Conservation and management plan at a prehistoric archaeological site: the case of the Niah Caves in Sarawak, Malaysia

Nur Auni Ugong, . and Nicholas Gani, . and Dg. Junaidah Binti Awang Jambol, . and Nurulasyikin Hassan, . and Abdul Rahman Mad Ali Abang, . (2024) Conservation and management plan at a prehistoric archaeological site: the case of the Niah Caves in Sarawak, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management (Malaysia), 19 (7). pp. 1-22. ISSN 2672-7226

The Niah Caves are an important archaeological site that supports a resident population and is host to a large and growing number of visitors. Close monitoring, strict regulations and careful management will be required in the long term to avoid pressures and threats from urban expansion, plantations, resource use, village growth, excessive tourist infrastructure and use, and service development. However, the absence of a formally written conservation and management plan prior to 2022 has left the heritage conservation and management of the Niah Cave site insufficient in addressing its management challenges. Hence, this paper analyses the conservation and management plan for the site through systematic observation, site analysis, and stakeholder interviews. The research focuses on documentation and recording, assessing the site’s importance, identifying all factors and issues, defining management policy, selecting management strategies, and monitoring and reviewing the plans for the site. The study aims to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the Niah Caves as a national park in Sarawak. Emphasis is placed on prioritising the preservation and management of archaeological sites and advocating for comprehensive planning and sustainable management practices for the conservation of cultural heritage.

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Abstract

The Niah Caves are an important archaeological site that supports a resident population and is host to a large and growing number of visitors. Close monitoring, strict regulations and careful management will be required in the long term to avoid pressures and threats from urban expansion, plantations, resource use, village growth, excessive tourist infrastructure and use, and service development. However, the absence of a formally written conservation and management plan prior to 2022 has left the heritage conservation and management of the Niah Cave site insufficient in addressing its management challenges. Hence, this paper analyses the conservation and management plan for the site through systematic observation, site analysis, and stakeholder interviews. The research focuses on documentation and recording, assessing the site’s importance, identifying all factors and issues, defining management policy, selecting management strategies, and monitoring and reviewing the plans for the site. The study aims to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the Niah Caves as a national park in Sarawak. Emphasis is placed on prioritising the preservation and management of archaeological sites and advocating for comprehensive planning and sustainable management practices for the conservation of cultural heritage.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	cultural heritage
AGROVOC Term:	natural resources
AGROVOC Term:	protected areas
AGROVOC Term:	resource conservation
AGROVOC Term:	environmental management
AGROVOC Term:	tourism
AGROVOC Term:	stakeholders
AGROVOC Term:	sustainable development
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	13 May 2025 02:45
Last Modified:	13 May 2025 02:45
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2610

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