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Given the spectacular nature of the
park and its biological significance, it was not surprising
that Mulu was successfully listed as a world heritage site
in November 2000. To qualify for world heritage status a park
must meet one of the four following criteria:
- Be an outstanding example of the world’s
geology.
- Be an outstanding representative example of on-going
evolutionary processes.
- Be of exceptional natural beauty.
- Contain significant natural habitat for in-situ conservation
of biological diversity and the protection of threatened
species.
Mulu meets all four of these:-
Earth’s history and geological features
… .Mulu’s concentration of caves, its geomorphic and structural characteristics
are an outstanding resource, which allows a greater understanding of Earth’s
history.
Ecological Processes
… Mulu provides outstanding
scientific opportunities to study theories on the origins
of cave faunas.
Superlative natural phenomena or natural beauty and aesthetic
importance
… Mulu has outstanding scenic values, including the natural phenomenon
of millions of bats and swiftlets leaving and entering the caves is a superlative
wildlife spectacle.
Biodiversity and threatened species
… .Mulu provides significant natural habitat for a wide range of plant
and animal diversity both above and below ground.
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World Heritage status has created renewed interest in the park
and a genuine desire of the government and people of Malaysia
to ensure it is adequately protected. Accordingly, the Sarawak
Government has committed to developing world leading conservation
practices and high quality nature-based tourism activities
at Mulu and has committed considerable resources to ensure
its goals are achieved.
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