Medan, North Sumatra, July 24 -- The UNESCO assessment team for the Toba Caldera Geopark has underlined the importance of building public awareness about the geological and cultural value of Lake Toba to support its protection.

"This awareness is key to preserving the Toba Caldera," Toba Caldera Geopark assessor Jose Brilha told students of vocational high school SMK Negeri 1 Simanindo, Samosir district, according to a written statement received here on Thursday.

He emphasized that the younger residents of the seven districts surrounding Lake Toba in North Sumatra must realize that they live close to the largest volcanic lake in the world. The Toba Caldera Geopark is a unique geological, natural, and cultural heritage.

Lake Toba, which...