COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND CONSERVATION: MAPPING THE BIOCULTURAL LANDSCAPE RESOURCES OF SUNGAI TEMBUS, SEBERANG PERAI FOR TOURISM

Abstract

Integrating biocultural resources into tourism development is vital to promote sustainable practices that benefit the local community and the environment. Biocultural landscape resources include biodiversity and cultural heritage, where natural and cultural attributes are interconnected and can affect the sustainability of one another. Hence, examining biocultural resources as a connected network between nature and culture is integral. This paper investigates the biocultural landscape resources of Sungai Tembus, Seberang Perai, as unique opportunities to leverage the ecological features of the area and the local cultural practices. Through a mixed-method approach, the study gathered on-ground data through semi-structured interviews with local community members to gather their insights and experiences, which were complemented by mapping the resources using Geographic Information System (GIS) and photographic documentation. The result of the study shows that the local community's livelihood and tourism activities depend on biocultural resources. The findings reveal that the cultural heritage is shaped by the ecological features, highlighting the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts and tourism planning.