Satun Geopark potential to be UNESCO global geopark

BANGKOK, Aug 18 (TNA) – Thai authorities are upbeat that the Satun Geopark will become a global geopark of the UNESCO as it meets all criteria. Niwat Maneekut, deputy director-general of the Department of Mineral Resources, said the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council would meet on Sept 16-17 and would decide if the Satun Geopark would become a global geopark site. Mr Niwat expected a positive decision, saying the Satun Geopark with beautiful terrains possessed all rock layers of the Paleozoic era dating from 500-250 million years ago which were the oldest in Southeast Asia. Besides, there are lots of fossils with international academic significance, artifacts and native cultures and traditions. Thus the Satun Geopark was suitable to be developed into a site of geological education and ecotourism, he said. According to him, UNESCO inspectors expressed satisfaction while visiting the Satun Geopark late in July. The Satun Geopark covers 2,597 square kilometers in four districts of Satun province. It is the first geological park of Thailand. UNESCO has listed 127 global geoparks in 35 countries. (TNA)