Geopark in Malaysia:

The Front Door of

Our Geological Treasures

Ibrahim Komoo
Coordinator, APGN
Bureau Member, GGN
International Expert, GGN
Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Email: nc@umt.edu.my, komoo@ukm.my, ikomoo@yahoo.com

Flow of Presentation
CONSERVATION OF NATURE
HISTORY OF GEOHERITAGE & GEOPARKS
GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
GEODIVERSITY, GEOHERITAGE
GEOSITE, GEOTOPE
GEOCONSERVATION, GEOTOURISM

WHAT IS GEOPARK?
ROLES OF GEOPARK: GEOCONSERVATION
ROLES OF GEOPARK: GEOTOURISM
LANGKAWI GEOPARK & OTHER MALAYSIA
GEOPARKS IN DEVELOPMENT STAGE

CONSERVATION OF NATURE

1872

Geological Resource as National

Park/ Yellowstone NP, USA

1919

Geological Resource as National

Park/ Grand Canyon NP, USA

1948

IUCN

1972
1977

UNESCO/WHC
UNESCO/Biosphere

1999

UNESCO Initiative

2000

European Geoparks Network

2004

UNESCO Global Geopark

2007

Asia Pacific Geoparks Network

Global nature conservation scenario

UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972)

Outstanding universal value:

Exceptional natural beauty or aesthetic importance

Major stages of earths history

UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve Program (1977)

World Network of Biosphere Reserves protected areas

demonstrate a balance relationship between man and
nature (sustainable development)

UNESCO Global Network of National Geoparks (2004)

The Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by

UNESCO provides a platform of active cooperation between
experts and practitioners in geological heritage

1993

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1997

1996

1994

1991

1990

1st Global Geopark Indonesia

1st Global Geopark Korea & Vietnam

1st Global Geopark in Japan

1st Journal on Geoheritage (Spinger)

Establishment: Asia Pacific Geoparks

Network (APGN) & Coordinator

1st APGN Symposium Langkawi

Establishment: 17 GGN Geoparks

(China & Europe)

1st Book on Geodiversity

1st UNESCO Conf. on Geoparks

Establishment: UNESCO Global

Geoparks Network (GGN)

First Geoparks in Europe (Ireland,

Greece & France)

Establishment: European Geoparks

Network (EGN)

IGC: First Workshop on Geopark (Brazil)

UNESCO Global Geopark:

Concept

Geotourism Concept (Host 1996)

First Reseach on Geotop (Germany)

First Book: Geological & Landscape

Conservation (London)

Geoheritage Inaugural Conference

(Digne Declaration, France)

Australia (Geoconservation Committee)

1986
1987

New Zealand (Geoheritage list)

Great Britain (SSSI)

GLOBAL

1977
1980

1949

Establishment of Kumpulan
Warisan Geologi Malaysia
Establishment: National Committee of
Geopark Development

Journal AKADEMIKA: Special

issue on Langkawi Geopark

4th UNESCO Geopark Conference

Integrated Research: Geopark

Model for Regional Sustainable
Development

Langkawi Global Geopark

Langkawi National Geopark

Geoforest Parks

ASM Fellow Lecture

Conservation Geology

Geological Landscape

Langkawi Geopark: Concept

Conservation Geology Concept

1st Book: Geological Heritage of

Malaysia

1st IRPA Research on Geoheritage

Geotourism Concept

The beginning of Geoheritage

Conservation movement

List of geological sites

of scientific importance

MALAYSIA

THE HISTORY OF GEOHERITAGE & GEOPARKS DEVELOPMENT

GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
EARTH PHYSICAL RESOURCES

Nature of the resources

Biological Resources
Geological and Landscape Resources
Exploitative Value Set
Heritage Value Set

GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

CURRENT PARADIGM
The tasks for geologist are to explore, evaluate and
provide the means of exploitation of the Earths
Physical Resources for basic human needs and
commodities for the nations developmental

Exploitative Value Set

GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

CONSERVATION PARADIGM
Society also values some of Earths Physical
Resources in the cultural sense, to seek the means to
advance our knowledge and to restore natures
treasures for inspiration, recreation and national
identity

Heritage Value Set

Exploitative
Paradigm

EARTH PHYSICAL
RESOURCES

Identification
Economic resources

Characterization
Heritage resources

Evaluation

Exploitation

Oil/gas
Economic minerals
Construction materials
Industrial materials

Nation
Development

Exploitative
Paradigm

EARTH PHYSICAL
RESOURCES

Heritage
Paradigm

Identification

Characterization

Evaluation

Exploitation

Oil/gas
Economic minerals
Construction materials
Industrial materials

Nation
Development

Geological Heritage
Landscape Heritage
Tourism and
Recreational Product

GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

CONSERVATION GEOLOGY
proposed as a branch of geological
sciences, to provide the theoretical and
systematic framework for the
identification, characterisation,
classification, evaluation and ranking of
geological and landscape heritage sites
(Komoo & Desa, 1997)

GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
EARTH PHYSICAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION,
PROTECTION &
UTILIZATION
Ranking

Assessment

Characterization
& Classification

Scientific
Information

Identification

Geosite and
Geotope

Heritage
Value

Geological
Diversity

Geodiversity
Geodiversity refers to the range (or diversity) of geological,
geomorphological and soil features, assemblages, systems and
processes
Geodiversity concept takes into account of different dimensions
shown by geological exposures - the variety of characteristics
of mineral, rock, fossil, structure and landform features, and
the elements of time, environment and processes

Geoheritage
Geodiversity associated with heritage
value

Special aspects geological geoheritage

value:
the age of geological formation

the degree of crystallization of

mineral
the degree of preservation of fossil
the size and beauty of rock
structures and features

Geoheritage
Geoheritage value is strongly linked to
scientific value such as significance in
terms of scientific records for research
and education
Some of them, particularly mineral,
fossil and unique landform features,
can also be associated with aesthetic,
recreational or cultural values

Geosite and Geotope

Any geological site or landform
which contains a significant
geoheritage value can be
generally recognized as geosite
Geotope is outstanding geosite
which need to be protected
against influences that could
damage their substance, form
and natural development

Geoconservation
Conservation activities of geosites and
geotopes, including some which are beyond
the recognition of general public.
Geoconservation as sustaining the part of
the physical resources of the Earth that
represents our cultural heritage, including
our geological understanding, and the
inspirational response to the resource

Geotourism
Many geoheritage sites are well-suited
for tourism, in particular educationbased tourism
Some sites are appropriate for
recreational activities
Geotourism is geoheritage-based
activity that will bring about
economic benefits that ensure the
sustainability of the conservation
programme

GEOCONSERVATION

Georesources
to Geoconservation
Georesources

Geodiversity

Geoheritage

Geoconservation

Resource for exploitation,

sustainable use & preserve

Diversity of mineral, rock,

fossil, structure, landform &
landscape

Geodiversity associated
with heritage value

The act to protect or

conserve geoheritage

GEOPARK

What is Geopark?
A Geopark is a geographical area where
geoheritage sites are part of a holistic concept of
protection, education and sustainable
development
The synergy between geodiversity, biodiversity
and culture must be highlighted as an integral
part of each Geopark
It is necessary to also include sites of ecological,
archaeological, historical and cultural value
within each geopark. In many societies, natural,
cultural and social history is inextricably linked
and cannot be separated
(UNESCO 2010)

Sarawak, Malaysia

Geopark: the concept

Sustainable
development of
a region

Geopark: the concept

Conservation of nature

National Park

World Heritage Site

Geoforest Park

Geopark: the concept

Conservation of
Geoheritage

Geosites

Monuments

Geopark: the concept

Development areas

City

Township

Village

Geopark: A tool for sustainable development

Sustainable
Development Tools

Geopark: The Concept

Heritage Conservation

The Framework for Geopark Development

Conservation of Geological,
Biological & Cultural Heritage
Integrated Conservation of Natural
& Cultural Heritage
Sustainable utilisation of Heritage
Resources without destruction

Geopark
Development

Economic Development

Balancing Mass and Specialised

Tourism
Geotourism as a part of
Knowledge-based tourisms
Innovative Tourism Products

Community Development

Community as a key player

Capacity building of local
community
Education on Heritage
Strengthening of Shared Values

Global Geopark:
Earth heritage, sustaining local communities

Asia Pacific Geoparks: GGN Member

CHINA

2004

2005

2006

Danxiashan
Huangshan
Lushan
Shilin
Hexigten
Taining
Xingwen
Yandangshan

Fangshan
Funiushan
Jingpohu

IRAN

JAPAN

Korea

Vietnam

Indonesia

Songshan
Wudalianchi
Yuntaishan
Zhangjiajie

Leiqiong
Taishan
Qeshm
Wangwushan
Langkawi

2007
Longhushan

Kanawinka

2008 Zigong
2009

MALAYSIA AUSTRALIA

Itoigawa
Toya-Usu
Unzen

Alxa
Qinling
Leye-Fengshan

Sanin

2010 Ningde

Hong Kong

Yanqing

2013 Shennongjia

Dong Van

Muroto

2011 Tianzhushan
2012 Sanqingshan

Jeju

Qeshm

Kanawinka

Oki

Batur

GEOCONSERVATION

Geopark: Conservation, Education &

Sustainable Development
Non-geological
Heritage

Earth Science &

Education

Environmental
Education

Geotourism

Other Tourism
Opportunity

Education

Sustainable
Development

Sustainable Use

Conservation

Integrated Geoconservation

Geological
Heritage
Geoconservation

GEOCONSERVATION

Geopark Criteria

Geopark Concept

Conservation

Education

Tourism

Geo-heritage Conservation
of International Standard
Geo-resource-based
Sustainable Tourism
Co-management
involving stakeholder
participation

Heritage Conservation in
Geopark Development

Geo- Heritage

o Protected Site

Bio- Diversity

Cultural Heritage

o Geological
Monument
o Geological Park
/Geo-Area
o Landscape of
Aesthetical Value

Geopark:
Model for Integrated Heritage
Conservation & Tourism

Geoforest Park

Natural Heritage

Cultural Heritage

Knowledge-based Tourism

Integrated Conservation

Conservation within
Geopark

Geo-tourism

Eco-tourism

Nature & Cultural

based tourism

GEOTOURISM
Introduce innovative types of tourism
- Geotourism

Knowledge-based tourism

Geotourism new products

education based (geoimformation)

tourism

Aesthetic and recreation based tourism

Introduce integrated tourism products

(geo-bio-culture based products)

GEOTOURISM

Geotourism - Encourage the culture

of public education
Value of Public Education

Community should appreciate the value

of geoheritage and cultural resources

Collaboration among stakeholders should

be based on shared value

Local community & school children as the

custodians of local heritage

Appreciation through informal and nonformal education

GEOTOURISM

Geoheritage Popularization

Geopark museum, Information Centre,

promotional materials;

Tourist guides, tourist information

materials, geosite interpretation
panels;

School activities visits to geoparks,

part of the study areas, special club;

Special visits, awareness and training

program;

Collaboration with universities for

research, student exposure, scientific
publication, popular reading materials.

GEOTOURISM

New Innovative Products

- Geotourim Products

Geotourism product for geoscientists

Geotourism product for

environmentalists

Geotourism for specialized tourists

Geotourism for general public (mass

tourism)

LANGKAWI GEOPARK

The Langkawi Geopark

Concept

Archipelago of 99 islands with

outstanding tropical karst
landscape and diverse
geoheritage sites

Ideal place for blending

conservation and sustainable
use of resource as promoted by
the Geopark concept

The Langkawi Geopark

Approach

The development of management

tool that can ensure a balance
between three components:
Conservation of heritage
resources
Development of tourism
infrastructure

Enhancement of local socioeconomic activities

The Langkawi Geopark

Policy Development

Environment & cultural

resources form the most
important asset that will be the
nucleus of Langkawi
development

Emphasis on non-destructive
utilization of geoheritage and
landscape resources

The Langkawi Geopark

Implementation Strategy

Establishment of Geopark
management unit (LADA)

Encouraging Research &

Development (PPL, UKM)

Implementing environmental friendly

infrastructure development

Promoting local culture and

traditions

Emphasizing on nature tourism based industries

The Langkawi Geopark

Milestone

2001 Proposed the idea of Langkawi

as a Geopark to State Goverment

2002 Proposed Concept and

Strategic Plans

2002 Establishment of Langkawi

Research Centre, UKM

2003 Published book on Geological

Heritage of Langkawi

2004 Introduced Geoforest Parks as

new conservation concept

2005 Stakeholder consultation on

geopark establishment

May 2006 Establishment of

Langkawi Geopark by State
Government

1st June 2007 Langkawi Geopark

was declared as the 52nd member of
Global Geoparks Network (GGN) by
UNESCO

Langkawi Geopark
The Components
Conservation

Geoheritage Conservation

Biological Diversity Conservation

Cultural Heritage

Tourism Infrastructure
Development

Hotels/ Resorts

Education/ Exhibition

Research/ Recreation

Public Awareness

Socio-Economic Development

Economic Activities

Local Participation

New Opportunities

Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi

Conservation
Geoheritage
Conservation
Biological Diversity
Conservation

Tourism Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Tourism
Development
Development

Socio-Economic
Socio-Economic
Development
Development

Hotels/ Resorts

Economic Activities

Education/
Exhibition

Local Participation

Recreation

New Opportunities

Conservation
Geoheritage Conservation

Public Awareness

Cultural Heritage

Geoforest Parks

Machinchang Cambrian GFP

Kilim Karst GFP
Dayang Bunting Marble GFP

Geological Monument

Langgun Islands
Tg. Dendang
Ular Island
Singa Kecil

Geoheritage Sites
Islands
Anak Datai
Anak Burau
Fossil sites
Anak Tikus
Sg. Itau
Jemuruk Fossil layer

Special Features
Tepur Island
dropstone
Kubang Badak
Pinnacle
Dayang Bunting
Dolina
Kisap Sheared
Zone

Conservation
Geoheritage
Conservation
Biological Diversity
Conservation

Tourism Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Tourism
Development
Development
Hotels/ Resorts

Economic Activities

Education/
Exhibition

Local Participation

Recreation

New Opportunities

Public Awareness

Cultural Heritage

Socio-Economic
Socio-Economic
Development
Development

Conservation
Biological Diversity
Conservation
Forest Reserve
(Dry Inland Forest)

Bukit Malut

Bukit Sawak

Gunung Raya

Singa Besar Island

Forest Reserve
(Mangrove Forest)

Kubang Badak

Singa Besar Island

Recreational Forests

Pasir Tengkorak

Durian Perangin

Lubuk Semilang

Telaga Tujuh

Conservation
Geoheritage
Conservation
Biological Diversity
Conservation

Tourism Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Tourism
Development
Development

Socio-Economic
Socio-Economic
Development
Development

Hotels/ Resorts

Economic Activities

Education/
Exhibition

Local Participation

Recreation

New Opportunities

Conservation
Cultural Heritage

Public Awareness

Cultural Heritage

Archeological Sites

Ancient tomb, Ulu

Melaka
Ancinet tomb,
Padang Mat Sirat
Gua Cerita
inscriptions

Traditional Village

Traditional Fishing
Village

Historical Site

Mahsuri Mausoleum
Field of Burnt Rice

Legend Associated Sites

Kg. Mawat
Kg. Raja
Kg. Tk. Berembang

Lake of Pregnant Maiden

Mat Cincang & Mat Raya
Gua Cerita (cave)
The Seven Wells (waterfall)

K. Triang
Kilim
Kubang Badak

Conservation
Conservation
Geoheritage
Conservation
Biologocal Diversity
Conservation
Cultural Heritage

Tourism Infrastructure
Development
Hotels/ Resorts

Education/
Exhibition

Socio-Economic
Socio-Economic
Development
Development
Economic Activities
Local Participation
New Opportunities

Tourism Infrastructure
Development
Resorts/ Hotels

Research/
Recreation

The Datai-Andaman

Public Awareness

Tanjung Rhu, Four Seasons

Burau Bay, Berjaya, Pelangi

7,500 hotel rooms (2005)

Tourism Facilities

Golf courses

Marinas

Centres for handicraft

Oriental Village

Supporting Facilities

International airport

Jetty for ferries

Good road network

Machinchang cable car

Conservation
Conservation
Geoheritage
Conservation
Biologocal Diversity
Conservation
Cultural Heritage

Tourism Infrastructure
Development
Hotels/ Resorts

Education/
Exhibition
Research/
Recreation
Public Awareness

Socio-Economic
Socio-Economic
Development
Development
Economic Activities
Local Participation
New Opportunities

Tourism Infrastructure
Development
Education/ Exhibition
Gallery & Parks

Galeria Perdana

Galeri Ibrahim Hussein

Langkawi CHOGM Park

Lagenda Park

Mahsuri Cultural Complex

Underwater World

Langkawi Wildlife Park

Craft Complex

Langkawi Craft Complex

Laman Padi

Atma Alam Batik Village

Conservation
Conservation
Geoheritage
Conservation
Biologocal Diversity
Conservation
Cultural Heritage

Tourism Infrastructure
Development
Hotels/ Resorts

Education/
Exhibition
Research/
Recreation

Socio-Economic
Socio-Economic
Development
Development
Economic Activities
Local Participation

Tourism Infrastructure
Development

New Opportunities

Research/ Recreation

Public Awareness

Research Facilities

Langkawi Research Centre, UKM

School of Tourism, UUM

Singa Island Biodiversity Research

Program, USM

Marine Biodiversity Research

Program, UM

Recreation Activities

Beach recreation

Island hopping

Mangrove tour

Diving/ snorkeling

Cave exploration

Fishing

Jungle trekking

Conservation
Conservation
Geoheritage
Conservation
Biologocal Diversity
Conservation
Cultural Heritage

Tourism Infrastructure
Development
Hotels/ Resorts

Education/
Exhibition
Research/
Recreation
Public Awareness

Socio-Economic
Socio-Economic
Development
Development
Economic Activities
Local Participation
New Opportunities

Tourism Infrastructure
Development
Public Awareness

Exhibition

Courses for tourist guides

Publications/ Leaflets

Websites

Signage/ Information board

Conservation
Conservation

Tourism Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Tourism
Development
Development

Geoheritage
Conservation

Hotels/ Resorts

Biologocal Diversity
Conservation

Education/
Exhibition

Cultural Heritage

Recreation

Socio-Economic
Development
Economic Activities
Local Participation

Public Awareness

New Opportunities

Socio-Economic
Development
Economic Activities

Duty Free Island shopping paradise

Local craft development

Employment in tourism service sector

Conservation
Conservation

Tourism Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Tourism
Development
Development

Geoheritage
Conservation

Hotels/ Resorts

Biologocal Diversity
Conservation

Education/
Exhibition

Cultural Heritage

Recreation

Socio-Economic
Development
Economic Activities
Local Participation

Public Awareness

New Opportunities

Socio-Economic
Development
Local Participation

Tourist guides

Transportation

Recreational guide (i.e. fishing)

Food and Beverages

Local delicacies

Fresh seafood

International cuisine

Conservation
Conservation

Tourism Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Tourism
Development
Development

Geoheritage
Conservation

Hotels/ Resorts

Biologocal Diversity
Conservation

Education/
Exhibition

Cultural Heritage

Recreation

Socio-Economic
Development
Economic Activities
Local Participation

Public Awareness

New Opportunities

Socio-Economic
Development
New Opportunities

Traditional fishing and

agriculture as a basis for tourism

New enterprise in geotourism

based activities

Employment in new conservation

based activities

MALAYSIA GEOPARKS: IN DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Sarawak Delta
Lembah Kinta, Ipoh, Perak
Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu
Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah

Concluding Remarks

Integrated conservation
nature (geodiversity and
biodiversity) and cultural
heritage are conserved as a
single entity

Balancing between
conservation and development
- ecotourism (geotourism) is
promoted to enhance regional
development based on
sustainable resource utilization

Local community engagement

focus on participation and socioeconomic development of the
local community

Bau Karst, Sarawak

Thank You