MIRI, Sept 5: Designating Niah National Park as a World Heritage Site is a timely initiative that would further strengthen Sarawak’s capacity in heritage protection and the development of world-class conversation practices.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed listed site may receive assistance in its conversation under specified circumstances and global recognition that would promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, to the surrounding community of Niah.
“Sarawak State Government also regards the UNESCO World Heritage designation as an important instrument for promoting Sarawak across the world, and can have a positive impact on the site, its surroundings, and the relationship between them.
Read more news >>>>> Push for UNESCO listing for Niah Cave
“This is the reason Sarawak places a high priority on getting Niah National Park added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, as this designation can significantly increase awareness among the general public and related organisations, which will do wonders for heritage appreciation, education, creativity and nation building,” said Abang Johari whose text speech was read by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the International Conference on Niah National Park for World Heritage Site Nomination held at Pullman Miri, today.
He added given Niah’s Outstanding Universal Values, it is the responsibility of all to preserve, maintain, rehabilitate and share it with the world as our contribution in understanding the progression of World’s Human History.
“For a place like Niah National Park, which has some of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites, geoheritage, and natural ecosystem, it is only natural that the State Government works to get Niah National Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Our unique biodiversity is protected by the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance of 1998 and the Wild Life Protection Ordinance of 1998, while our cultural legacy is safeguarded by the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019, which was recently implemented,” he noted.
Abang Johari hopes that this conference is an opportune time for all of us and one of the many steps required towards the sharing and exchanging of knowledge, ideas and experiences that can ensure the preservation of the state’s heritage. -TVS
