{"id":20962,"date":"2023-07-05T13:46:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T05:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lada.gov.my\/?p=20962"},"modified":"2023-07-06T08:59:54","modified_gmt":"2023-07-06T00:59:54","slug":"opening-remarks-co-chairman-board-of-director-langkawi-development-authority-lada-dato-anis-rizana-binti-mohd-zainudin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lada.gov.my\/en\/opening-remarks-co-chairman-board-of-director-langkawi-development-authority-lada-dato-anis-rizana-binti-mohd-zainudin\/","title":{"rendered":"OPENING REMARKS CO-CHAIRMAN BOARD OF DIRECTOR LANGKAWI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (LADA) DATO’ ANIS RIZANA BINTI MOHD ZAINUDIN"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

IN CONJUNCTION WITH LANGKAWI UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK REVALIDATION MISSION
\nDate:\t3 July 2023
\nTime:\t7.00 pm
\nVenue: \tAloft Langkawi, Pantai Tengah Langkawi<\/p>\n

SALUTATIONS<\/p>\n

1.\tThe Right Honourable Dato\u2018Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, the Menteri Besar of Kedah <\/p>\n

2.\tThe Honourable Dato Haji Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah,
\nLangkawi Member of Parliament<\/p>\n

3.\tYang Berbahagia Professor Emeritus Dato\u2019 Dr Ibrahim Komoo,
\n\tVice President of the Global Geoparks Network Association, Advisor of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark<\/p>\n

4.\tProfesor Dr. Zheng Yuannyuan,
\nAssessor and Expert of UNESCO Global Geopark<\/p>\n

5.\tDr. Jeon Yongmun,
\nAssessor and Expert of UNESCO Global Geopark<\/p>\n

6.\tYang Berbahagia Dato\u2019 Abdul Ghafar Yahya,
\nDistrict Officer of Langkawi<\/p>\n

7.\tYang Berbahagia Dato-Dato, Datin-Datin, Langkawi Geopark Ambassadors, Langkawi Geopark Partners, Langkawi Geopark Product Owners, members of media, ladies and gentlemen.<\/p>\n

OPENING REMARKS<\/p>\n

1.\tAlhamdulillah, all praises to Allah, the Merciful, the All-Beneficent, by whose Grace and Blessings made it possible for us to gather here today for a dinner in conjunction with the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark reassessment mission.<\/p>\n

2.\tFirst and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to YAB Dato Seri Haji Muhamad Sanusi bin Md Nor, the Chief Minister of Kedah, and also Co-chairman of LADA. It is an immense honor to have you join us at this meaningful dinner tonight.<\/p>\n

3.\tI would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the presence of two our figures and assessors, Professor Yuanyuan Zheng from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Dr. Jeon Yongmun from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is hope that our assessors are satisfied with the preparation that Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark has put in place this time and enjoying the beauty of Langkawi.<\/p>\n

4.\tFurthermore, we are privileged to have Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Ibrahim Komoo, the Vice President in both the Global Geopark Network and the Asian Pacific Geoparks Network, among us. I would like to express our deep appreciation for his presence tonight, as it demonstrates his unwavering support for the revalidation mission of LUGGp, specially as the Advisor of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (LUGGp.)<\/p>\n

5.\tI would also like to extend my utmost gratitude to LADA\u2019s strategic partners in this event, Langkawi District Office, Langkawi Municipal Council Tourism City, Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Langkawi tourism industry players. LADA greatly appreciates your contribution in empowering Langkawi as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Your dedication has made it a shining example of sustainable geotourism.<\/p>\n

REVALIDATION MISSION<\/p>\n

6.\tAs everyone is well aware, the revalidation mission for Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark is a critical process that ensures our management practices align with the criteria established by UNESCO.<\/p>\n

7.\tThis year marks the fourth revalidation for Langkawi. While we have a commendable track record, I believe that this year’s assessment presents its own set of challenges. There are numerous aspects that require our attention to ensure the continuity of this esteemed recognition.<\/p>\n

8.\tThe impact of this recognition aligns with LADA’s function and role in driving the tourism industry in Langkawi. From a branding perspective, this recognition has successfully opened a new chapter by positioning Langkawi ahead of other resort islands.<\/p>\n

9.\tPresently, Langkawi is also acknowledged as an island that practices effective management by prioritizing environmental sustainability and resource preservation in its development.<\/p>\n

10.\tThis recognition has added value to Langkawi and heightened the allure for tourists to visit and experience the beauty and diversity of nature through various Geo-tourism activities.<\/p>\n

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT<\/p>\n

11.\tFurthermore, we would like to emphasize the significance of community involvement in the Geopark, particularly in empowering women.<\/p>\n

12.\tWe take immense pride in launching initiatives that engage local women in Geopark activities. This not only enhances their skills and knowledge within the tourism industry but also empowers them socially and economically.<\/p>\n

13.\tWe remain committed to providing support and opportunities to the community to ensure the sustainability of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark.<\/p>\n

ONGOING INITIATIVES AND UPCOMING EFFORTS<\/p>\n

14.\tIn addition to our dedicated efforts in tourism development, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) strives to uphold the integrity of the UNESCO Global Geopark brand as a whole, with significant emphasis on the pivotal role played by the Geopark and sustainability section.<\/p>\n

15.\tWe diligently work towards the preservation and enhancement of our natural heritage and infrastructure. Collaboration with UNESCO and local stakeholders is crucial in achieving these goals.<\/p>\n

16.\tTonight, I am delighted to share some of Langkawi’s achievements, particularly in the tourism industry. Among them are:<\/p>\n

i.\tLangkawi becoming the UNESCO Global Geopark Reference Center for the Asia Pacific region, announced during the 4th Asia Pacific Geopark Network Symposium in Japan in September 2015.<\/p>\n

ii.\tAdditionally, the Diverse Heritage Kubang Badak Biogeotrails receiving the PATA Gold Awards in the Heritage Articles Category in 2022.<\/p>\n

17.\tFurthermore, I am pleased to provide updates on our upcoming efforts in Gunung Raya Granite and Tuba Geotourism. These initiatives will further enhance Langkawi’s geological significance and offer new opportunities for visitors to explore the unique geological features of these areas, strengthening Langkawi’s position as a premier geotourism destination.<\/p>\n

LOOKING AHEAD<\/p>\n

18.\tAs we proceed with the revalidation mission, I hope our esteemed evaluators have the opportunity to witness the positive impact of Langkawi Geopark on our tourist arrivals and the community at large. <\/p>\n

19.\tThe evident manifestation of this trend can be observed in the year 2022, as approximately 2.57 million individuals were recorded entering the island, despite the fact that we are currently in the phase of post-pandemic recovery. Looking ahead to the present year, 2023, our aim is to achieve approximately 3.2 million tourist arrivals. This objective can certainly be realized with the attainment of our Green Card for the fourth consecutive time. (InsyaALLAH)<\/p>\n

20.\tLet us showcase the remarkable achievements and strides we have made in Geo-tourism, women empowerment, and sustainability.<\/p>\n

21.\tTogether, we are committed to establishing a world-class geopark through strategic initiatives, active community engagement, and the preservation of our natural wonders and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

22.\tBy fostering partnerships and addressing challenges such as climate change and resource management, we will ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of our geopark.<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/p>\n

23.\tIn conclusion, I express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication to Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark. Let us forge ahead, united in our commitment to excellence and sustainability.<\/p>\n

24.\tThrough responsible Geotourism practices, we continue to attract visitors from around the world who appreciate and support our efforts in protecting the environment.<\/p>\n

25.\tBy utilizing Langkawi as an educational platform, we make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.<\/p>\n

26.\tMoving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with the local community, government agencies, and international organizations to ensure the success and preservation of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark.\n<\/p>\n

27.\tThank you to the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Kedah and the UNESCO Global Geopark evaluator for gracing us with your presence today. Your support and guidance are invaluable as we strive to maintain and enhance the Langkawi Geopark.<\/p>\n

28.\tMay the blessings of Allah be upon all of us as we embark on this journey of sustainable tourism and conservation.<\/p>\n

29.\tTogether, let us create a future where the beauty of Langkawi’s natural landscapes and the richness of its cultural heritage continue to inspire generations to come.<\/p>\n

Wabillahitaufik Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
\nThank you.\n<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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