Mulu National Park is celebrated worldwide as a premier destination for nature conservation and exploration.
While the COVID-19 pandemic slowed tourism across the globe, Mulu has experienced a remarkable renewal in visitor interest, drawing people eager to explore its unique landscapes.
Since the pandemic, Mulu’s appeal has noticeably grown, not only due to its UNESCO World Heritage status but also because it serves as a hub for multidisciplinary research, attracting both tourists and researchers.
Although the success of tourism recovery has added some pressure on the growing community around the park, Gerstner noted that this will require implementing spatial development guidelines and sustainability measures.
“This also applies to climate change awareness, along with the need to design adaptive contingencies. Mulu is well-positioned among national parks in Southeast Asia, but there is still much work to be done to manage the site to its full potential,” he said.
At the same time, Gerstner said they are exploring ways to expand its accessibility while preserving the park’s environmental integrity.
He explained that the vision for the national park’s future includes making its trails and activities more accessible to a broader audience, providing softer adventure options that allow people of all abilities to experience its beauty.
“We are strategising on making Mulu’s adventures accessible to all while respecting the park’s ecological boundaries,” he said.
Gerstner also pointed out that Mulu has the potential to become a training site for other national parks, where local and international conservationists can learn best practices in park management and sustainable tourism.
In fact, the national park welcomed over 70 participants from around the world for the 2024 International Showcave Association (ISCA) conference.
The conference, which took place from Sept 30 to Oct 2, served as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, explore the latest trends in showcave management, and discuss sustainable tourism practices.
The event offered a unique opportunity for global networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering international collaboration within the showcave industry. On another note, Mulu’s research initiatives are equally ambitious, as they aim to enhance collaborations with local universities.
Gerstner said these partnerships are crucial for advancing conservation knowledge and building the next generation of environmental guardians.
“We are eager to further develop the research component, and we are looking forward to collaborating with more local universities,” he said.
Mulu stands as a shining example of the possibilities of responsible and community-based conservation.
By carefully balancing visitor experience with environmental stewardship, Mulu has carved out a unique space in the world of nature-based tourism.
Its commitment to sustainability, innovative approaches to infrastructure, and deep-rooted community ties make it a model for parks and conservation areas worldwide.
Mulu exemplifies what it means to be a World Heritage site; it is not simply a park.
It is a living, breathing example of how tourism and conservation can coexist.
As Gerstner so aptly put it, Mulu’s vision is nothing short of creating the ultimate site and the most complete rainforest park on the globe.
