Geopark as an answer to geoheritage conservation in Malaysia – The Langkawi Geopark case study

The interesting Palaeozoic geological history and amazing island karst landscapes are among the geological features of Langkawi, which have heritage value of national and regional significance. In order to conserve these geological heritage resources, the entire Langkawi Archipelago has been declared the Langkawi Geopark in May 2006. For Langkawi Geopark geoheritage conservation, 90 identified geoheritage sites were packaged into 3 geoforest parks, 3 geological monuments and several protected geosites. Several highly significant geoheritage sites were packaged into geopark trails or incorporated into existing nature tour trails. As for geotourism and public awareness, public friendly information panels and brochures were provided. The creation of Langkawi Geopark has paved a clearer path for the geoheritage conservation agenda in Malaysia. This achievement would not have materialized without serious commitment from various institutions, particularly the Malaysian Geological Heritage Group, Langkawi Development Authority, Department of Mineral and Geoscience and Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. Langkawi Geopark is intended to be a model for sustainable development of geological heritage resources and to become a catalyst for future development of geoparks in this region.