MIRI: About 66 Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) have been designated by the Sarawak government, comprising 46 national parks, 15 nature reserves and five wildlife sanctuaries, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said similarly, about 66 historic sites have been gazetted under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019, which includes 42 buildings, 15 monuments and nine historical sites.
“The Sarawak government has long valued our nature and cultural heritage as treasured assets that can assist in transforming our state into a modern and thriving society.
“Our unique biodiversity is protected by the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance of 1998 and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance of 1998, while our cultural legacy is safeguarded by the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019, which was recently implemented,” he said.
His speech was delivered by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the International Conference on Niah National Park for World Heritage Site Nomination held at a hotel here, today.
He stressed that the state government is always seeking new approaches to deliver inclusive and sustainable development to Sarawakians by optimising the usage of natural resources for the benefit of social economy while ensuring the protection of flora and fauna, land use, historical landmarks and the unique geographical features through holistic planning in both urban and rural development.
“Various initiatives, such as encouraging green mobility, expanding the use of renewable energy and preserving 50 per cent forest and tree cover, have taken place in Sarawak in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.
“For a place like Niah National Park, which has some of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites, geo-heritage and natural ecosystem, it is only natural that the state government works to get Niah National Park designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site,” he said.
Abang Johari added that given Niah’s Outstanding Universal Values, it is the responsibility of the public to preserve, maintain and rehabilitate and share with the world as their contribution to understanding the progression of the world’s human history.
“This is the reason Sarawak places 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.”
He also said that the state government also regards the Unesco World Heritage designation as an important instrument for promoting Sarawak across the world.
“A listed site may receive assistance in its conservation under specified circumstances and global recognition that would promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to the surrounding community of Niah.
“I am sure that designating Niah National Park as a World Heritage Site is a timely initiative that would further strengthen the state’s capacity in heritage protection and the development of world-class conservation practices,” he said.
