GIAC Courtesy Visit to the Indonesian Geopark Action Plan National Secretariat

GIAC Courtesy Visit to the Indonesian Geopark Action Plan National Secretariat

Geoparks Investment Advisory Council Seeks to Deepen Partnership with Indonesia’s National Geopark Action Plan Secretariat

Jakarta, June 5, 2025 — The Geoparks Investment Advisory Council (GIAC) was honored to conduct a courtesy visit to the Secretariat of the Indonesian National Geopark Action Plan at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The visit marked a significant milestone in GIAC’s growing engagement with Indonesia, one of the world’s richest countries in geological, cultural, and ecological heritage.

During the visit, GIAC representatives were warmly received by Mr. Togu Pardede, Head of the Secretariat and Director of Energy, Mineral Resources, and Mining at the Ministry. Discussions focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration to support the long-term development of Indonesian geoparks through investment, innovation, and community empowerment.

GIAC shared its commitment to advancing sustainable economic models in geopark regions that protect geological heritage while enhancing local livelihoods. As a global initiative dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of UNESCO Global Geoparks, GIAC helps unlock the economic potential of these extraordinary landscapes by facilitating responsible investment, strengthening local enterprises, and connecting stakeholders across sectors.

The Council's work spans a variety of programs aimed at driving inclusive growth in geoparks. These include investment advisory services, business development support, and funding strategies designed to foster entrepreneurship, support regenerative industries, and address climate challenges. Among its leading initiatives is the development of “geopreneurship” programs—ventures rooted in the culture, ecology, and geology of each geopark—that help communities generate income while conserving their natural heritage.

In the context of Indonesia, GIAC emphasized its intention to work alongside the national government and local stakeholders to build vibrant, self-sustaining geopark economies. Central to this vision is the support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce “geoproducts”—locally made goods and services that reflect the unique geological and cultural identity of each region. GIAC plans to provide technical assistance, training, and access to capital for these businesses to scale and thrive within global markets.

In addition to enterprise development, GIAC highlighted the importance of integrating nature-based climate solutions into geopark planning. With Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and vast forest landscapes, geoparks can serve as important platforms for ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. GIAC expressed a strong interest in supporting locally led conservation efforts that create verifiable environmental benefits and open new avenues for green finance, including carbon credit generation and biodiversity offsets.

Another key area of collaboration discussed was the transformation of food systems within geopark communities. GIAC is currently developing programs to promote regenerative agriculture and food innovation rooted in indigenous knowledge. These initiatives aim to enhance nutrition, food security, and economic opportunity while preserving agro-biodiversity and traditional culinary heritage.

The meeting also touched on GIAC’s global events strategy and the potential for Indonesia to host future gatherings, such as the Geoparks Global Expo, the Geotourism Festival, and the Geoparks Investment and Business Summit. These events not only spotlight innovation within geoparks but also serve as platforms for dialogue, partnership-building, and international promotion of local destinations.

GIAC expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Togu Pardede and the National Secretariat team for their openness, insight, and shared commitment to the sustainable development of Indonesian geoparks. The Council reaffirmed its desire to align its programs with the objectives of the Indonesian National Geopark Action Plan and to contribute meaningfully to national efforts that position geoparks as hubs of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.

This visit signals the beginning of a deeper, more integrated collaboration between GIAC and Indonesian stakeholders. By combining global expertise with local knowledge, GIAC is confident that Indonesia’s geoparks can become models of sustainable development—not only conserving the past but building a thriving, climate-resilient future for generations to come.

GIAC Executive Director Diemas Sukma Hawkins and Mr. Togu Pardede discussing future collaborations in Geopark Development in Indonesia