DIVERSE BIODIVERSITY, KINABALU PARK STILL WORLD HERITAGE SITE

KUNDASANG (Sabah, Malaysia), Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The diverse biodiversity at the
Kinabalu Park in East Malaysia state of sabah has enabled it to remain among the
911 World Heritage sites from 151 countries in the world, Assistant Minister of
Tourism, Culture and Environment, 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 Thursday.

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. (US$1=RM3.16)
-- BERNAMA