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SIBU: The recognition of Niah National Park as a Unesco World Heritage Site will not only bring a new light to the state’s tourism industry but also raise the country’s name on the international stage.
The park officially received the recognition by the Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) at its 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting 2024.
Sarawak Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh expressed his pride and joy at the accolade while emphasising 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 another evidence of the high commitment of the Sarawak government in preserving and protecting natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Len Talif had led the Sarawak delegation to the Bharat Mandapam International Convention and Exhibition Centre in New Delhi, which is being held from July 21 to 31.
Noting Niah National Park’s fame for its archaeological importance, especially Niah Cave, Len Talif said the historic heritage site has some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in South-East Asia, believed to date back to 50,000 years ago.
“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 Sarawak 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 is also given by the people of Sarawak, especially the local community in the Niah area,” he said.
Len Talif also said 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 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In addition, an exhibition was held at the Bharat Mandapam, which highlighted the culture of the country.
Len Talif thanked the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) and Unesco for the recognition.
The Great Cave at Niah is noted for its enormous size, boasting a mouth that’s 60m high and 250m wide and a floor area covering 10.5ha. The cave is accessed from the park headquarters by a 3.1km jungle trail and plankwalk.
The cave is an important prehistorical site where human remains from 40,000 years ago have been discovered. Items found at the Niah Cave include Pleistocene chopping tools and flakes, Neolithic axes, adzes, pottery, shell jewellery, boats, mats, iron tools, ceramics and glass beads dating to the Iron Age.
