DEVELOPMENT OF LANGKAWI GEOHERITAGE INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE

The Langkawi islands have many valuable geoheritage sites. To date, 91 geosites have been identified and 28 of them have been scientifically evaluated in detail. These geosites are made up of a diversity of rocks, fossils, structures and landforms. In order to conserve and develop the geoheritage sites in a sustainable manner, we compiled a comprehensive standard Langkawi Geoheritage Information System (LGIS). This study focuses on a geoheritage-resources information system consisting of general information, geoheritage characterization, and geosite management components. Prior to the development of these components, data from the previous studies and geoheritage mapping were collected and categorized. The general information parameters give details of the locality and size of each geosite area. Characteristic information focuses on detailed descriptions of geosite diversity as well as evaluation for scientific, aesthetic, recreational and cultural values. Geosite management data include land ownership, threat, condition and legal status. The LGIS can be used systematically to determine the value of each geosite through comparability and ranking. It can also be used directly for conservation purposes based on its scientific value. From the collected LGIS information, the most suitable approach to conserve geoheritage resources in Langkawi would be to create 3 geological parks, 6 geological monuments, 26 protected sites, and 59 landscapes of scenic beauty.

The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia will conserve geoheritage resources in their permanent forest reservations. Currently 6 geological monuments, 7 protected sites and 4 landscapes of scenic beauty from LGIS are located in the Langkawi permanent forest reservations. All these geosites are suitable to be developed for geotourism purposes, especially those that have recreational, aesthetic, cultural and educational values. Twenty-one geosites are located in tourist areas mainly along the coast and in caves and hills; these should be publicized for geotourism by promotional activities such as the creation of geotrails on land and water for rock and fossil collecting