FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

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Gunung Stong State Park Preliminary Management Plan right over the land, and that it is illegal to hunt, fish, and collect plants (unless for scientific purposes, and even then with permission from GSSP authorities). 6.8 Zoning Zoning is a well-established planning tool for protected areas and can be considered to be a “strategy to control the conflicting uses or demands for use of a protected area” (DWNP/DANCED, 2001a). Zoning is for purposes of conserving areas of physical and ecological sensitivity, against excessive development and human presence that may disturb the ecology and destroy the attractions that attract visitors in the first place. Zoning must be complemented by physical and biological monitoring to assess if excessive numbers of visitors had negatively impacted the ecological base of the area, and remedial actions introduced, which include regulation of visitor numbers. Ideally, each management zone should have a carrying capacity (or limits of acceptable change) study, to have an estimate of the permissible number of visitors at any one time. However, such a study is not within the scope of this preliminary management plan, and the number of visitors and their impacts at both the resort and Baha Camp, are still manageable. Nevertheless, we suggest the following management zoning concept for GSSP (see below) based on intensities of use as recommended by IUCN guidelines. A map of the zoning plan is presented in Appendix 6 while Table 6.7 summarises the issues and recommendations for each zone. The zoning plan is based on the precautionary principle and therefore most areas remain within the Strict Conservation Zone until more information is available to indicate that additional areas can be allocated for the other zones without compromising the ecological integrity of GSSP. Should such information be available, the zoning plan can be modified in future, in line with the adaptive management approach. 6.8.1 Intensive Development Zone This zone includes areas where physical development is concentrated, usually where tourists, park management, and research facilities are located. Areas included in this zone are the Stong Resort and the entry point to the Semuliang trail in the southern sector of the park. Within the Intensive Development Zone, physical development should be concentrated at the existing resort grounds. 6.8.2 Moderate Use Zone Areas within the Moderate Use Zone are those where visitors are allowed certain activities that are compatible with the protected area setting, with low impact tourist services. The Moderate Use Zone includes Baha Camp and the Benta Plateau. Within this zone, development is limited to basic infrastructure such as campsites, shelters, toilets and observation towers. 6.8.3 Limited Use/Wilderness Zone The Limited Use Zone encompasses areas where limited numbers of visitors are allowed to enter, but only on foot. Areas included in the zones are the hiking trails, campsites and mountain peaks. Within the Limited Use Zone, development is limited to the construction of shelters and signage. 6.8.4 Strict Conservation Zone No development should be carried out within the Strict Conservation Zone. These are areas where visitors are not allowed, but scientists doing work are welcome, subject to strict controls and conditions. 80
Gunung Stong State Park Preliminary Management Plan Table 6.7: Suggested Management Zones and Their Current Issues No. Type of Zones 1. Intensive Development Zone 2. Moderate Tourism Use Zone Areas Issues Suggestions for Improvement Stong Resort Area Entry to Semuliang Trail Lata Kertas Baha Camp Some 14ha in area, this zone is highly visited by day-trippers, trekkers on the way to Baha Camp, and guests of the resort. Rubbish disposal is a problem, the worst offenders are the day trippers. Fishing activities by visitors may threaten fish populations. Currently a picnic area with no indication that it is part of GSSP. Huts at Baha Camp need continuous maintenance due to termites, wear, and tear. Broken down huts may not be a good impression for a protected area, but on the other extreme, luxurious accommodation sends a negative message of wastage, and unsustainable development. It will also be an embarrassment if, after upscale upgrading, there were few guests. Currently only two shallow pit toilets are available at Baha Camp. The 2 toilets need replacement, as the shallow pits may fill up (the granite base underneath prevents deeper pits). Rubbish disposal is a problem, as trash is collected and burnt in pits. Excessive garbage may lead to leaching of substances into the river system. System of registering and carrying out of rubbish be introduced, and enforced. Fishing rules need to be formulated and strictly enforced by park staff. Warning signs should be erected. A potential area for development, as the southern entry-point for GSSP. A slight upgrade of the huts could be made by funds from GSSP (labour by BAT guides), in exchange for a small privatised arrangement made to manage Baha Camp by BAT guides. Toilets need to be monitored and installation of a septic tank to replace the old pits. A system of carrying out non-biodegradable rubbish need to be introduced, as practised at Taman Negara and Endau-Rompin. Benta Plateau This former log-landing area has been identified as a good birdwatching site. Looped trails should be established to promote birdwatching. A watchtower could also be built here. 3. Limited Use Zone These are the existing hiking trails, campsites, and rivers The trails originated from abandoned logging and wildlife trails. Certain sections of the trails are rapidly overgrown with ferns, and for some parts, covered with fallen bamboo and Periodic trail maintenance, at least once a year (after the monsoon), need to be carried out. This could be carried out by 81
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