Limestone hills mapped amid concerns of destruction in quarries

Researchers have now accurately mapped 1,393 limestone hills in Malaysia with the help of satellite images, drone technology and ground verification, in the hope that it can help preserve the key landscapes.

This public database included information on their location, biodiversity, surrounding land use and extent of habitat disturbance, which can be used to determine which hills warrant urgent protection.

This came amid expanding quarrying operations in Zone C of Gunung Kanthan which is located within one of the geo-sites comprising limestone hills in Kinta Valley National Geopark.

The Sakyamuni Cave Monastery, Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Yellow Temple found along the base of Gunung Kanthan are at risk of eviction if the Order 89 filed on Jan 29 proves successful.

The database launched today is the result of an extensive field survey led by Foon Junn Kitt, the project coordinator of environmental NGO, Rimba’s Project Limestone.

“After two years of analysis, compiling information, and travelling more than 22,000km, I think we now have an almost complete picture of how Malaysia’s limestone hills are doing,” Foon said in a statement released by Rimba.

Containing detailed maps, photos and data in the form of seven separate eBooks, the resource is titled "Conservation of Limestone Ecosystems of Malaysia".

“Rather than viewing our database as static and complete, it should be regarded as an evolving platform for users to collect, store, update and analyse spatial and biological data from limestone hills to better inform decisions regarding their management”, said lead researcher, Associate Professor Liew Thor-Seng from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, who is also principal investigator of the project.

Funded by the National Conservation Trust Fund via Universiti Malaysia Sabah, this new resource can now assist state governments, scientists and conservationists in identifying biologically important limestone hills for protection and rehabilitation, the researchers said.

Limestone hills under threat by quarrying for cement

The protection and restoration of limestone ecosystems are listed as one of the 17 national biodiversity targets in the National Policy of Biological Diversity 2016-2025.

Researchers said limestone hills harbour unique biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services to humans, but face intensifying disturbances from forest loss, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development.

The hills, which also act as carbon sinks, are also under threat from quarrying for cement, a key element in the construction industry.

“Malaysia has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity of GDP by 45 percent by 2030, relative to the emissions intensity of GDP in 2005.

“As such, we cannot afford to lose any more natural carbon sinks such as limestone hills,” the researchers said. - Mkini