Community-based Ecotourism: A New Proposition for Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation in Malaysia

Abstract

Community-based ecotourism is one of the most dynamic sectors of the Malaysian tourism industry. The destinations include remote traditional communities where national parks, game reserves and other protected areas serve as the background setting for such activities. Ecotourism's principle is focused upon the benefits of tourism to the local population and the environment while minimizing negative impacts. By empowering the locals with own governance and management partnerships within the area, it is suggested that community-based ecotourism may reduce economic leakages, minimize negative impacts and concentrate the benefits locally. This paper discusses the key management issues in community-based tourism: government support, sustainable use of local resources, participation of stakeholders, fair benefits sharing, strengthening of local institutions, and linkages within regional and national levels. African and Asian experiences in these areas are highlighted.