KUNDASANG: The diverse biodiversity at the Kinabalu Park has enabled it to remain among the 911 World Heritage sites from 151 countries in the world, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Ellron Angin said.
He said that of the 911 heritage sites, only 180, including the Kinabalu Park, were assessed for their natural environment, which was high in biodiversity.
Sixteen of the sites were in critical stage due to uncontrolled human activities, he said when opening the Kinabalu Biodiversity Expo here yesterday.
He called for public cooperation to help maintain the ecology at Kinabalu Park so that it could continue to be a world heritage site.
Ellron said the Kinabalu Park was part of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation world heritage status since 2000 for its outstanding universal values and its role as one of the most important biological sites in the world.
“Kinabalu park is not only important as a world heritage site for future generation, but also to increase the economy of the people with the arrival of tourists,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sabah Parks director Paul Basintal said the introduction of special packages for Mount Kinabalu climbers since last September had attracted more people to climb the mountain.
Since the package was introduced, 499 local climbers had gone up the mountain, he added.
He said the two day one night package cost RM215 per person and it included payment for climbing permit, insurance, guide and certificate, from RM425 normally, he added. – Bernama