Sukabumi, July 4, 2025 - The Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark (CPUGGp) revalidation program officially concluded on Thursday, July 4, 2025, after five full days of field exploration and evaluation by a UNESCO assessor team comprised of Bojan Rezun from Slovenia and Zhang Chenggong from China. The closing ceremony was simple yet meaningful, involving stakeholders, regional government agencies (OPD), academics, and local communities actively involved in geopark management.
During the visit, the assessors witnessed firsthand the extraordinary geological richness of the CPUGGp—including evidence of the collision of the Indian-Australian Ocean plate and the Eurasian continent during the Cretaceous period, which shaped Ciletuh's magnificent landscape. This uniqueness underpins the geoheritage value that makes this area an internationally recognized "geopark."
Beyond the geological aspects, the assessors also assessed that the CPUGGp's management demonstrates organized and progressive governance. In recent years, the area has successfully improved accessibility, expanded educational facilities, and fostered collaborative networks at both the national and global levels. "We see sound planning, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term commitment in geopark management," said Bojan Rezun.
From a socio-cultural and biodiversity perspective, CPUGGp is considered successful in maintaining local identity while developing community-based tourism potential. The instillation of conservation values is also well underway through schools, the conservation of endemic animals and plants, and the revitalization of local wisdom in traditional villages and cultural villages.
Zhang Chenggong stated, "What distinguishes CPUGGp is the harmony between nature, humans, and cultural heritage. This is not just a geopark, but a living and thriving ecosystem."
The Head of the Sukabumi Regency Tourism Office, Sendi Apriadi, S.STP., M.Si., stated that the revalidation process provides space for reflection and a fresh direction. "We interpret this optimism not simply as maintaining UNESCO status, but as an opportunity to re-ground the concept of how to redefine the ecosystem of natural sustainability in a more secure way, while actualizing community empowerment towards a prosperous and sustainable life," he emphasized.

Author: Ilham M Saputra.