FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

Gunung Stong State Park Preliminary Management Plan
2. Financial Report This report is where revenue (cash obtained from entry
collections, sales of souvenirs, handicraft items), is compared
against capital and operating expenditure. Financial reporting
can help in the budgeting process, as the expected shortfall
between revenue and costs will have to be from state
government funding, since GSSP is under the Foretsry
Department.
It must be understood, however, that profit generation is not
the primary objective of GSSP; revenue is to defray some of
the operating costs, as the value of GSSP is more than
revenue generation alone: it is in the conservation of
biological resources, protection of environmental services,
creation of additional income opportunities to the local
community, and nature and environmental awareness to
locals and visitors, of which, the values are priceless.
3. Field Report This report is for the field officers who goes on patrol, and
documents the general observations in the field. This relates
to condition of campsites, trails, signage, wildlife sightings,
rubbish generation (and other observations), for further
action. Damage to signage indicates either vandalism by
campers or marauding large mammals, and excessive littering
indicates lack of control by assigned guides.
4. Maintenance and
Damage Report
5. Suggestion/Complaints
Report
This is for the park (administrative) officer on their rounds,
where damage is reported for maintenance and remedial
work. Frequent damage and repair could be symptoms of
over-use or inferior quality work and/or materials, for which,
in the long-term, it is more economical to hire better
contractors or purchase better quality materials. Response
time is directly related to efficiency, cashflow, and
communications.
Provides essential feedback (whether negative or positive), of
the visitors’ perceptions, level of satisfaction, and
expectations of the facilities and service level of GSSP.
6.4.10 Monitoring and Evaluation
From the monitoring process, it is possible to evaluate and analyse, and then trends
determined for a proactive approach in the planning process. Impacts on habitats can be
ascertained from the degree of erosion along trails, quantity of litter dumped at campsites, and
vegetation quality along trails and campsites, that are impacted by unsustainably high visitor
volumes. The hardening of popular sites may make it necessary to create fresh trails in other
areas of GSSP. In this respect, reports in simple, standardised formats should be designed to
not only incorporate signs of wildlife, but also signs of habitat change, as an aid in planning.
Monitoring for changes need not necessarily be quantitative; qualitative aspects are also
important; for example, impressions of visitors, maintainance of socio-cultural pride among
the locals, and improved awareness of conservation and nature among the local community.
The placement of suggestion-boxes and complaint forms at accessible places will provide
some direct feedback on the visitors’ perceptions, opinions, and grievances. Complaints
should be taken positively, as it is a measure of visitor level of satisfaction with the services
and facilities of GSSP, and remedial measures to be taken.
6.5 Budget
In managing GSSP, there are two types of budgets: the capital and development budget, and
the operating budgets. The capital budget is for infrastructure, and the acquisition of fixed and
movable assets. Operating budgets are for the normal expenses to operate GSSP, and consist
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