INTEGRATING GEOHERITAGE AND COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP: EXPLORING THE UNIQUENESS AND ECOTOURISM POTENTIALS OF GUA MUSANG AS STONG GEOPARK DESTINATION IN KELANTAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/JTHEM.1143030Keywords:
Community-Based Ecotourism, Entrepreneurship, Geoheritage, Gua Musang, Stong Geopark, MalaysiaAbstract
This study explores the geo-heritage uniqueness of Gua Musang, Kelantan and the emerging entrepreneurial opportunities within community-based ecotourism (CBET) at Stong Geopark. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local communities, tourism operators and key government stakeholders. Thematic analysis identified five dimensions of Gua Musang’s geo-heritage potential: geological, ecological, cultural, adventure values and strategic accessibility and geopark readiness. Therefore, three themes of community entrepreneurship opportunities are: community micro-entrepreneurship, income enhancement through tourism-driven activities and institutional support and capacity building for local economic development. The findings suggest that Gua Musang’s rich natural and cultural assets can strengthen the Stong Geopark brand while generating sustainable livelihoods through CBET initiatives. However, challenges remain in infrastructure readiness, capacity building and institutional coordination. The study contributes to the discourse on integrating geo-heritage conservation with local entrepreneurship in geopark contexts.
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