the potential of geopark in kenong, kuala lipis, malaysia

THE POTENTIAL OF GEOPARK IN KENONG,

KUALA LIPIS, MALAYSIA

Noor Izzan Nordin,

Civil Engineering Department, Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah

E-mail: [email protected]

Zuraini Din,



Noriza Mat Hashim



Abstract

National Geoparks create awareness of the importance of geological processes for the

development of the earth’s surface, the distribution of natural resources. Nowadays, growing public awareness of the necessity for the conservation and protection of geological

and geomorphological features and play an important role in our ecosystem. This study is

to propose Kenong as a future of Geoparks. The objectives of study are to promote

geological heritage to the public as well as to support sustainable economic development of

the area through the development of geological tourism. Qualitative methods are use in collecting data and the instrument used is observations. The main findings are Geofeatures

inventory and issues, concerns and opportunities based on the parameter. Kenong has the

characteristics which are a Geopark has to encompass a particular geological heritage, with

specific geological and geomorphological features. Both of them are important in terms of

their scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal or educational value.

Keywords: Geopark, Heritage, Geoscience education, Sustainable

development

1. Introduction

A Geopark location contains a few geologically or geomorphological features. This location is a unified area that advances the protection and use of

geological heritage in a sustainable way and also promotes the economic well-being of the people who live there. According to the UNESCO, Global Geopark Network (2006), a Geopark is defined as a territory with a

particular geological heritage of international significance, rarity or aesthetic appeal which is developed as part of an integrated concept of conservation,

education and local economic development.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

National Geoparks create awareness of the importance of geological processes for the development of the Earth’s surface, the distribution of

natural resources, land use and also the economic and cultural history. A Geopark must have a sufficiently large surface area to develop a sustainable

development strategy. It must have a clear boundary and it must be managed by a clearly defined management structure. Zouros & Valiakos (2010), stated a Geopark requires an efficient, flexible and possible

management plan or guidelines in order to maintain the originality, quality and sustainability of the geo-heritage area. All Geoparks must not only be active by local means, but also by the means

of the Geopark community, and thus cooperate on mutual projects and exchange of ideas for the improvement of promoting their activities.

Geoparks are run by local communities which can recognise and wish to confirm their geological, historical and cultural heritage. Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification

with the area. Geoparks use their activities to attract a large number of visitors and enable the founding of different manufacturing and utilities

which help improve the social-economic development of the community. Thus, the important geological features within the Geopark area must be accessible to visitors. The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs

and high-quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through geo-tourism, while the geological resources of the area are protected. The objectives of study are to promote geological heritage

to the public as well as to support sustainable economic development of the area through the development of geological tourism.

2. Area of Study

The name of the area proposed for inclusion in the Global UNESCO Network of Geoparks is the “Kenong Geopark”. The proposed of Geopark site is located at Kenong, Kuala Lipis in Lipis district of Pahang, Malaysia. Lipis

District is located in the Northern Corridor Pahang economic activities focused on agriculture, mining and forestry. The site is one of place are rich

the geological and geomorphological features. The area of study is Kenong. Preface the geological heritage interest of Kenong is based primarily on three factors, i.e., a large continuous

sedimentary series, a network of rivers that exposing this sedimentary series and the scarcity of population and industrial development have preserved

geological heritage in optimal conditions for study.

3. The Content Analysis Study Qualitative methods are use in collecting data and the instrument used is

observations.

3.1 Geology and Geomorphology Inventory Table 1 below shows the inventory for geology and geomorphology for Yong

Reserve Forest, Kenong Rimba Park, Forested State land outside Hutan Simpan Yong and villages.

Table 1. Geology and geomorphology inventory

PARAMETER AREA DESCRIPTION UNIQUENESS

Geology Yong Reserve Forest,

Kenong Rimba

Park, Forested State land

outside Hutan

Simpan Yong and villages.

Formation

Kayu Ara Volcanic

Kenong Limestone

Telong Formation

Fossils

Microscopic fossils

of foraminifera

Algae

Coral formations

Rocks

Sedimentary

Igneous

Older metamorphic

rock

Plutonic rock

Limestone

i) Batu Tinggi Cave ii) Batu Kajang Cave iii) Batu Tangga Cave

iv) Telungkup Cave v) Harimau Cave

vi) Batu Gajah Cave vii) Kesong Cave viii) Buta Cave

ix) Hijau Cave Lubuk Puteri

Latar Babi Waterfall Lata Kenong 7 Step

Waterfall Batu Hampar Kesong Mount

Kesong River Kenong River

Mostly the geological features in

Kenong are uniqueness

and nowhere else.

The uniqueness of tectonic in

limestone may attract visitors to come the

geopark.

Geomorphology

Forest Flora

Tualang tree

4. Result and Recommendation

4.1 Result - Issues, Concerns and Opportunities Table 2 below shows the Issues, concerns and opportunities in Kenong, Kuala Lipis based on Natural Heritage Management parameter.

Table 2. Issues, concerns and opportunities

PARAMETER AREA ISSUES CONCERN OPPORTUNITY

Natural Heritage Management

Hutan Simpan Yong and Kenong Rimba Park

Leasing System for the Kenong Rimba Park management

Uncontrolled logging

Sustainable environment as a geopark

Villages Uncontrolled fishing activities

Nuisance of biodiversity

Promote the water activities Rivers

Forested State land outside Hutan Simpan Yong

Uncontrolled logging activities

Damage the uniqueness of natural features

Logging sustainable

Limestones out crops outside

Shrub

Mushroom Fauna

Frog

Termite

Birds

Fish

Elephants

Snakes

Villages Indigeneous people

Batek people

(nomads and gatherers)

Village house

Traditional old

Melayu house Foods

Nasi Kebuli

Hutan Simpan Yong

Local Involvement in Conservation and Management of Natural Heritage

State land Lack of cooperation between local community themselves and external agencies

Less awareness about the important of flora and fauna in Kenong

Protection of nature resources by community based

Villages Poor Communication between local people and agencies

Less participation by local community

Lack of understanding regarding the information given

Local community not interests to involve in natural resources

Economic Development

State government

Unbalance logging activities and tourism

No tourist Increase the connection of tourism around geosites of Kenong

Local community

Migration of local younger generations Focus on agriculture activities as a main income

Loss the future generation to develop the local economy

Provide job opportunity

Protection and Conservation of Natural Heritage

Forest Lack of legislative protection

Loss of nature features in Kenong

Sustainable environment to be a geopark

State land

Villages

Environmental Forested State land outside Hutan Simpan Yong

Uncontrolled destruction of forest

Pollution (water, air and land)

Sustainable environment to be a geopark

Limestones out crops outside Hutan

Simpan Yong

Hutan Simpan Yong and Kenong Rimba Park

4.2 Recommendation

4.2.1 Size and Setting Each Geopark should display though a range of sites of international,

regional and/or national importance, a region’s geological history, and the events and processes that formed it. The proposed Lipis Geopark is located in the Kenong, which is situated in the Lipis District. Kenong divided to

three section, i.e., Yong Reserve Forest and Kenong Rimba Park; State Land and two main villages adjacent to the forest are Kg. Kuala Kenong and Kg.

Batu Sembilan as shown at Figure 1 Kenong is borders with National Park at the northeast with coordinate (4.18N, 102.2E) liked to National Park.

Figure 1. Kenong map

(Source: JUPEM, 2016)

4.2.1.1 Surface area (Geology and geomorphology), physical and human geography characteristics of the proposed Geopark

4.2.1.1(a) Geology Surface Area characteristics of the proposed Geopark Kenong have a lot of geological and geographical features. All the geology

features have valuable and suitable as a geopark site. The combination of

Yong

Forest Reserve & Kenong

Rimba Park

State

land

Kg. Kenong

Lagend

geological and geomorphological features in this site attract the local and international visitors. Both of the sites related to the geology. There are

several branches of geology such as physical geology, paleontology, petrology, sedimentology, geochemistry and structure geology. The sites

impress a lot of land formations, unique ecosystem, lifestyle and culture. The geology of this site consists of Kayu Ara Volcanic, Kenong Limestone

and Telong Formation (Figure 2). All three formations of the same age, which is said to be the Middle Permian to Middle Triassic (about 260 million - 220 million years ago) (Mohamed & Ali, 2010).

Figure 2. Geology map in Kenong

(Source: Jasmi Talib, 1990)

Prolonged weathering processes have carved these rocks into beautiful and interesting karst landscapes such as mogotes, sinkholes, caves and

beautiful cave formations (speleotherms) and subterranean rivers. The subterranean river is a river that runs wholly or partly beneath the ground surface. Figure 3 shows the subterranean river at Batu Kajang Cave,

Kenong.

Figure 3. Subterraean river (Batu Kajang Cave, Kenong)

(Source: Own picture, 2016)

Beside that many fossils, especially microscopic fossils of foraminifera, algae and coral formations found (Hareyani, 2001; Mohd Nazaruddin, 2001). Figure 4 shows the Microscopic fossils at Kenong. Earth crust is made up of

rocks. Rock consist of mineral. Figure 5 shows the rock cycle. Existing rock can be found in this site namely sedimentary, igneous and older

metamorphic rock.

Figure 4. Microscopic fossils at Kenong (Source: Mansor Ahmad, 2016)

Figure 5. Rock cycle (Source: Mansor Ahmad, 2016)

Sedimentary rock formed by accumulation of sediment in water (sea, river and lake) or from air (desert). Sediment rock consist of mixture of rock clasts, minerals, remnants of animal and plants. Formed in layered

sequences call beds. Names base on grain size or chemical composition such as sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, shale, lime stone and coal.

Sedimentary rock was found at the Kenong site as shown at Figure 6 (a). While Figure 6 (b) shows the plutonic rock at the Kenong area. On surface is

volcanic rock and below surface is plutonic rock. The plutonic rock such as granite, diorite, etc. Figure 7 shows the lime stone and sand stone at

Kenong. This unique ecosystem is linked not only the origin of these site and their geology but also the environmental elements such as terrain and climate. Example of metamorphic rock are gneiss, slate, marble, schist and

quartzite.

(a) (b)

Figure 6. (a) Sedimentary rock (b) Plutonic rock

(Source: Mansor Ahmad, 2016)

(a) (b)

Figure 7. (a) Lime stone, and (b) Sand stone


Natural environments such as the undisturbed forests and geology physical

conditions (of river, rock and soil) also as an attraction site, especially those tourist from foreign countries who love to venture into the tranquillity of

tropical rain forests. Kenong is home to pockets of limestone caves which have become the destination of splunking enthusiasts and lowland area. This is why the proposed site is suitable for Geopark as well. Beside cave, in

Kenong site also have beautiful place includes Bukit Hangus, Lata Kenong 7 Step Waterfall, Gunong Putih, Kesong Mount, Bukit Kayu Ara, and others.

Figure 8 shows the map of interest geological in Kenong. There are nine interest limestone in Kenong with their own history and uniqueness includes Batu Tinggi Cave, Batu Kajang Cave, Batu Tangga Cave,

Telungkup Cave and also 5 cave in Kesong Mount like Buta Cave, Hijau

Cave, Kesong Cave, Harimau Cave and Gajah Cave (Figure 9 and 10). Beside cave, Lata Babi, Lubuk Puteri, Kesong River also the beautiful places

in Kenong (Figure 11 and Figure 12).

(Source: Jupem, 2016)

Figure 8. Location of geological interest in Kenong

(Source: Jupem, 2016)

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 9. (a) Harimau Cave, (b) Hijau Cave , (c) Gajah Cave , and (d) Lubuk Puteri


Lagend

Lagend

(a) (b)

Figure 10. (a) Kesong Cave, and (b) Buta Cave (Source: Mansor Ahmad, 2016)

(a) (b)

Figure 11. (a) Kesong River, (b) Batu Hampar (Source: (a) Mansor Ahmad, 2016; (b) own picture)

(a) (b)

Figure 12. (a) Lata Babi, (b) Lata Kenong 7 Step

(Source: (a) Mansor Ahmad, 2016; (b) own picture) The unique features in the site such as stalactite, stalagmite, pillar, curtain

stone, calcite crystal and flow stone. The features formed by water action. Figure 13 shows the naturalistic stalactite and stalagmite in Telungkup Cave, Kenong. Figure 14 shows the curtain in Kenong cave.

Figure 13. The naturalistic stalactite and stalagmite in Telungkup Cave, Kenong


Figure 14. Curtain, Kenong


4.2.1.1(b) Geomorphology, physical and human geography characteristics of the proposed Geopark

The tropical rainforest is strangely known to cover high diversity and richness of tree species and this has been reported in many studies

(Newbery et al. 1996; Webb & Peart 2000). The flora and fauna that make up the natural landscape of this site are truly special. The forest area is

important movement zone for wildlife from National Park nearby. Here is where the virgin jungle has existed for 100 millions years, undisturbed by

the ice age which covered the northern hemisphere. Meanwhile, here is where the flora and fauna have the opportunity to evolve into exotic and unique species.

Nizam et al. (2012) informed in their study, a total of 2091 trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) of 5 cm and of which overall floristic

composition consisted of 322 species from 161 genera and 54 families in Kenong Rimba Park area. Figure 15 shows the example vegetation in

proposed are includes (a) Flora at Kenong, (b) Tualang tree, and (c) Fungus at Kenong.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 15 (a) Flora at Kenong, (b) Tualang tree, and (c) Fungus at Kenong

(Source: (a) and (b) Own picture, 2016; (c) Mansor Ahmad, 2016 )

In Kenong there is variety of fauna richness in this proposed area includes mammalian, reptilian, insect, fish, bird and amphibian. The mammalian species found here such as elephant, tiger, panther and others. Figure 16

shows the evidence that mammalian species founded at the Kenong. Reptilian species such as snacks, scorpion, and others. Beside that, in

Kenong also have a lot of birds species, fish and insect. An example insect spices showed at figure 17 and 18 and fish.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 16 (a) Tiger feces, (b) Elephant feces, and (c) Panther footprint (Source: Mansor Ahmad,2016 )

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 17. Insect species (a) butterfly, (b) spider and (c) bee

(Source: Mansor Ahmad, 2016 )

(a) (b)

Figure 18. (a) Fish (Kepar), and (b) Reptilian (scorpion) (Source: Mansor Ahmad, 2016 )

The indigenous people in Kenong are the Batek people whose an indigenous tribe still living a life as they have for generations. The Batek people are

nomads and gatherers. It was found that the Batek continues to this day, their old business of gathering and selling gaharu wood chips to traders who come from as far away as the Middle Eastern countries. However, the

depleting supply of this aromatic wood and troubled times in the Middle East have forced the Batek people to look elsewhere to provide them income.

Figure 19 shows the Indigenous people settlement in Kenong.

Figure 19. Indigenous people settlement


4.3 Economic Development

The main strategic objectives of a Geopark is to promote geological heritage

to the public as well as to support sustainable economic development of the area through the development of geological tourism. A Geopark seeking UNESCO's assistance serves to foster socio-economic development that

is culturally and environmentally sustainable. Due to sustain the environment, the establishment of a Geopark shall stimulate the creation

of innovative local business, small business, cottage industries, initiate high quality training courses and new jobs opportunities by generating new sources of local income while protecting the geo-resources of the Geopark.

Economic activity in Kenong geopark played a very significant role in the geo-tourism and retains many traditional industrial activities and related

communities. Geo-tourism related to the economic, business-oriented and fast-moving discipline which is a new tourism sector involving strong multidisciplinary cooperation. Sustainable tourism and other economic

activities within a Geopark area (Kenong) are very important and must be carried out in the management of geopark. Tourism activities adhere to individual site management plans and authority and respect the cultural

character of the area. Like in many regions, it is necessary to involve the indigenous community in the establishment of a Geopark area and

partnership. This is because, Kenong can be geoparks that deliver the link between geology and culture. Main economic activities that utilise the Kenong is in the areas of tour

guiding and tourism. Well-established companies Kenong operate geology and geomorphological observation tours in Kenong. The most popular

activities in a Kenong that can be implemented includes geo-tourism: Due to rich and diverse a lot of limestone cave, flora and fauna habitats and natural monuments such as waterfalls, springs, and geosites which host

several endemic species under protection, the Geopark attracts tourists with special and specific interests. Walking, climbing and cycling trails, provision of information, interpretation and research activities such as Conference

Tourism: The area is suitable for seminars, meetings, events and conferences; signage and the development of modern museums and visitor

centres may as economic activities. Stimulating activities in the population related to the geological theme and the creation of local agricultural and traditional craft products. Hence, the party involve should prepare the

informational material on geology and nature as a whole, printing leaflets and other material, maintaining websites in order to give information to the visitors.

5. Conclusion

Nowadays, growing public awareness of the necessity for the conservation and protection of geological and geomorphological features play an important role in our ecosystem. Hence, the Geopark concept offered the

ability to identify, protect and promote areas or landscapes of geological and geomorphological importance. As we know, their main goals of pursuing

activities in educating the public at large on the environment, promoting regional sustainable development, supporting training and development of

scientific research in various disciplines. So that, this will be new potential for interaction between socio-economic development and conservation of the natural environment adds a new dimension to the scheme of the World

Heritage List. It recognises as a central principle the relationship between people and geology and the ability of a site to serve as a focus for economic development, particularly through geotourism.

Kenong have to be a geopark for recognising the important geological and geomorphological sites within their areas. This is because they serve as

tools for demonstrating sustainable development and for illustrating methods of site conservation and it also will be a good idea to protect and promote the geological heritage through the sustainable economic

development there. The idea behind the initiative is that true sustainable territorial development can be achieved through the protection and

promotion of geological heritage for scientific, educational and tourism activities. Furthermore, Kenong have the characteristics which are a Geopark has to encompass a particular geological heritage, with specific

geological, geomorphological and geographical features. Both of them are importance in terms of their scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal or educational value.

The contribution of the Geopark is thus seen through the enhancement and promotion of a certain image related to the geological heritage and the

development of tourism with related actions. This contributes towards to a revalidation of the values of the territory’s heritage and enforces active participation to the territory’s cultural revitalization as a whole. Then,

typical activities in a Kenong includes the development of walking and cycling trails, the training of local people to act as guides, education courses, provision of information signage and the development of modern

museums and visitor centres. Hence, the proposed Kenong as a Geopark is to bring enhanced a lots of benefits for the people who live there.

Practically the geopark is an initiative that can achieve international recognition for geological sites of local and regional importance. Based on UNESCO, Global Geopark is an integrated area with a significant geological

heritage of international which is used to promote the development of local communities in a sustainable. The issues of Geopark became an

international issue to preserve the geological heritage which has ties to the re- establishment of the earth. The concept of geopark was born as the tools, to help promote global environmental sustainability. Numerous areas

in the world offer the immediate potential for substantial economic development because of the presence of a diverse range of geological phenomena including, amongst many others, structures, minerals and

fossils. Geological heritage sites, properly managed, can generate

employment and new economic activities, especially in regions in need of new or additional sources of income.

Thus, the proposed of Kenong as a good for development as good for environmental conservation area of Kenong. Hence, in order to succeed this

program, the party involved must enhance local community roles. Kenong must not only be active by local means, but also by the means of the Geopark community, and thus cooperate on mutual projects and exchange

of ideas for the improvement of promoting their activities. Kenong will protect different geological specialities by exploring and promoting new ways and methods of protection. The administrations of Geoparks provide

different measures of protection in cooperation with universities and scientific institutes, along with various management figures of local

communities. The Geoparks must function in the way of local laws and tradition.

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the potential of geopark in kenong, kuala lipis, malaysia

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