Published on
January 17, 2026
One of Malaysia’s natural icons, Kinabalu Park, has celebrated with pride its 25 years of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This anniversary is a testament not only to its sound management system but also to the vital contribution made by tourism to its success story over the years. The Silver Anniversary of Kinabalu Park’s World Heritage Site is a period of remarkable success for conservation, collaboration, and management of tourism.
A Legacy of Strong Governance and Community Collaboration
In a speech delivered at the celebration, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, highlighted the collective efforts that have contributed to Kinabalu Park’s enduring success. He emphasized that the park’s UNESCO status is not just a commemoration of its natural beauty but a testament to the harmonious relationship between the park’s biodiversity, local communities, and the governance frameworks that support its protection.
“Kinabalu Park is more than a geographical landmark. It is a natural treasure, a global archive of biodiversity, and a symbol of the harmonious relationship between humanity, nature, and spiritual heritage,” said Jafry.
This recognition stems from the tireless efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, conservation groups, local communities, and international organizations. Their collaboration has helped preserve the park’s diverse ecosystems, allowing the park to serve as a beacon for global biodiversity conservation.
Impact on Tourism: A Balanced Approach to Visitor Management
One of the most significant aspects of Kinabalu Park’s success is its ability to balance conservation with tourism, ensuring that the influx of visitors does not compromise the park’s ecological integrity. The park’s management has adopted a sustainable tourism model, focusing on quality over quantity. This approach aligns with the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) Platinum Grade recognition, a testament to the park’s commitment to providing high-quality, responsible tourism experiences.
Kinabalu Park attracts visitors from around the world, drawn by its rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual significance. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO Global Geopark, the park offers a unique opportunity to experience both natural and cultural heritage. The park’s recognition on the international stage has led to increased tourism, which brings economic benefits to local communities while promoting global awareness of Malaysia’s environmental conservation efforts.
“Tourism at Kinabalu Park is guided by principles that prioritize sustainability and community involvement,” said Jafry. “Economic benefits are not just confined to the tourism industry but are distributed inclusively to local communities, ensuring that the park’s success contributes to their well-being.”
Integration of Modern Management Practices with Traditional Values
Another key to the park’s success is its integration of modern conservation practices with traditional values. Local communities, including indigenous groups, have been integral to the park’s protection. Mountain guides, porters, honorary rangers, and custodians of indigenous customs all play a vital role in maintaining the balance between development and conservation.
These community members not only help ensure the safety of visitors but also contribute to the park’s cultural and spiritual significance. Mount Kinabalu, which stands at 4,095 meters, is considered sacred by the indigenous people of Sabah, and their knowledge of the land is crucial in safeguarding its sanctity. This collaboration fosters a deeper connection between tourists and the park’s heritage, creating an enriching experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing visit.
Innovations in Science and Technology: Enhancing Visitor Experience
Kinabalu Park has also embraced science and innovation to strengthen its conservation and tourism management. One notable example is the park’s use of EarthRanger, a digital monitoring system that allows real-time tracking of biodiversity and safety within the park. This system was developed in response to the 2015 Ranau earthquake, which prompted a reevaluation of risk management strategies.
The implementation of EarthRanger enhances the park’s ability to monitor environmental changes and respond swiftly to potential threats, such as forest fires or illegal activities. For tourists, this means a safer and more enjoyable experience, knowing that the park is equipped with cutting-edge technology to protect both visitors and the environment.
A New Era of Conservation: The Launch of the Kinabalu Park Management Plan
At the heart of Kinabalu Park’s future conservation efforts lies the newly launched Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site Management Plan. This strategic document sets out long-term conservation goals and lays the foundation for future tourism development. The plan’s focus is on four key pillars: climate change adaptation, visitor capacity management, disaster risk management, and community well-being, with an emphasis on institutionalizing community roles.
The management plan’s goals include ensuring that tourism remains sustainable by regulating visitor numbers and enhancing the quality of experiences offered. This will help preserve the park’s unique natural and cultural heritage while meeting the growing demand from tourists seeking to explore its wonders.
The new plan also highlights the importance of disaster risk management in the wake of past events like the 2015 earthquake. It ensures that the park is better prepared to handle future natural disasters, safeguarding both visitors and the park’s biodiversity.
The Future of Kinabalu Park: A Model for Sustainable Tourism
Kinabalu Park, through good governance, innovation, and community participation, is likely to continue being an important tourist destination for Eco-tourists, researchers, and culture enthusiasts. This is because, through good governance, the tourist sector in the park will continue to perform well.
In commemorating its Silver Jubilee, Kinabalu Park shows that with proper vision and guidance from leadership along with concerted efforts of many people, conservation of nature and tourism development can not only coexist side by side but can flourish together. The 25 years of Kinabalu Park as a UNESCO World Heritage site is just an opening chapter of a brighter future for this park and all its visitors every year.
