Cultural Heritage, Spirituality, and Conservation Practices in the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark Communities
Abstract
Cultural and spiritual beliefs play a critical yet often underexplored role in shaping conservation behaviour within protected landscapes. This study examines how cultural heritage, spirituality, and traditional practices influence conservation behaviour among indigenous communities living within the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGp), Malaysia. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with community leaders from selected villages in Ranau, Kota Belud, and Kota Marudu. Data were analysed thematically and guided by the Integrative Model of Behaviour Prediction (IMBP) to understand how attitudes, perceived norms, self-efficacy, and external constraints interact with culturally embedded practices. The findings reveal that spiritual beliefs associated with sacred landscapes, particularly Mount Kinabalu, function as informal conservation mechanisms that regulate behaviour and reinforce collective responsibility toward nature. Traditional practices such as Tagal and Monolob operate as culturally legitimate systems that sustain ecological balance, while moral obligations rooted in ancestral traditions strengthen pro-conservation norms. The study also highlights the emerging role of cultural heritage in sustainable tourism, alongside challenges related to limited institutional support and capacity building. Local leadership was found to be central in mediating between traditional knowledge systems and formal Geopark conservation initiatives. Overall, the study demonstrates that conservation behaviour in KUGGp is deeply embedded within cultural and spiritual foundations rather than driven solely by externally imposed regulations. Integrating these cultural dimensions into Geopark governance and policy frameworks is essential for enhancing conservation effectiveness and community engagement.
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