FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia
FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia
FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia
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Gunung Stong State Park Preliminary Management Plan<br />
6.9.3 Buffer Areas Within Alienated Land<br />
This category of buffer is found mainly along the eastern boundary of GSSP. This is to<br />
minimise human-wildlife conflicts and encroachment. The inclusion of alienated land within<br />
the buffer zone of the park does not require a change in land-ownership from private landowners<br />
to the state government. The land ownership status may remain unchanged but<br />
activities on alienated land within the buffer zone will have to be regulated so as to minimise<br />
negative impacts on GSSP. For example, if the alienated land is under tree cover, such as<br />
rubber or oilpalm plantation, then it should remain as such. The use of chemicals such as<br />
pesticides and artificial fertilisers should also be minimised. Activities that have major and<br />
long-lasting impacts on the environment such as mining, large-scale land development and<br />
quarrying, should be strictly prohibited within buffer areas.<br />
6.10 Physical Development<br />
If the Perlis State Park model is to be adapted, there are ample provisions for development in<br />
GSSP, as articulated in the legislation for Perlis State Park. For instance, in the Forest (State<br />
Park) Rules 2002 of Perlis, under section 8(2):<br />
“The Director, subject to directions that may be issued by the State Executive Committee,<br />
with the approval of the Chief Minister, by order published in the Gazette may appoint any<br />
person or company:<br />
(a) to build, manage, or maintain any building, facilities; or infrastructure; or<br />
(b) to undertake the provision of services within the state park.”<br />
Section 8(4) also states:<br />
“…the Director may within the state park:<br />
(a) construct such trails, interpretive displays, signage, buildings, and fences, and<br />
provide water supplies and refuse disposal facilities as he considers necessary;<br />
(b) provide such accommodation, amenities, facilities and service within designated<br />
zones as are likely to attract visitors to the state park and are not prejudicial to the<br />
proper care, control, and management thereof.”<br />
However, Section 8(5) states that:<br />
“Before any approval is given under subsection (4), the Director shall be satisfied that:<br />
(a) the construction of such infrastructures, facilities or buildings is essential and in the<br />
interest of the public; and<br />
(b) an environmental impact assessment of such infrastructures, facilities, or buildings<br />
has been undertaken and that all conditions and measures to mitigate against any<br />
adverse environmental impact have been complied with, or implemented to the<br />
satisfaction of the director.”<br />
However, to prevent any undesirable effects to wildlife, their interests, as provided in the<br />
Protection of Wild Life Act 1972, are safeguarded in Section 9 of the Forest Rules.<br />
Development in GSSP must be compatible with its primary purpose and objectives of<br />
conservation, which must not be compromised by unsustainable tourism, and as such, must be<br />
consistent with the protected area setting. Construction of physical facilities for tourism<br />
within protected areas is one of the prescribed activities under the Environmental Quality<br />
(Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987 of the Environmental<br />
Quality Act 1974.<br />
Under the Order, the activities listed below (relevant to GSSP) that would require an EIA are:<br />
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