Establishing limits of acceptable change (LAC) for anthropogenic development on Mabul Island, Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Mabul Island is the place of intensive tourism development (about 10 dive resorts and lodges) and high indigenous population density (about 2500 people). The burgeoning human development on the island had raised environmental concern over the degradation of island resources and lack of proper management. By applying the concept of Limits of Acceptable Change, assessment of selected indicators, namely biological (live coral cover), physical (land-use), socio-economic (feedback of tourists) had indicated live coral cover degradation, decimation of vegetation, incessant coastal erosion from unregulated land-use and tourist dissatisfaction due to overcrowded situation. The unregulated anthropogenic development is viewed critical where the LAC for the island resources has already been achieved and no further infrastructure construction is recommended to safeguard the remaining island resources. An integrated management for the island ecosystem, with clearly defined and prio? ritized action plans is urgently needed for implementation where it is particular important for sustainable tourism industry which contributes significantly to the economic and social well-being of Mabul Island. Keywords