Water and environmental sustainability in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia: issues and challenges towards sustainable development

Abstract

Langkawi is an island which is characterized by its exceptional geological and biological landscape, ecological diversity and wildlife, cultural and heritage values, recreational and tourism attraction, and uniqueness of its own local community. Langkawi has been selected as UNESCO Global Geopark since 2007 (the first in Southeast Asia). In 2015, Langkawi has been selected as one of the UNESCO Sustainability Science Demonstration Sites to apply sustainability science concepts for resolving water and environmental-related issues in the area through education and ecotourism, linking with local stakeholders. Identification of issues and challenges related to water and environmental sustainability towards sustainable development in Langkawi Geopark has been done through (1) local stakeholder consultation workshop; (2) field data collection and survey on water and environmental quality state condition in Langkawi; (3) water quality sampling; (4) questionnaire distribution to local stakeholders and community; as well as (5) detailed discussion/interview sessions with selected local government agencies, local authorities, private entities, NGOs, and local community in Langkawi Geopark. Six key issues related to water and environmental sustainability in Langkawi have been identified out of 21 issues that occurred in Langkawi Geopark. A strategic recommendation and way forward towards sustainable development in Langkawi Geopark have been formulated for implementation, including promoting sustainability science as a platform to respond to the future needs in dealing with water and environmental sustainability-related issues in Langkawi. The sustainability science framework for action has been developed with five ways of feasibility (stock and flow feasibility; environmental feasibility; social, cultural, institutional, and policy; integration; and monitoring and evaluation). The Community Learning Alliance for Sustainability Science (CLASS) through Langkawi Research Centre (LRC) of LESTARI, UKM, has also been recognized as a pathway towards sustainability to promote sustainability science practices in Langkawi Geopark.