Effective conservation of cultural and natural heritage of the Bidong archipelago via marine spatial planning: a review

Marine spatial planning (MSP) has been widely implemented in marine areas to manage competing uses. However, its implementation often lacks a comprehensive incorporation of cultural heritage elements, particularly terrestrial ones. This paper examines the ecological, historical, and cultural dimensions of Pulau Bidong through a comprehensive review and discusses the suitability of marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) in conserving natural and cultural heritage within the MSP framework for Bidong Archipelago. The results indicate that Pulau Bidong holds significant cultural heritage, both above land and underwater, alongside a rich diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The island plays a crucial role in supporting local socio-economic activities, particularly for fishermen who depend on its resources for their livelihoods. The study highlights that integrating above-land historical remnants into MSP could enhance the management of the archipelago's diverse ecology and unique cultural heritage. Furthermore, MPAs and OECMs could regulate human activities, balancing conservation and economic priorities. These findings provide insights for better MSP implementation in sites with similar cultural and ecological significance worldwide.