Sultan Sharafuddin signed a plaque symbolising the proclamation of the 112,955ha geopark that spans across the Gombak and Hulu Langat districts, Bernama reported.

Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari attended the event.

Nik Nazmi hoped this national geopark would eventually be recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark and firmly establish itself as a geotourism hub, thus boosting the local economy.

He said GHL Geopark features 31 geosites, with 20 of them already recognised as eco and geo-tourism areas, showcasing Selangor’s preserved natural landscapes and geological heritage.

Among the 20 sites are Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur Granite, Gombak Quartz Ridge and Karak Shale in the Gombak district, and Gunung Nuang’s Granite Peak, Dusun Tua Hot Springs Complex and Sungai Tekala Waterfall in Hulu Langat.

Nik Nazmi said that GHL Geopark is the only geopark located in an urban area.

“This is evidence of our efforts in preserving natural sustainability and managing nationally significant areas with geosites of extraordinary value,” he said.

A total of 10 national geoparks have been recognised so far in the country — GHL Geopark, Jerai in Kedah, Kinta and Lenggong in Perak, Labuan, Sarawak Delta in Sarawak, Stong in Kelantan, Kenyir in Terengganu, Perlis and Lipis in Pahang.

Two geoparks have gained Unesco Global Geopark recognition — Langkawi and Kinabalu.