KUCHING: The potential designation of Niah National Park as a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site is in its second last step to be deliberated in Paris, according to Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister said that the final selection will occur in New Delhi in July.
“Paris serves as one of the preliminary meetings for the UNESCO executive committees, which comprises 50 member states.
“The New Delhi event will be the final selection involving approximately 50 nominations worldwide for inclusion under UNESCO World Heritage,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters during the second Hari Raya open house at his residence at Demak Jaya here yesterday.
Len also acknowledged the uncertainty for the global recognition despite the achievement, but remain hopeful due to progress and efforts made.
“Based on what we have accomplished thus far, we cannot provide a guarantee that Niah National Park will be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“However, with the developments we have seen and the actions we have taken to facilitate this nomination, we are hopeful for global recognition,” he said.
According to a previous report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Niah National Park is expected to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site before the end of 2024.
The final survey stages for Niah National Park’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site were completed in November last year.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said with the accreditation, Niah National Park would significantly boost tourist arrivals to Miri from both domestic and international arrivals .
