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SIBU: The recognition of Niah National Park as a Unesco World Heritage Site will not only bring new light to the state's tourism industry but also elevate the country's name on the international stage, says Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The Sarawak Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister sadi he was proud and joyful after the park was officially announced as a Unesco World Heritage Site at the 46th Unesco World Heritage Committee Meeting 2024.
He said this recognition emphasises its importance to culture, history, and ecology.
"Unesco's recognition underscores the global importance of Niah National Park as a site of exceptional universal value.
"This is further evidence of the Sarawak government's commitment to preserving and protecting natural and cultural heritage for future generations," he said in a statement Sunday (July 28).
Len Talif had led the Sarawak delegation to the Bharat Mandapam International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Appu Ghar, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from July 21 to 31.
According to Len Talif, Niah National Park is famous for its archaeological significance, especially Niah Cave.
He said the historic heritage site has some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in Southeast Asia, believed to date back 50,000 years.
"The stunning landscape, biological diversity, and cultural heritage make this site very important in Sarawak, Malaysia, and internationally.
"The inscription of Niah National Park in the World Heritage List is the culmination of years of effort and dedication by the Sarawak Government, led by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
"This success is due to the close cooperation between all government agencies at the Sarawak and Federal levels. Solid support has also been given by the people of Sarawak, especially the local community in the Niah area," he said.
He also noted that the prestigious recognition is expected to increase conservation efforts, promote sustainable tourism, and foster greater international cooperation in the conservation of the park's priceless heritage.
The meeting, attended by more than 2,000 delegates from 150 countries, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
An exhibition was also held at the Bharat Mandapam, highlighting the country's culture.
"Finally, once again I would like to thank the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) and Unesco for this recognition," he added.
Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to India Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa; Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Roslan Rahman, as head of the Malaysian delegation; National Heritage Department director-general Mohamad Muda Bahadin; Dr Idris Ismail, a member of the permanent delegation of Malaysia to Unesco in Paris; and Sarawak Forestry Corporation general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.
