20 new park guides ready for Niah

NIAH: Niah National Park now has 20 newly trained park guides following the completion of an 18-day training programme this month.

Of the 20 participants, 11 are from local communities representing seven villages surrounding Niah, while the remaining nine are from Miri.

The programme, organised by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) from Sept 5 to 22, was aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed for guiding, ecotourism and conservation.

SFC said participants underwent seven Generic Park Guide modules and nine Park Product modules covering protected area management, legislation, traditional ecological knowledge, biodiversity conservation, entrepreneurship, safety, interpretation and guiding techniques.

“They were also introduced to Niah National Park’s archaeological history and research, geology, swiftlet conservation and biodiversity.

“The training also covered Niah’s journey towards its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024,” it said in a Facebook post.

SFC said developing knowledgeable and skilled park guides would help strengthen local community participation in ecotourism while supporting conservation efforts at the national park.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni attended the closing ceremony as guest of honour.

Also present was SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, who is also Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves Sarawak and Controller of Wild Life Sarawak.