MNRE Drives Satun UNESCO Global Geopark Re-evaluation

Matichon•General•25m ago

Reader Briefing

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is implementing structural reforms to save the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark from potential status revocation following a 'yellow card' warning.

•Satun UNESCO Global Geopark received a yellow card status from UNESCO during a re-evaluation between July 15-19, 2025.
•The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment established a working group on November 5, 2026, to support the re-evaluation process.
•Satun UNESCO Global Geopark must submit progress reports and evidence to UNESCO by January 31, 2027.
•Failure to pass the re-evaluation in 2027 may lead to the revocation of the Global Geopark status.

Overview

•Satun UNESCO Global Geopark received a yellow card status during a re-evaluation conducted between July 15-19, 2025.
•UNESCO recommended improvements to the management system, specifically citing a lack of permanent administrative structure and poor integration between local agencies.
•Nipon Jamnongsirisak stated that the Department of Mineral Resources is working with Satun Province and related agencies to adjust the administrative structure to be permanent.
•The Governor of Satun Province and relevant departments are preparing to appoint a new Director of Satun UNESCO Global Geopark.
•The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment appointed a working group to drive the re-evaluation on November 5, 2026.
•Satun UNESCO Global Geopark must send progress reports and supporting evidence to UNESCO by January 31, 2027.
•UNESCO evaluators are expected to visit the site in mid-2027, with results anticipated around January 2028.
•Passing the criteria will grant a green card status, allowing Satun UNESCO Global Geopark to maintain its status for another 4 years.

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Key Entities

Person

Nipon Jamnongsirisak(นิพนธ์ จำนงสิริศักดิ์)

Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Organization

Department of Mineral Resources(กรมทรัพยากรธรณี)

An agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment responsible for driving the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark corrections.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(กระทรวงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม)ℹ️

The ministry overseeing the Department of Mineral Resources and the working group for the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark re-evaluation.

UNESCO(องค์การยูเนสโก)ℹ️

The international organization that certifies and evaluates the status of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark.

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation(กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช)ℹ️

An agency collaborating to improve the administrative structure of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark.

Place

Satun UNESCO Global Geopark(อุทยานธรณีโลกสตูล)

A UNESCO-certified geopark covering 4 districts in Satun Province with a total area of 2,597.21 square kilometers.

Satun Province(จังหวัดสตูล)ℹ️

The province where the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark is located.

Tarutao National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติตะรุเตา)ℹ️

One of the two national parks covered within the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark area.

Mu Ko Phetra National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะเภตรา)ℹ️

One of the two national parks covered within the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark area.