want them to enjoy the natural beauty, learn about the local culture and buy products made by the people here. This way, more members of the community can benefit economically,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of close cooperation between the state ministries responsible for tourism and industrial development to strengthen tourism packages while creating market opportunities for local products.

While tourism falls under the services sector, products purchased by visitors, including clothing, traditional machetes, food and other local goods, also support manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Ewon said coordinated efforts between the two sectors could help develop a more comprehensive tourism ecosystem, connecting visitor experiences with local businesses and producers.

Beyond economic opportunities, he emphasised that UNESCO recognition also carries a responsibility for communities to conserve the area’s natural heritage and respect local customary laws and cultural traditions.

He also thanked the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, particularly Sabah Parks, for organising the annual Geopark Tamu following the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark’s recognition in 2023.

The initiative highlights the potential for Kota Belud to position itself as a destination where nature, culture and local entrepreneurship come together, ensuring that conservation and tourism development deliver lasting benefits to the people of Sabah.