FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

Gunung Stong State Park Preliminary Management Plan
CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION
This Preliminary Management Plan is a stopgap, but proactive, measure to guide GSSP
managers, pending a more detailed plan. The sense of urgency is driven by the increased
numbers of visitors, the lack of coordination between agencies and stakeholders, and their
differing visions on how GSSP is to be developed. To the credit of the state government and
the Kelantan State Forestry Department, the formation of the relevant steering, technical, and
working technical committees, is the right initial step to guiding the formation, planning, and
management of GSSP.
GSSP is a suitable candidate for a protected area. Firstly, it is rich in biological diversity,
high in hyper-endemics, especially for certain plants found only in the area, and nowhere else
in the world. Secondly, its significant location between the forests of Taman Negara and the
Titiwangsa Range, and further westwards to Belum and Ulu Muda, makes it a crucial
component in ensuring contiguity within the main forest blocks of the peninsula. Thirdly, it is
relatively well-known among hikers as a destination that offers mountains, cascading
waterfalls, caves, and opportunities for interaction with local communities. Fourthly, the
locals are aware of the benefits of GSSP to them, especially those directly involved in the
ecotourism business, and some form of training must be introduced to them, to get them
involved in a more systematic manner, in micro-businesses and conservation, without losing
their cultural heritage, especially where there is much interaction between foreigners and
locals. This is true in some communities where the locals imitate the more negative cultural
elements of foreign visitors.
The Preliminary Management Plan is but a start towards an end, which is a viable, protected
area that is also promoted for ecotourism, without compromising conservation. This vision
can be achieved through the establishment of efficient management systems, effective
protection of GSSP and its resources, recognition of the biological and economic resources of
GSSP and the improvement of the standard of living of the local communities as well as their
level of conservation awareness.
The Preliminary Management Plan will lead to a more detailed management plan, if funding
is available. A more detailed management plan will further elaborate on the socio-economic
aspects of and the detailed capacity-building requirements of the GSSP staff and the local
communities.
It is expected that conditions during the first 5 years will be less than ideal, due to teething
problems that are common to all new organisations. These include formation of the right
organisational structure, the setting up of administrative and standard operating systems, the
acquisition of assets, selection of the right staff, and their training. Training alone will take
several years due to the mix of skills that is necessary to operate a protected area promoted for
eco-tourism. It is hoped that within the first five years, GSSP will be effectively managed as
a protected area, and eventually achieve the target of being a premier conservation and ecotourism
destination in Malaysia.
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