Detail Geosite Mapping: Issues and Challenges in Malaysia
Che Aziz Ali1,5, Abd Rasid Jaapar2,6,*, Mohd Faruq Syahmi Md Aripin1, James Bachat3 and Mohd Sazaly Basarian4

1Geoscience Consult Sdn Bhd, Selangor, Malaysia
2Geomapping Technology Sdn Bhd, Selangor, Malaysia
3Borneo Geoscience Sdn Bhd, Sarawak, Malaysia
4Borneo Earth Science Technology Sdn Bhd, Sabah, Malaysia
5National Committee for Geopark Development, Malaysia
6Institute of Geology Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract: Geosites are the building blocks of a geopark which determine its uniqueness as well as the identity. Distribution of geosites also very crucial in delineating geopark boundary. In most geoparks, geosites are not properly evaluated let alone properly mapped. This phenomenon occurs due to lack of understanding of the basic concept of geosite and the realization of its importance. Geosites in most geoparks are marked as points on geopark maps without clear boundary. This has caused some geosites being lost due to encroachment and infrastructure development as the authorities do not have any clue as to what the areal extent of a given geosite is. Hence geosite mapping is very crucial not only it can provide a guide for infrastructural development but also for geosite management, development and conservation. In Malaysia, the geosite mapping drive has been started that focus on detailed mapping of geodiversity features of most important geosite to determine geodiversity distribution which is important for demarcate the geosite boundary. The map also will be used to determine geotourism potential and how to develop and conserve each geosite. This paper presents several challenges in carrying out detail geosite mapping that we are facing- among others are rough terrain conditions, land ownership and lack of professional personals who really understand the basic geosite mapping concept.

Keywords: Keywords: geosite mapping, geosite concept, challenges, development

Topic: Geotourism