GEOSITES, BIOSITES, CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND THEIR INTERRELATIONSHIPS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KENYIR GEOPARK, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

Authors

  • Dony Adryansyah Nazaruddin Marine Geoscience Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU
  • Nor Bakhiah Baharim Marine Geoscience Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU
  • Muhd Nur Ismail Abdul Rahman Marine Geoscience Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU
  • Salwa Shahimi Biodiversity Conservation and Management Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU
  • Norhayati Ab Manaf Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v24i42.2057

Keywords:

Geosite, Biosite, Cultural Site, Archaeological Site, Kenyir Geopark

Abstract

Kenyir Geopark in Terengganu, Malaysia has been declared as a national geopark on 30 May 2023 due to its wealth of geological heritage complemented by its valuable and unique biological, cultural, as well as archaeological heritage. This national geopark contains the land and lake environments, where the Kenyir Lake is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia and is used as a hydroelectric reservoir. This study aims to identify and classify key geological, biological, cultural, and archaeological sites and their interconnections which play vital roles for the development of the geopark. So far, a total of 15 proposed geosites have been identified and categorized based on geodiversity types: mineral, igneous and sedimentary rocks, fossils, tectonics/structures, and morphology. There are also currently 11 proposed biosites have been identified and classified based on their unique flora, fauna, and combination of both existing in both natural and artificial ecosystems. At least 11 proposed cultural sites have been identified and categorized into tangible and intangible heritage. Meanwhile, one proposed archaeological site has also been identified within the geopark area. The synergy between all these key components of Kenyir Geopark is significant to support this geopark’s development, including research and educational opportunities, sustainable tourism, conservation, community development, as well as ensuring its legacy for future generations.  

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Published

2026-06-03

How to Cite

Nazaruddin, D. A., Baharim, N. B., Abdul Rahman, M. N. I., Shahimi, S., & Ab Manaf, N. (2026). GEOSITES, BIOSITES, CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND THEIR INTERRELATIONSHIPS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KENYIR GEOPARK, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 24(42). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v24i42.2057