By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 30: Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says Sarawak is in the process of nominating Niah National Park as its second World Heritage Site under the mixed category for natural and cultural heritage.
Abdul Karim stated this in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
“Various efforts and tasks had been undertaken by all stakeholders to complete the ‘Draft Dossier’ for voluntarily submission to UNESCO in September 2022.
“The ‘Final Dossier’ would be submitted before February 2023, which will be followed with evaluation by advisory bodies for the final decision by UNESCO World Heritage Committee in July the same year, before Niah National Park could be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List,” he said.
He also stated that the International Conference on Niah National Park for UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination was co-hosted by MTCP Sarawak, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR), the Sarawak Museum Department, and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and was held at the Pullman Hotel Waterfront Miri from Sep 3 to 5, 2022.
He went on to say that ecotourism has become an important sustainable economic activity all over the world as it allows visitors to experience powerful manifestations of nature and culture while also learning about the importance of biodiversity conservation and local cultures.
“At the same time, ecotourism generates income and economic benefits for communities living in rural and remote areas,” Abdul Karim said. — DayakDaily
