Niah National Park officially listed as UNESCO Word Heritage Site

The Niah National Park.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 27: Niah National Park has been listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the recognition underlines the global importance of Niah National Park as a site of outstanding universal value.

“This is another evidence of the high commitment of the Sarawak government in preserving and protecting the natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations,” he said in a press statement today.

He said Niah National Park is famous for its archaeological importance, especially in Niah Cave, which has some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in Southeast Asia, believed to date back to 50,000 years ago.

The inscription of Niah National Park to the World Heritage List, he said, is the culmination of years of effort and dedication by the Sarawak government led by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“This success is thanks 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 added.

Nian National Park was officially announced as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO during the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Meeting 2024, held from July 21 to 31, at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Appu Ghar, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. — DayakDaily