Banyuwangi, E Java (ANTARA) – Indonesia has begun preparations for the revalidation of Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark ahead of an Aug. 3-7 evaluation, aiming to retain its green card status and preserve its place in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network.Minister of Tourism Widyanti Putri Wardhana convened a coordination meeting with national and regional stakeholders in Banyuwangi, East Java, on Saturday to align preparations for the mandatory four-year UNESCO assessment.”Our agenda today is to discuss preparations for the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark revalidation, which will take place on Aug. 3-7, 2026. Successfully maintaining this designation is our shared responsibility,” Widyanti said.She said Indonesia's objective is to secure a green card, which would allow Ijen to retain its UNESCO Global Geopark status first granted in 2023.According to the minister, stronger coordination is needed to ensure that all recommendations from UNESCO evaluators are fully implemented before the assessment.The recommendations include strengthening geological heritage promotion, improving accessibility, expanding partnerships, and managing the iconic blue fire area while prioritizing visitor safety and sustainable tourism principles.”As Indonesia's best geopark, I am confident that Ijen Geopark will be able to maintain its green card status in the UNESCO Global Geopark evaluation,” Widyanti said.Banyuwangi District Head Ipuk Fiestiandani said the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark has been managed with a commitment to preserving natural heritage, promoting local culture, and improving community welfare without compromising sustainability.”For us, this recognition is not the finish line but a mandate to continue protecting nature, improving education, strengthening community empowerment, and developing the local economy sustainably,” she said.Abdillah Baraas, head of the Ijen Geopark Management Agency, said UNESCO had issued five key recommendations covering stronger geological research and mapping, greater promotion of geological heritage, additional educational information panels across the geopark, and more active participation in national and international events.He said those recommendations have been implemented through collaboration among local, provincial, and central governments.Participants in the coordination meeting included Bondowoso District Deputy Head As'ad Yahya Syafii, Ijen Geopark General Manager Abdillah Baraas, Head of Alas Purwo National Park Probo Resni Aji, Head of Regional Conservation Resort (RKW) 14 at Ijen Crater under the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Rusdi Santoso, and officials from the Ministry of Tourism.UNESCO requires all Global Geoparks to undergo a comprehensive revalidation every four years to ensure they continue meeting international standards. The evaluation determines whether a geopark retains its green card status, receives a yellow card requiring improvements within two years, or is issued a red card, resulting in the loss of its UNESCO designation.