Rapid development must be balanced with the preservation of cultural heritage

KUCHING, 19 Oct: Rapid development must be balanced with efforts to preserve cultural heritage in order to ensure the identity and traditions of Sarawak society continue for future generations.

Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said heritage conservation not only includes historic buildings and monuments but also includes society, knowledge of traditions, cultural practices and stories passed down through generations.

"The active involvement of the community is essential to ensure that cultural heritage remains relevant and practiced, especially as Sarawak faces the challenges of rapid development, forestry and lifestyle changes", he said.

He said this through the text of a speech read by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan at the 22nd International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Scientific Symposium here last night.

In addition, the views and knowledge of local communities must be taken into account in planning development involving heritage areas to ensure that historical and cultural values are maintained.

"Conservation and development efforts are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but they can go hand in hand with careful planning, community engagement and respect for cultural values", he said.

Kuching hosted the international conference which took place from 17 to 24 October at the Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK), bringing together some 1,500 delegates from 110 countries.

The symposium served as a platform for discussion on the challenges of international heritage conservation, including the impact of geopolitical conflicts on efforts to protect historical and cultural treasures.