Sarawak seeks UNESCO recognition for historic Brooke-era Forts

SARAWAK is seeking UNESCO recognition for its 'Fort Trails' initiative, which aims to safeguard 23 historic forts constructed during the Brooke family’s rule, as well as to preserve the rich intangible heritage surrounding them.

This was one of the key points raised during a recent courtesy visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, to UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the initiative not only focuses on conserving the physical structures but also on protecting the oral histories and collective memories of the state’s multicultural communities.

“The heritage of these forts, many of which were built through the cooperation of local communities who contributed ironwood, labour, food supplies and topographical knowledge, lives on through stories passed down the generations,” said Snowdan.

Of the original 23 forts, only 14 remain today. Nonetheless, the Sarawak government views the surviving structures—and the cultural expressions associated with them—as a shared identity that must be preserved.

The ministry is collaborating with the Department of National Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), and Malaysia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO to realise this heritage nomination.

During a meeting with Fumiko Ohinata, Secretary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Snowdan also shared Sarawak’s broader ambition to nominate other heritage elements practised by its 34 ethnic communities.

In a separate discussion with Jyoti Hosagrahar, Deputy Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, Snowdan touched on aligning UNESCO’s 2030 Cultural Indicators with Sarawak’s development goals, as well as ongoing efforts to nominate Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site.

“We view the recognition of Niah Caves not only as an appreciation of ancient history, but also as a pathway to promote sustainable crafts and livelihoods,” he added. - May 23, 2025