.jpg)
The Mineral Resources Department plans to designate Tarutao and Mu Ko Adang-Rawi marine national parks in the Andaman Sea as the country's first "geoparks".
The geopark initiative, launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), is aimed at better protecting sites with geological, archaeological, ecological or cultural value.The department last year surveyed several sites with the potential to be designated geoparks, including Tarutao and Mu Ko Adang-Rawi marine parks in Satun province and mountainous sites where fossils and ancient stones have been found.The two marine parks were determined to have the most potential for gaining geopark status from Unesco, according to geologists working on the project.Tarutao Marine National Park has the country's oldest sandstone, dating back 400 million years, and fossils of ancient animals, while Mu Ko Adang-Rawi has a quicksand site.Department chief Pantip Pancharoen said relevant agencies were working on the process for the sites' official designation as geoparks.According to a tentative procedure, local villagers will have to nominate the site to a screening committee, which will forward the application to the National Environment Board and cabinet for endorsement.Once this is established, the areas could join Unesco's Geopark Network, which currently has 77 sites worldwide."There are over 800 geological sites in Thailand, but they are not qualified to become geoparks due to the lack of a concrete preservation plan," Ms Pantip said.She said some geological sites were located outside national parks, which meant they were not under protection. She urged relevant agencies to declare such sites environmental protection areas under the 1992 Environmental Protection Act.Ms Pantip said other sites with the potential to become geoparks were Doi Ang Khang and Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province and Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani.Posted via http://batavia08.posterous.com batavia08's posterous
No comments:
Post a Comment