KUCHING, Oct 19: Indigenous people and local communities must be recognised as custodians and active partners in heritage conservation, with their voices and leadership central to decisions affecting their heritage.
According to Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak is seeking international partnerships to develop local conservation expertise through research and professional training; empower Indigenous communities to preserve traditional knowledge and engage younger generations; and promote responsible cultural tourism that generates sustainable livelihoods.
However, he said international cooperation should deliver tangible benefits beyond the assembly, including stronger local capabilities and practical initiatives that help communities safeguard their cultural identity.
