Community Based Ecotourism Initiative in Lower Kinabatangan, Malaysia
Case Study C0013
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agency | MESCOT, community group |
| Donor/support agency | WWF Norway Sabah Forest Department and others |
| Project type | Self implemented |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Malaysia |
| Locality | Sabah State/Kinabatangan District |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape |
| Development focus | Batu Puteh community of five villages |
| Conservation goals | Conservation of local habitat and environment |
| Poverty reduction goals | Establishing alternative sources of income |
Summary
The lower Kinabatangan is a mega biodiversity area that has six different forest types, over 200 species of birds and ten species of primates including the orang-utan and endemic proboscis monkey. In the year 1997, unemployed youth of Batu Puteh community living in five villages in this area started an ecotourism initiative 'Mescot', to generate alternative sources of income with support from World Wild Life Fund for Nature (WWF) and Sabah Forestry Department (SFD). During the first two years, an inventory of surrounding biodiversity was prepared, information about other ecotourism initiatives was collected and planning work was done. In the year 2000, the group was registered with the Ministry of Tourism and its programmes, like Miso Walai Homestay programme, MDT village boat service, MESCOT guides service, MESCOT culture group and Tulun Toku Handicrafts were launched. Since its operation began, it has had a positive impact on the local economy. Home Stay programme in the year 2002 registered 1000 bed nights and earned revenue of over RM 104,000. In a community where average per capita annual income ranges between RM 3600- RM 9600 per year, the program made a significant contribution to sustainable income generation and poverty reduction. The activities provided employment to over 100 people of community on a part time basis. These alternative sources of income have reduced the illegal practice of timber extraction and hence, there is less pressure on the forest. This programme has also set a community fund, which has gained over RM 25,000. This fund is being used to offer micro credit for community participants to improve household toilet facilities and hygiene, household water supply, electricity supply, and roofing. This initiative has generated awareness in the local community about forests and biodiversity. In 1998, when there were forest fires in surrounding Supu Forest Reserve, community assisted forest department in putting these off. Soon after, MESCOT restored around 50 ha of swamp forest land by panting around 30000 samplings. In addition, the community has set up a strict code of conduct for the tourists visiting the area to maintain the socio-cultural and environmental sustainability of the area.
Conservation impact
These alternative sources of income have reduced the illegal practice of timber extraction and hence, there is less pressure on the forest. In the year 1998, when there were forest fires in surrounding Supu Forest Reserve, community assisted forest department in putting these off. Soon after, MESCOT restored around 50 ha of swamp forest land by panting around 30000 saplings. In addition, the community has set up a strict code of conduct for the tourists visiting the area to maintain the socio-cultural and environmental sustainability of the area
Poverty reduction impact
Home Stay programme in the year 2002 earned revenue of over RM 104,000. The ecotourism activities provide employment to over 100 people of community on a part time basis. This programme has also set a community fund, which has gained over RM 25,000. This fund is being used to offer micro credit for community participants to improve household toilet facilities and hygiene, household water supply, electricity supply, and roofing.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Local employment/job creation
More information
Mohd Hasim Abd Hamid, Chairman, KOPEL Bhd, PPM 538 Elopura, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, Email: Symiz75@hotmail.com
Related records above this one:
- WWF Norway (Organisation O0111)