Taman Negara Infrastructure Development Needs To Proritise Biodiversity Conservation - Academic

By Afifitri Muhammad

KUANTAN, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The development of tourism infrastructure in Taman Negara must take into account the conservation of the area's biodiversity, as part of efforts to secure recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Sultan Iskandar Institute (ISI) deputy director Dr. Norhazliza Abd Halim said infrastructure development must be planned in alignment with the requirements for visitor management and the conservation of the area.

She noted that upgrading the jetty, for instance, could establish it as a primary gateway, enabling authorities to regulate activities and monitor the movement of tourists.

Norhazliza, who also heads the Tourism Planning Research Group at UTM, emphasised that establishing a visitor carrying capacity is essential to determine the number of tourists who can enter the area without compromising its natural ecosystem.

“Therefore, studies are necessary to determine the visitor carrying capacity, particularly in areas with high conservation value and unique habitats. The number of visitors can also be adjusted based on seasonal factors and the specific conservation needs of the area,” she told Bernama.

She added that the coordination of policies and guidelines among relevant agencies including local authorities, the forestry department, and technical agencies must be strengthened to ensure that infrastructure development does not negatively impact natural habitats.

“The use of eco-friendly materials, the designation of sensitive zones, and continuous monitoring are also crucial to prevent encroachment, mitigate erosion, and minimise human-wildlife conflict,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sabri Abdullah, a freelance tour guide at Taman Negara Pahang, remarked that any improvements to the jetty infrastructure must consider the needs of various users, including tourists, local villagers, boat and restaurant operators, and fishermen.

“Various groups use the same jetty, so we must ensure that the facilities provided can accommodate the needs of users, especially during peak seasons,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while tabling Budget 2027 on October 9, said the government would upgrade tourism infrastructure such as jetties and conserve heritage sites with the potential for UNESCO recognition such as Danum Valley in Sabah, Bujang Valley in Kedah, and Taman Negara in Pahang.

According to UNESCO website, Taman Negara which spans the states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan is included on the Tentative List as a site with the potential to be nominated as a World Heritage Site.

Taman Negara is one of the oldest terrestrial areas in Peninsular Malaysia, dating back over 130 million years. It serves as a biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including species that are endemic, rare, vulnerable, or endangered in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA