FLAG – FRIENDS OF LANGKAWI GEOPARK

A Community Initiative in Popularising the Geopark Concept in Langkawi Geopark

Kamarulzaman Abdul Ghani, Mohd Shafeea Leman, Ibrahim Komoo

Regional Geoheritage Conference2-5 Nov 2015

https://www.facebook.com/flagfriendoflangkawigeopark

Outline

What is a Geopark?

Why FLAG was Formed

FLAG’s Objectives; Profile

FLAG’s Activities and achievements

FLAG’s Activity Video

Conclusion

GEOPARK definition…An area with outstanding geology with focus on natural heritage conservation, education and sustainable development

WHY FLAG WAS FORMED…

Global Geoparks are revalidated every 4 years by the GGN,

UNESCO.

Revalidation in 2011 revealed 27 weaknesses.

Main concerns were:

• the profile and identity of the Geopark was not prominent in Malaysia

and Langkawi

• Awareness about the Geopark is low

• No commitment on the part of the government agencies to glorify

Langkawi Geopark

• Not many Geopark related activities were undertaken

• Benefits of the Geopark not transmitted to the community

FLAG was established in December 2013.

• Initially it carried a battle cry: “Save LangkawiGeopark under UNESCO”

• Approved by the Registrar of SocietiesMalaysia in Jan 2014

• Instil team work within Langkawi Global Geopark• Aspire to make Langkawi Geopark the best in the world• Promote volunteerism for the advancement of Langkawi Global

Geopark• Assist in the implementation of Geopark related programs and

activities• Provide suggestions for the improvement of Langkawi Global

Geopark• FLAG members to be ambassadors of Langkawi Global Geopark

OBJECTIVES

Love langkawi geopark

“We Assist Not Resist”

SLOGAN

Membership and Profile

Fees: RM50+RM20 (entrance); RM50 (Renewal)

Number of members: 102Scientists 10

Professionals 56

Business Operators 30

Others 6

Scientists

Professionals

Business Operators

Others

Our Patron

FIRST LINE OF ACTION BY FLAG…

A letter dated 3 Jan 2014 sent to various authorities, expressed the

following:

need to improve the identity and profile of our global Geopark by:

o every ‘naturally Langkawi’ promotion materials must carry the

Geopark and GGN logo

o erect 10 Langkawi Globla Geopark billboards in Langkawi

o Geopark Carnival in June annually in conjunction with Langkawi

Geopark anniversary

FIRST LINE OF ACTION BY FLAG…

Geopark Community Dialouge 2014:-

o “How to make Langkawi The World’s Best Geopark Destination”

o A 9-point resolutions was sent out to relavant ministries and

agencies.

FIRST LINE OF ACTION BY FLAG…FACEBOOK PAGE

1810 Likes

Geopark Talk – Ocean Residence, Kasbah, RTM

Geopark Awareness

Environmental education UKM-Yayasan Bank Rakyat-FLAG

Geopark AwarenessGeopark Awareness

Geopark awareness events – Landy de Langkawi Geopark…

Geopark AwarenessGeopark Awareness

Langkawi Global Geopark beyond borders…

Mercy mission gua musang…

Geopark AwarenessGeopark Awareness

CLEAN-UP PROGRAMS

PROGRAM KESEDARAN

Community Partners…

SHORT TERM

• GEF- SGP – UNDP community capacity building in pulau tuba

– Environmental program + socio-economic projects

LONG TERM

• Plastic-free Langkawi Geopark

– Collaborating with Local Council, SW Corp. LADA

UPCOMING PROJECTS

Plastic-free LangkawiGeopark (single-use plastics)

LONG TERM PROJECT

Community Products…

• Langkawi Global Geopark the best Geopark in the world

• We assist to popularise the Geopark concept in Malaysia

Our aspirations

Our Proposal

A workshop: “How to be the world’s best Global Geopark”

In Conclusion…why FLAG?

We are community-based…

The community needs to be aware and

understand the Geopark and how it can

improve their socio-economy.

The success of a Geopark is driven by its

people.