John Beaufoy commends Sabah’s UNESCO triple crown

John Beaufoy, a prominent British natural history publisher and wildlife enthusiast, celebrates Sabah’s remarkable UNESCO triple-crown achievement.

Beaufoy believes this recognition will not only deepen global appreciation for Sabah’s ecological wonders but also beckon wildlife enthusiasts worldwide to explore the state’s rich biodiversity.

Beaufoy reflects on UNESCO triple crown

Having visited Sabah multiple times over the past 25 years, Beaufoy expresses optimism about Sabah’s elevation to the pinnacle of wildlife history destinations.

The recently bestowed UNESCO triple-crown status, particularly for Kinabalu Park, is seen as a catalyst for drawing attention to Sabah’s unique wildlife.

Beaufoy foresees increased interest from UK wildlife enthusiasts, drawn by Sabah’s diverse wildlife, from birdlife to butterflies and mammals.

“I’ve had the privilege of visiting Sabah multiple times over the past 25 years. With its newfound UNESCO triple-crown status, I firmly believe it will elevate Sabah, especially Kinabalu Park, to the pinnacle of wildlife history destinations,” Beaufoy shared.

Impact on Sabah and Malaysia

The unveiling of Sabah’s Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark during the World Travel Market 2023 marks a pivotal moment.

The launch, attended by Sabah’s Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and the Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Zakri Jaafar , also introduces a bird guidebook published by John Beaufoy.

Beaufoy stresses that the UNESCO Global Geopark status not only benefits Sabah but elevates the global status of both Sabah and Malaysia.

Zakri emphasises the potential of this recognition to attract UK tourists, building on the over 100,000 UK visitors that have returned to Malaysia post-pandemic.

“Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, as of September this year, over 100,000 UK visitors have already returned to Malaysia, signifying promising statistics,” Zakri noted.

Sabah achieved triple-crown status after UNESCO recognised the Kinabalu National Geopark as a Global Geopark in May this year.

This achievement has made Sabah the third destination in the world to attain this coveted triple crown, following Shennongjia in China and Jeju Island in Korea.

Sabah’s other two UNESCO “crowns” are the Kinabalu Park, designated a World Heritage Site in December 2000, and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, declared in June 2014.

In his speech, Joniston underscored the Sabah government’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

This UNESCO Global Geopark status, as the 195th worldwide, positions Sabah on the world stage, promising sustainable development and increased global awareness