The APGN Symposium 2026 invites you to an extraordinary gathering of geopark professionals, researchers, policymakers, educators, and tourism experts to explore innovative ways to foster sustainable geotourism. Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, a jewel of natural and cultural heritage, is thrilled to host this milestone event, offering a platform for dynamic discussions, insightful exchanges, and transformative collaborations.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of building resilient networks among geoparks to inspire innovation, foster meaningful connections, and lead transformative actions for sustainable development.
Explore cutting-edge ideas
and practices to
enrich geotourism initiatives.
Strengthen collaborations
between geoparks and
their communities worldwide.
Drive sustainable change
through shared
experiences and strategies.
Together, we aim to elevate geotourism’s potential as a force for conservation, education, and community empowerment.
The Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) connects UNESCO Global Geoparks across the Asia-Pacific region, fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange, and best practices in geopark management while supporting sustainable development and community engagement. Through regional collaboration and partnerships, APGN advances sustainable geotourism, promotes environmental education, and highlights the importance of geological heritage in conserving natural and cultural resources and supporting local economic development.
The APGN Symposium is a flagship regional event that brings together geopark professionals to share experiences, discuss innovations, and collaborate on future initiatives, supporting APGN’s broader mission of preserving Earth’s geological heritage while promoting cultural diversity, sustainable tourism, and the well-being of local communities.
The Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark is Malaysia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, officially recognized in 2007. Located in the Langkawi Archipelago in the state of Kedah, it is part of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and represents a unique integration of geological, natural, and cultural heritage.
Covering approximately 478 square kilometres, the geopark features remarkable limestone hills, ancient karst formations, mangrove swamps, coastal wetlands, and tropical rainforests. These landscapes provide valuable insights into the region’s geological evolution, dating back to the Cambrian period, making Langkawi an important site for geoscientific research and education.
Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark is home to diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of flora and fauna, including tropical plants, birds, reptiles, mammals, and marine species. This rich biodiversity enhances the geopark’s significance for conservation and nature-based tourism.
The geopark is managed by the Langkawi Geopark Coordination Committee (LGC), which brings together government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. This collaborative approach ensures that development, conservation, and tourism initiatives align with UNESCO’s principles of sustainability and community involvement.
Information will be updated soon.
