Geopark for heritage conservation: A need for integrated planning and management

The adoption of 'sustainable development' concept by many countries of the world has drawn attention to the needs to conserve and protect what has been identified as heritage. due to their symbiotic relationship,the natural and cultural heritage needs to be conserved in an integrated manner,thus requiring integrated planning and management. the geopark concept introduced in 1999 provides this opportunity. the concept highlights the potential socio-economic development while conserving the natural and cultural environment. because a geopark would contain different kinds of heritage a single integrated plan may help to avoid potential conflicts in managing them. langkawi geopark was established in 2007. its multifaceted features and resources require that it be managed in an integrated manner to enable different stakeholders to be brought onto a common platform. this is to enable differing needs and interests to be taken into account without compromising the need for sustainable development. © 2011 by mip.