Local Community Involvement in Mangrove Forest Conservation and Edutourism in Kampung Sijangkang

Abstract

Mangrove forests are biodiversity hotspots, and Malaysia has at least 70 mangrove species from 28 families, mainly from the Rhizophoraceae family. However, river pollution has posed a threat to the mangrove forest ecosystem and therefore should be conserved because it benefits various stakeholders. Edutourism is a good conservation model for mangrove forests given the strategic locations. The study interviewed the local community representatives to analyse the establishment of edutourism site called ‘Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang’. There are six sections in the interview: historical background, strategic partners, projects and activities, achievements, issues and challenges and way forward. We observed the progress of the activities carried out by the community in Kg. Sijangkang towards the development and its promotion as edutourism park. The programme is supported by the involvement of local authorities and other collaboration partners. In general, the socio-economic status of the community in Kg. Sijangkang has improved as a result of the economic contribution of educational and recreational activities in the Kuala Langat district. Our findings highlighted mangrove forest as an edutourism park in Kg. Sijangkang, which was developed by the local community. Our results showed the importance of self-driven community and teamwork to progress and succeed in the conservation programme that could boost future socio-economic status. We also identified collaborative efforts as critical to the development of environmental conservation programmes.