Integrated planning and management for protected areas in Malaysia

Zainol, N

Abstract

The current development plan system in Malaysia provides minimal protection for
protected areas. Shortcomings can be seen in policies, decision making
processes, and implementation and enforcement. In addition, existing legislation,
development plan procedures, policies, and guidelines do not support integrated
planning and management for protected areas. This raises concern for those
involved with all aspects of protected area planning and management.
Within this thesis international best practices have been critically reviewed and an
in depth case study of the Klang Gates Ridge National Monument conducted. This
research has confirmed that there is a lack of emphasis on the planning and
management of protected areas in the Malaysian development plan system and
what protection exists is ineffective, poorly managed and not fully implemented.
This situation was further exacerbated by the lack of development plan documents
and guidelines related to protected areas that promote an integrated approach to
development control, decision making and enforcement. The research also
identified that there was a lack of personal to advise on and take good decisions in
relation to environmental matters. Poor consultation with stakeholder and the
public also contribute to the situation in Malaysia.
These shortfalls need immediate remedy. There is already a development plan
system in place to attend to environmental matters but at present it has not been
developed comprehensively. By including planning and management of protected
areas in the development pan it could become a comprehensive and important tool
to ensure protection and conservation of natural resources. Proposals to amend
the legislation, develop a comprehensive environmental management plan, set up
a lead agency to enforce planning and management of protected areas, enhance
public consultation and recruit qualified staff to advise and take good
environmental focused decisions are presented.

Citation

Zainol, N. Integrated planning and management for protected areas in Malaysia. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2009