Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Geopark Successfully Revalidated, Earns Second Green Card

Beneath the shadows of Mount Rinjani and the landscapes of Lombok, good news arrived from Paris. Geopark Rinjani-Lombok officially retained its UNESCO Global Geopark status after receiving the Green Card for the second time during the international revalidation process at UNESCO Headquarters, France, April 28, 2026.

This recognition is not merely an administrative symbol, but signifies that Lombok's volcanic landscape, with all its geological richness, culture, and community life, continues to meet the world's highest standards in sustainable area management.

General Manager of Geopark Rinjani, Qwadru Putro Wicaksono, emphasized that maintaining this title is far more difficult than achieving it the first time.

"That second Green Card is the world's recognition of the collective hard work of all stakeholders in West Nusa Tenggara," he stated in Mataram on Tuesday.

According to Qwadru, this success shows that Geopark Rinjani-Lombok remains consistent in implementing the principles of Nature Conservation, public education, and local community economic empowerment. These three elements form the crucial foundation assessed by UNESCO in every revalidation process.

The international assessor team conducted a thorough evaluation, focusing not only on the stunning natural panorama but also on the tangible impact of this area on the welfare of residents living around the Mount Rinjani ring.

Over the past four years, the management noted several key innovations. One of them involved integrating geopark materials into the local school curriculum, while simultaneously expanding geological literacy at the community level. 

Thus, the earth's heritage is not only enjoyed by tourists but also understood and safeguarded by the Younger Generation.

Another added value comes from the aspect of Disaster Mitigation. Lombok is located in a tectonically active earthquake-prone area, so the integration of geological knowledge for the safety of tourists and local residents became a priority that received special appreciation from UNESCO.

During the certificate handover ceremony in Paris, Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar emphasized the strategic significance of this area. 

He stated that Geopark Rinjani-Lombok is not merely a Tourist Destination, but a natural learning space for global science.

According to him, Rinjani is a jewel in Indonesia's network of global geoparks.

This success brings new hope for other geoparks in the archipelago. The government is committed to continuously promoting national geoparks in international forums.

The achievement of Rinjani-Lombok is expected to inspire other areas that will undergo a similar revalidation process.

For travelers, this news affirms one thing: Lombok's natural beauty is not merely to behold, but also to be passed on.