THE IMPORTANCE OF GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE RESOURCES IN LAND USE PLANNING: EXPERIENCE FROM LANGKAWI GEOPARK

Abstract

Being an oldest landmass with the most complete Paleozoic rock sequence Langkawi archipelago hosts the richest geological diversity and heritage resources in the country. As a popular tourist destination, the scenic beauty has attracted tourists to Langkawi without them realising that the beauty has been created by the islands’ rich geological heritage diversity. To date more than 90 geoheritage sites of highly significant scientific, aesthetic, social or recreational value have been identified. Some of these geoheritage sites have become popular tourist sites. To ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry Langkawi needs to have a comprehensive and practical conservation strategy and mechanism. Without a good conservation policy the geoheritage sites are constantly under threat and under stress due to the need of space for development. To ensure the sustainability of these natural resources it is timely to include geoheritage sites in future land use planning.