NATIONAL ECOTOURISM PLAN MALAYSIA Part 1 The National Ecotourism Plan Prepared for the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Federal Government of Malaysia‘The Malaysian National Ecotourism Plan is a study prepared for the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Government of Malaysia. It consists of seven parts: Ringkasan Eksekutif / Executive Summary Part 1 ‘The National Ecotourism Plan Part 2 Ecotourism Potential: Site Listings Part 3 Ecotourism Guidelines for Malaysi: Part 4 Current Status of Ecotourism in Malaysia Part 5 Malaysia’s Place in the Region Part 6 Annexes TEAM MEMBERS WWF Malaysia Dr Isabelle Louis Dr Geoffrey Davison Dr Junaidi Payne ‘Wendy Yap Pamela Fletcher Elley Lina ‘Consultants Arq, Héctor Ceballos-Lascurdin TUCN Ecotourism Consultancy Programme, Mexico Camille Bann Economist, London, United Kingdom Malcolm George CRC Cobham Resource Consultants, Abingdon, UK Generous assistance during the preparation of the study was given by all those mentioned in Part 6, Annexe 2. Permission to use photographs in Part 2 was granted by the photographers/WWF Malaysia Resource Centre. WWF Malaysia World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia Locked Bag No. 911, Jalan Sultan Post Office 46990 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Tel: 03-7579192 Fax: 03-7565594MALAYSIAN NATIONAL ECOTOURISM PLAN PART 1 ‘THE NATIONAL ECOTOURISM PLANHOW TO USE THE NATIONAL ECOTOURISM PLAN The Malaysian National Ecotourism Plan includes the following parts: Ringkasan Bksekutif / Executive Summary Part 1 The National Ecotourism Plan Part 2 Ecotourism Potential: Site Listing Part 3 Ecotourism Guidelines for Malaysia Part 4 Current State of Ecotourism in Malaysia Part 5 Malaysia’s Place in the Region Part 6 Annexes It is the objective of the National Ecotourism Plan to assist the Government of Malaysia at Federal and State level in the development of Malaysia’s ecotourism potential. The Plan is intended to serve both as an appropriate instrument within the overall sustainable development of Malaysia and the economy as a whole, and as an effective tool for conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the country. How to use the Plan ‘The general flow of the document is as follows. Part I, the plan itself, proceeds from policy matters to the identification of 14 broad strategies which should be utilised in developing ecotourism. Based upon discussions with all sectors (government, businesses, customers and local residents), the plan then identifies 37 issues to be tackled. The plan sets out 21 Action Plans which will address these 37 issues. They range from the definition of ecotourism through legal changes to monitoring and finance. The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism is a lead player and co-ordinator, but these 21 Action Plans contain something for everyone. Finding the Actions Recommended for Each Body ‘The Executive Summary contains a matrix (pp. 27-38) showing the actions recommended for each agency, business and community to undertake. The staff of any given agency or sector (e.g., State Economic Planning Unit; State Forestry Department; tour operators) can find, under their name, the recommended actions listed by number. The numbers refer to each of the actions from the Action Plans which are given in full in #10 (10.1 to 10.21) of Part 1, the Nationaf Plan; to the Ecotourism Site development suggestions in Part 2; and to the Guidelines in Part 3. iiiPart 2 lists existing and potential ecotourism areas in each State throughout Malaysia, with details of the access, facilities, attractions and activities of each one. Ecotourism area development suggestions are identified, described, and ranked in order of priority. This is essential material for the expansion and management of ecotourism areas, so that potential ecotourist numbers and revenue can be realised. Ecotourism developments must be accompanied in many cases by reservation of land to conserve the natural assets. The index of agencies given in the executive summary shows which agencies ate expected to play a lead role in the development of each site, whether by developing such sites themselves, or by providing facilities and infrastructure to encourage the private sector. Finding the References to Each State ‘The first index at the end of the Executive Summary lists all references to place names throughout the National Ecotourism Plan, according to State. Part 3 of the report is a compilation of Guidelines. These form a basis for specific activities and functions in all ecotourism areas (e.g., carrying capacity, health and safety); and for management of sites in specific habitats (e.g., caves, mountains). These guidelines are available for use especially by planners, area managers, and the private sector. They should be continually revised and strengthened, and enforcement methods put in place. Part 4 describes the current state of ecotourism in Malaysia. It describes ecotourism areas, ecotourist numbers, characteristics and attitudes. It describes some of the perceptions and attitades of foreign and domestic tour operators, tourists and local communities. It is relevant to identifying many of the issues and strategies in other parts of the Plan, especially the needs of site planning for the benefit local communities. Part 5 describes the tourism and ecotourism situation in countries of the Asia Pacific region, and places Malaysia within this context. It is largely background material. Part 6 provides supplementary material including a bibliography, a list of training institutions and contacts, a list of known nature-based tour operators in Malaysia and other countries, and various appendices. These materials may form parts of data-bases for those active in ecotourism promotions, training and research. Topics of Special Interest The second index at the end of the Executive Summary lists the main page references to topics of special interest, for example Local Community Participation, Guide Training, Mountains, or Whitewater Rafting ivTABLE OF CONTENTS How to Use the Plan Table of Contents PREAMBLE, Definition of Ecotourism Definition of Relevant Concepts 1.1 Sustainable Tourism 1.2 Adventure Tourism 1.3. Nature Tourism 1.4 Ecotourism 1.5 Is it Ecotourism? 1.6 — Categorising Ecotourism Attractions Ecotourism Development 2.1 Historical Background 2.2 Current Situation Legal and Institutional Framework 3.1 The Tourism Industry 3.2. Protection of Land and Natural Resources Related to Tourism Policy Considerations Justification and Budgetary Issues of Ecotourism 5.1 Economic Impacts of Tourism 5.2 Justification and Budgetary Issues of Protected and Managed Areas Page No. iii < eunnne 15 15 19 29 33 33 35Interface of Ecotourism with Malaysia’s Tourism Policy and National Planning Strategies 6.1 Interface with National Tourism Policy 6.2 Policy and Planning in Other Sectors 6.3 Relationship between Ecotourism and Environmentally Responsible Tourism Identification of Main Strategies 7.1 Mechanisms for Intersectoral Participation 7.2. Establishment of Natural Areas for Ecotourism 7.3. Regionalisation Approach Criteria for Selection of Areas 7.4 Funding Mechanisms 7.5. Identification of Main Activities and Circuits 7.6 Carrying Capacity and Limits of Acceptable Change 7.1 Appropriate Design and Construction of Physical Facilities 7.8 Marketing and Promotional Strategies 7.9 Monitoring and Evaluation 7.10 Minimisation of Negative Impacts 7.11 Manpower Training 7.12 Environmental Education and Awareness 7.43. Legal Provisions and Changes 7.14 Ecotourism within Overalt Tourism Context Establishment of Planning Horizons 92 98 90 90 oo esann easy Existing Tourism Growth Scenarios Scenarios for Ecotourism Expansion Are the Estimates Realistic? Implications for Area Management Service Sector Mix and Role of SMIs Identification of Main Issues 9.1 Conditions for Tenure of Ecotourism Sites 9.2 Short Term Planning 9.3 Eeotourists’ Expectations 9.4 Procedures for Acquiring Statistics 9.5 Lines of Government Authority vi 37 37 41 43 46 48 49 53 53 33 54 54 54 54 35 55 55 55 59 59 60 65 66 67 1 a 4 6 7 910 9.6 ae 98 9.9 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 ek) 9.16 9.17 9.18 9.19 9.20 9.21 9.22 9.23 9.24 9.25 9.26 9.27 9.28 9.29 9.30 9.31 9.32 9.33 9.34 ae 9.36 aa National Objectives of Ecotourism Criteria for Assessing Proposals Land Use Decisions Controls for Ecotourism Activities Perceptions of Ecotourism Availability of Information Amount of Benefits to Conservation Carrying Capacity Identification of Sites Technical Data on Sites Management of Reserved Sites Alienation of State Land Sites Loss of Alienated Land from Ecotourism Degradation of Sites Contributions to Education and Awareness Process for Assessing Proposals Suitability of Developers Development of New Products Mass Tourism at Ecotourism Sites Suitability of Products Weaknesses in On-Site Management On-Site Staff Capacity Emphasis on Infrastructural Development Guidance and Rules for Private Sector Inadequate Marketing Plan Human Resource Development Local Community Involvement ‘Tourist Safety Framework for Fiscal Aspects Suitability of Current Operators Government Loss of Opportunities and Revenue Economic Advantages Held by Large Operators Action Plans Mechanisms to Facilitate Implementation Interactions between Components of the Plan Specific Action Plans List and summary of agency involvement vii 80 81 83 84 86 87 88 89 91 93 95 98 99 100 101 103 104 106 107 110 112 113 1s 116 118 19 120 123 123 124 124Implementing the National Ecotourism Plan 10.1 Adopt and Promote a Cleat Definition of Ecotourism 138 10.2 Adopt and Promote a Clear Policy on Developing Ecotourism 140 10.3 Strengthen the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee 144 to Implement the National Ecotourism Plan 10.4 Implement Legal Changes to Support the Plan Implementation 148 10.5 Adopt and Promote the National Ecotourism Plan 156 10.6 Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Programme for the National Ecotourism Plan 160 Site Planning and Management 10.7 Establish Complementary Planning Procedures for Ecotourism Site Development 168 10.8 Establish Complementary Application Procedures for Ecotourism Site and Product Development im 10.9 Expand and Improve Management of a Nationwide System of Ecotourism Areas 177 10.10 Elaborate Development and Management Plans for Bach Ecotourism Area 180 10.11 Implement Guidelines and Integrate Them with Planning, Applications and Management Plans 198 10.12. Establish a Series of Pilot Ecotourism Projects 200 10.13. Establish Additional Products and Management at Taman Negara 206 10.14 Establish and Promote a Consistent Marketing Strategy 210 10.15 Identify and Promote Fiscal Measures to Encourage Ecotourism 228 Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building 10.16 Establish a Human Resource Development (HRD) Plan 233 10.17 Ensure Local Community Participation in Ecotourism 240 10.18 Investigate Feasibility of an Accreditation Scheme 244 10.19 Establish and Promote an Ecotourism Product Development Programme 260 10.20 Establish Training and Promote Certification for Ecotourism Guides 267 10.21 Upgrade Standards of Tourist Information Literature 277 Appendix 1. Matrix of agencies/action pians/guidelines/site listings for action 219 Appendix 2. List of organisations ranning courses relevant to ecotourism, and related ecotourism services 291 Index viiiPREAMBLE, ‘The National Ecotourism Plan is the result of a study commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Government of Malaysia. ‘The study originated with the preparation of draft terms of reference in 1994 by the IUCN Ecotourism Consultancy Programme (now the Program of Intemational Consultancy on Ecotourism by the Special Aavisor on Ecotourism to IUCN World Conservation Union). After revision and finalisation of terms of reference and budgets, the one-year study was awarded to the World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia. It began on 16 December 1994 and ended on 15 December 1995. ‘The terms of reference contained one general development objective, to assist the Government of Malaysia in planning the development of Malaysia's ecotourism potential through the setting up of a National Ecotourism Plan. This objective is fulfilled by the report as a whole. The terms of reference contained four immediate objectives, listed below together with the ways in which they have been fulfilled: [Immediate Objective A: Background ‘An analysis of Malaysia's key ecotourism assets and attractions (both natural and related cultural), and their relationship to those of the region. Fulfilled by Part 5 Malaysia's Place in the Region [Immediate Objective B: Analysis A.critical analysis and diagnosis of the present state of ecotourism in Malaysia. Fulfilled by Part 4 ‘The Present State of Malaysian Ecotourism ix[Immediate Objective C: Planning and Management Preparation of an overall draft country plan, including various components; ... Fulfilled by Part 1 ‘The National Plan ... and preparation of various draft guidelines. Fulfilled by Part 3 Ecotourism Guidelines for Malaysia To categorise and list sites, so far as their sensitivity allows, with indications of their current and potential importance. Fulfilled by Part 2 Ecotourism Potential Site Listing The detailed terms of reference are included in Annexe | in Part 6 of the report, which contains a variety of subsidiary material, additional to the above requirements.Ecotourism is: “environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively| jundisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promotes! | conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active! | socio-economic involvement of local populations" (Ceballos-Lascurdin, 1993) xiDefinition of relevant concepts Travel in order to enjoy and appreciate nature has a long history. It has gone under a variety of names such as nature tourism, ecotourism, green tourism, natural history tourism, rural tourism and adventure tourism. Few of these terms have been well defined, and both the definitions and the activities merge into one another. Rural tourism, for example, can include the enjoyment of nature and landscapes, adventurous activities such as rock climbing and whitewater rafting, and agrotourism. Such activities as a whole have been termed ‘soft’ or ‘alternative! tourism, and contrasted with conventional ‘hard’ tourism. Which definition to adopt is partly a matter of convenience, inchiding considerations such as brevity and clarity. The number of activities covered by such definitions is very wide. It is acknowledged that not all such activities are harmless to the environment, For example, use of four-wheel drive vehicles in forest and rivers can cause significant damage to soil and to water quality. Tourism to enjoy nature can also harm nature, In preparing a National, Ecotourism Plan that identifies existing and potential sites and activities in Malaysia, a key consideration is the development of a long term economic resource. Long term success requires the introduction of sustainability into existing and future tourism practice. 1.1 Sustainable tourism Sustainable tourism is understood as a component of sustainable development, which in tum is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland, 1989). Amongst the many other definitions of sustainable development are: "a pattem. of social and structural economic transformations (ie., "development") which optimizes the economic and other societal benefits available in the present, without jeopardizing the likely benefits for similar benefits in the future" (Goodland and Ledec, 1987, cited by McNeely, 1988); and "improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems (Caring for the Earth: IUCN/UNEP/WWF, 1991). Under this philosophy, sustainable tourism, as defined by Travis and Ceballos- Lascurain (FNNPE, 1992) is "all forms of tourism development, management and activity which enable a tong life for the activity of tourism, involving a sequence of economic tourism products, compatible with keeping in perpetuity the protected heritage resource, be it natural or cultural, which gives rise to tourism”. The term sustainable tourism is thus employed to denote all types of tourism, whether based on natural or human-made resources, that contribute to sustainable development. As the century comes to a close, there is a pressingDefinitions ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 need for all types of tourism to be integrated under the general heading of sustainable tourism, All forms of tourism recommended under the National Ecotourism Plan aim to be sustainable tourism. But the concept of sustainable tourism is much wider than just ecotourism; all tourism should aim to be sustainable. This concept is then related to responsible tourism so as to provide a more holistic approach to the development of ecotourism, as well as instilling a sense of user responsibility. 1.2 Adventure tourism Adventure tourism usually refers to tourism activities with a component of physically exerting and risk-taking activity such as rock climbing, water skiing, wildemess camping, abseiling, mountaineering and caving. Such activities may also fall under the scope of nature tourism or ecotourism, but the use of the term adventure tourism gives no indication as to whether the activities are carried out sustainably by minimizing impacts on the environment and culture. 13. Nature tourism Natare tourism, also known as nature-based tourism, denotes all teurism directly dependent on the use of natural resources in a relatively undeveloped state, including scenery, topography, water features, vegetation and wildlife, In this sense, nature tourism can include countryside motorbiking, mountaineering, sport hunting and fishing, and whitewater rafting, even if the use of the resources by the tourist is not a wise or sustainable one (Healy, 1992b; Butler, 1992; Ceballos-Lascurain, 1986). Nature tourism includes the concept of adventure tourism described above. 14 Ecotourism Ecotourism, as defined by the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Intemational Ecotourism Consultancy Programme, is "environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations” (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1993a). Alternative definitions include "travel to natural areas and participation in nature-related activities without degrading the environment and preferably promoting natural resource conservation" (Ti, 1994), and "tourism which promotes the conservation of natural resources and habitats" (Boo, 1992).ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Definitions 3 In other words, ecotourism denotes nature tourism with the element of sustainability introduced. The key elements of the definition are: © undisturbed natural areas; © appreciation of nature, suggesting a leaming component; © promoting conservation; © Jow impact; and involvement of local communities. Accordingly, in this study “nature tourism" and "nature-based tourism" will be used interchangeably to denote tourism dependent on relatively undisturbed natural resources. "Ecotourism" will be used to describe such tourism only when an additional characterisation of sustainability is intended — tourism that is both dependent on relatively undisturbed natural resources and helps society achieve sustainable development. So far as the National Ecotourism Plan is concemed, the scope of work must include ecotourism in the strict sense, nature and nature-hased tourism, and some aspects of adventure tourism. Activities such as fishing, rafting and mountain climbing can be related closely to ecotourism by strengthening their management objectives and operation. The plan will thus help to ensure that all such activities are carried out as sustainable tourism, 1.5 Isitecotourism? ‘Whether or not an activity qualifies to be called ecotourism depends on the way the activity is carried out, not so much on the type of activity per se. That is, activities should be low impact, becoming a tool for conservation, involving local communities, and fostering sustainable development. involviny th E.g. _ Birdwatcher who disturbs nests in order to get good pictures, or goes on tour with a foreign leader and no local counterpart, not paying entrance fees, and bringing all their food in packages from outside the area: NOT ECOTOURISMEg. Defi ns ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Birdwatcher who is respectful of the environment, makes little noise, engages a local guide/counterpart, spends money in the region especially amongst the local people, including buying his simple meal on the spot: ECOTOURISM Caver who uses flash photography, frightens bats into flight so as to get good pictures, makes marks on the cave wall as a guide for himself, throws away his torch batteries in the cave: NOT ECOTOURISM Caver who does not use flash, does not disturb wildlife, does not litter or make grafitti: ECOTOURISM Snorkeller at a coral reef who treads on coral, damages it with his flippers, touches everything, breaking off coral to take home as a souvenir, collects live molluses for their shells, uses speargun to kill big fish, and feeds bread to small fish: NOT ECOTOURISM. Snorkeller who avoids treading on coral and does not touch it, takes only photographs, may take a few empty shells of molluscs if there are plenty, but does not take live ones, obeys the rules and regulations of marine parks, and does not feed the creatures there: ECOTOURISM Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles for purposes of sport, who deviate from approved route, entering protected areas, driving too fast creating dust and racing, cutting comers and making detours, playing loud radios, cutting vegetation to make bridges and new access routes: NOT ECOTOURISM Users of four-wheel drive vehicles where no other access is possible (no landing strip, river access, paved roads), who stay on an approved route, who minimise soil erosion by not making detours and cutting comers, who do not cut trees to make bridges: ECOTOURISMECOTOURISM Defini BE ein : : Eg. Eg. Eg. Tour operator who copies other ecotour operators but does so in a disturbing way, exceeding local carrying capacity, giving poor and inadequate information and on-site interpretation to clients, brings food from the city not buying locally, not treating wastes, not recycling, and improperly disposing of garbage, using noisy generators, not attempting to train up local guides, offering environmentally damaging activities such as four-wheel drive activities in protected areas: NOT ECOTOURISM Tour operator who may/may not imitate the operations of other ecotour operators, but if so then copies examples of best practice, not exceeding local carrying capacity, giving sufficient, accurate information and good on-site interpretation (nature and culture) to clients, buying food locally where possible, treating wastes properly, recycling materials where possible, removing or otherwise properly disposing of garbage, isolating noisy and polluting equipment and minimising energy consumption, giving opportunities to local people for training, and subsequently job opportunities, offering ecologically acceptable activities which are appropriate to the area: ECOTOURISM ‘Theme park (such as Disneyworld) in which the main attractions are not natural or traditional, but artificial, using plastic palm trees and rubber thinos, conerete construction, bright lights and loud noise, air conditioning, noisy vehicles and huge crowds: NOT ECOTOURISM Interpretative centre in a national park with modest low-key architecture harmonising with the environment, and the exhibits all orientated towards an understanding of the natural and cultural environment, as a complement to other activities the visitor has performed/will perform in anatural area, never the main attraction: ECOTOURISM Hotelier who runs an hotel which does not treat refuse or waste water, keeps a caged animal behind the hotel, has inappropriate architecture, does not recycle products, but who advertises himself as an eco-hotelier: NOT ECOTOURISMDefini ions ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Hotelier who runs an hotel with appropriate low-key architecture blending into natural surroundings that have been disturbed as little as possible, treating refuse and wastes appropriately, recycling products when possible and minimising energy consumption, and does not keep caged animals: ECOTOURISM. C.Example involving an investor ‘An investor whose business plan is geared entirely to existing financial incentives and savings, who proposes to apply for title to land on an island surrounded by coral reefs (thereby enjoying tax exemption and acquiring the ability to speculate on land prices and potentially sell the land at profit), to bring in more than 500 tourists annually (thereby enjoying further income tax exemption), to develop the project without consulting local residents, and to resettle local fishermen and employ a foreign workforce (thereby avoiding social obligations and the need to invest in manpower training); who prepares a bogus Environmental Impact Assessment merely to fulfill legal obligations; who pressures the government to pay for utilities such as water supply (thereby saving his own costs, plating the burden of his operation on taxpayers, and favouring tourists over residents), and who takes inadequate precautions to avoid and minimise pollution: NOT ECOTOURISM ‘An investor whose business plan is designed to implement an integrated, sustainable island and marine-based project, which involves no carth- cutting or removal of vegetation, which establishes a joint venture arrangement with existing villagers to provide homestay accommodation; where the investor's r0le is to seek and bring guests to the island, and to provide management expertise; and where the investor decides to limit the tourist carrying capacity based on existing well- water supplies and on number of participating households: ECOTOURISM ‘D. Example involving a government agency Eg. ‘A forest area reserved and protected by law is leased to a large company for a trivial annual rent, without conducting a site carrying capacity study, allowing the company sole rights to the area for building and running tourist accommodation, where the number of buildings and tourists is based on profitability rather than site carrying capacity, andwhere the approving authority does not carry out site inspections either before or after tourism development: NOT ECOTOURISM A government agency holds discussions with a community residing just ‘outside a protected forest and assists them in drawing up an agreement to lease a part of the nearby Malay Reserve or Native Reserve land to a tour operator known to have developed a working ecotourism project elsewhere; the agency requires the operator to run a manpower development programme in which local people are given the opportunity to be trained as guides and managers, and in which registered guides from outside the area learn about the forest and traditions from local elders: ECOTOURISM, E. Examples involving the local community: Eg. Local people who sell unsustainable souvenirs such as “golden chickens’ (fem fronds) in the highlands of Malaysia, conveying incorrect information or none about the souvenir and its significance: NOT ECOTOURISM Local people who sell fruits from a forest tree, or who have appropriate techniques and permits for making souvenirs from sustainably produced local products, giving correct and sufficient information about them: ECOTOURISM E.Examples involving several sectors: Eg. ‘Skiing in Malaysia on an artificial slope built in what was intended to be aprotected area, with motorised winch/ cabfecar, over-sized lodging and restaurants, and bright lights al! night: NOT ECOTOURISM ‘Trekking up Kinabalu, keeping to trails, observing nature, not jittering, using a local guide, not disturbing wildlife and not using a radio: ECOTOURISMECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Golf = sports tourism Jet skiing = sports or adventure tourism Uncontrolled collecting of animal or plant specimens 1.6 — Categorising Beotourism Attractions In Part 3 of this report, Ecotourism Guidelines for Malaysia, the first guideline gives an indication of how to categorise ecotourism attractions. Flagship attractions are special natural and/or cultural attractions which characterise an area or region, and are the main reason for tourists wanting to visit that area or region. They are of both national and international importance. They are the top few image builders, whether or not they are actually visited by large numbers of people, Complementary attractions also refer to natural and/or cultural heritage elements that are found in a specific site or region, but which do not possess such a degree of relevance or singularity as flagship attractions. They are the large bulk of attractions which form the broad base of ecotourism assets. Support attractions are constituted by artificial elements (facilities and/or services) that provide the visitor with different satisfactions. They may include lodging, restaurants, boat services, interpretative centres, and so on. Support attractions are always added a posteriori, to give sustenance to the flagship and complementary attractions. Zoos and museums are typically support attractions. Details can be found in the appropriate Guideline (#1) in Part 3. Nevertheless, the categories are not clear-cut. Zoos, for example, may carry out conservation programmes through the breeding and re-introduction of rare animals, tending to shift them from the category of support attractions into the category of complementary attractions. Attractions in all three categories are therefore valid recipients of Malaysia's support for ecotourism development.2. Ecotourism development 2.1 Historical background Until the 1970s tourism was not regarded as an important economic activity in Malaysia. The Tourism Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC) was set up in 1972, with statutory responsibility to act as a development authority, but the sector was given low priority. Due partly to its limited financial allocations, ‘TDC faced constraints in the effective performance of its catalytic role. As a result, Malaysia remained a relatively poorly known destination, while other countries in the region such as Singapore, Thailand and Bali (Indonesia) built on their established reputations as tourism (especially mass tourism) destinations. During the 1980s tourism became an increasingly important industry worldwide, Investments in new facilities and capital equipment reached around US$350 million per year, representing 7.3% of total worldwide capital investments. Almost 6.5% of the world's workforce were employed by the industry. Amongst the main reasons for this growth were increased personal income and leisure time, improvement in international transportation systems, and greater public awareness of other parts of the world owing to improved communications. ‘Such developments were felt by Malaysia as well as other countries. Recognizing that tourism can play a role in economic and social development, as. well as fostering national integration and unity, the Malaysian government undertook a series of positive initiatives to stimulate the development of the tourism sector. These included: © Establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1987 (becoming the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism in 1990). This provided an institutional framework for the planning, co-ordination, regulation and enforcement of tourism, and for the first time tourism was accounted for within the framework of recognized economic activities; By virtue of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992, the new Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism took over from TDC the function of formulation and implementation of policies, licensing and enforcement aspects of the tourism industry. TDC thereafter became known as Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (or Tourism Malaysia for short), with a role concentrating only on marketing and promotion; © Revision of the Investment Incentives Act in 1986 to include the tourism sector, thereby giving additional stimulus to tourism investment such as Pioneer Status, Investment Tax Allowance, Industrial Building Allowance, and tax exemption for large foreign group tours;10 Ecotourism Development ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 * In 1990 the Federal Government set up a RM 120 million Special Fund for tourism to stimulate its development including small and medium scale enterprises. During the Fourth and Fifth Malaysia Plan periods (1981-1985 and 1986-1990), significant attention was given to the tourism sector, with increased public allocations for marketing and promotional activities, infrastructural and product development. Expenditure was RM 125.5 million under the Fourth Plan and RM 132.1 million under the Fifth Plan. The Fifth Plan period culminated with Visit Malaysia Year 1990, which generated a high international profile for Malaysia and attracted 7.4 million tourists as well as revenue of RM4.5 billion. Under the Sixth Malaysia Plan (1991-1995), the government therefore increased the public allocation for tourism development to RM 533.9 million. This allocation has been used to provide and expand the physical and social infrastructure, facilities and services required to support the future growth of the tourism sector, Development allocations under the Fifth and Sixth Malaysia Plans are shown in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 Development allocation for tourism under the Fifth and Sixth Malaysia Plans (1986-1990 and 1991-1995) (RM million) Programme Fifth Plan period Sixth Plan period 1986-1990 1991-1995 Allocation Expenditure Allocation Expenditure Preservation of national/historical 15 07 411 heritage Tourist accommodation 2.0 0.0 171.7 Beautification/clean- liness & environment- 25 25 BS al protection Cultural product development 25 25 112.9 Facilities and infrastructure 79.2 767 1874 Others $28 49.7 72 Total 1405 132.1 333.9ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Ecotourism Development ut Visitors have come to Malaysia for many years to see wildlife, scenery, forests, and beaches, The mumbers involved are very difficult fo assess except at a few sites such as ‘Taman Negara and Kinabalu Park. There, numbers have climbed steadily over the past 30 years. The well known sites are mainly large with multiple attractions, but they also include one or two places with a single major attraction, notably Rantau Abang, Terengganu for turtles, or Rafilesia sites in Sabah. Some smaller sites have attracted fewer visitors but are known internationally amongst a sector of the potential market, Examples include Fraser's Hill and Kuala Selangor, both of which have particular interest for birdwatchers and are now on the regular itineraries of some specialist as well as general tour companies. ‘The market in specialist adventure activities (four-wheel drive, microlight, whitewater rafting, etc.) is more recent but is rapidly expanding. Most of these activities only marginally qualify as ecotourism, when practiced in particularly careful ways, and some are positively harmful to the environment, They are indicative of the conflicts that can arise between adventure tourism, nature-based tourism and ecotourism, both in objectives and practice. Despite the fact that some tourists have carried out activities that could be defined as ecotourism for many years, attention to this market component from the tourism sector itself has been slight and patchy. Only a few tour operators have a long and consistent record. Many others have explored this sector with variable success, low investment, low expertise and generally have not continued long in the business. Various reasons could be cited for their lack of success. Amongst the tour operators leading groups to Taman Negara are several very big companies, but this is only a tiny part of their total business and income, so client dissatisfaction with the product may have little influence upon the company. Many smaller operators have ceased activity in nature-based tourism. The situation in Malaysia is therefore similar to experience elsewhere; many ecotourism businesses remain small, face difficulties in obtaining clientele, or close down. A difficulty in assessing progress in ecotourism is the shortage of reliable data. Even tourist numbers as a whole are not easy to analyse, and not much effort has yet been made to look at the ecotourism or nature-based tourism sector in particular, In 1994/95 for the first time Tourism Malaysia questionnaires include a breakdown of whether tourists have visited Taman Negara, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Nizh Caves or Kinabalu Park. No statistics exist on how many visitors like to go fishing, mountain climbing, or seeing forest, nor are there detailed visitor profiles of the different nationalities in relation to nature. Nevertheless, the number of tour operators interested in ecotourism or nature tourism, and the number of individuals hoping to be ecotour or nature tour guides, are increasing. Interest is also expressed through the mumber of12. 22 Ecotourism Development ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 workshops and seminars relating to ecotourism. Recent examples are the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) Seminar on Nature Tourism as a Tool for Development and Conservation (Sabah, Malaysia, March 1994), 7th PATA Adventure Travel and Ecotourism Conference (Balikpapan, Indonesia, January 1995), ESCAP Expert Group Meeting on Ecotourism and Development in Asia and the Pacific (Bali, Indonesia, March 1995), and PATA Heritage Conference ‘on Tourism: A Force for Conservation of Nature and Culture (Phuket, Thailand, September 1995). Two public exhibitions on nature-based and adventure ‘tourism have been held in Kuala Lumpur in 1995 alone. A pilot training course on nature guiding has been carried out, and the Malaysian Tourist Guides Couneil has arranged a tour guide refresher course with a component on ecotourism and agrotourism, Information on visitor numbers, and an analysis of the available information on ecotourism numbers in particular, are given in Part 4 of this report. If, as has been suggested, 7% of travel worldwide is nature-related, then Malaysia in 1994 perhaps attracted 505,000 ecotourists fiom overseas. If, however, half of all non- ASEAN visitors to Sabah and Sarawak carry out some nature or culture related activity, there may have been as many as 571,000 ecotourists visiting Malaysia in 1994. Revenue yielded would have been in the region of RM655 million, ‘Current situation A detailed review of the current status of ecotourism in Malaysia is given in Part 4 of this report, and what follows is a synopsis. The thrust of governmental policy on tourism is contained in the Tourism Policy study completed by Peat Marwick (1992), together with materials in the Sixth Malaysia Plan, Mid Term Review, and the forthcoming Seventh Malaysia Plan, Sarawak has a Second State Tourism Masterplan (1993), and the Sabah State ‘Tourism Masterplan will be completed in early 1996, There are about 2,000 registered tour and travel agencies in Malaysia, of which it is estimated that about 800 are willing to take bookings for travel to nature- related destinations. However, many of these act only as intermediaries and pass on these bookings to a relatively smell number of companies which deal with particular destinations. There are thought to be about 30 companies specialising in nature and ecotourism business. There are about 3,500 registered tour guides, of whom the majority have a full (general) guiding licence. A smaller number has a specialist licence fitting the recipient to carry out guiding based on specific skills. There is no detailed breakdown of the number of guides with skills in guiding each ecotourism activity, but a basic pool of resources is available in most fields. Some Malaysian specialist guides are of international repute.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Ecotourism Development 13 Participation by non-governmental organisations in ecotourism is limited but increasing. There are a number of State, regional and national trade organisations, and tourist guides’ associations, which are beginning to investigate ecotourism and to provide training. So far, training courses have not been formalised. About 20 sites in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak probably account for the vast majority of ecotourism by overseas tourists. The same sites are used by many Malaysian tourists, while the same sites are also used by Malaysians for recreation in Sabah and Sarawak. Recreation by Malaysians in Peninsular extends to a network of Recreational (Amenity) Forests and a number of unrecorded sites elsewhere in forest. An estimate is that about 7% to 10% of all overseas tourists are involved in ecotourism activities, while up to 14% express an interest in walking, hiking and trekking. These percentages account for about 512,000 to 1,024,000 overseas tourists per year. The number of Malaysians conducting tourism and/or recreation at most of the same sites is close to or exceeds the number of overseas tourists. The involvement of individuals from local communities is patchy from place to place, At some sites (for example, Kinabalu Park), local residents are closely involved in guiding, staffing, and financial spin-offs from park operations. Sites exist in which the local community forms a passive component of the tourism product. Sites also exist in which the local community has in effect been excluded from tourism development, but these are not ecotourism developments, Where local residents are involved in ecotourism, there tends to be a shortage of training and management opportunities for them.14 Ecotourism Development ECOTOURISM Pt. I3. Legal and Institutional Framework 3.1 The Tourism Industry This section deals mainly with legislation regulating tourism businesses and the cavironment, the bodies set up under such legislation, and the legislative incentives that the government has provided. 3.L1 ‘Tourism Industry Act 1992 The Tourism Industry Act 1992 provides for the licensing and regulation of tourism. enterprises, and matters relating to such regulation and licensing. The Act requires the following businesses to be licensed: any tour operating business; any travel agency business; any business providing tourist accommodation/premises; any business of providing tourist restaurants; and any business of providing tourism training institutions. ‘The Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism is given the responsibility for licensing and enforcement of all matters relating to tourism, Part T of the Act defines terms. Part If deals with applications, granting and revoking of licenses, and the appeal procedure, Part IIT enumerates the requirements and duties of licensed tourism enterprises. Part IV deals with the licensing of tourist guides, and Part V is a general section on licence renewal, loss, penalties and liabilities. Section 34 of the Act permits the Minister to make such regulations as he may consider expedient for the purpose of the Act. Under this section the following regulations have been made: © Tourism Industry (Compounding of Offences) Regulations 1992; © Tourism Industry (Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business) Regulations 1992; © Tourism Industry (Licensing and Control of Tourist Guides) Regulations 1992; and * Tourism Industry (Licensing of Tourism Training Institution) Regulations 1994,16 Legal and Institutional Framework ECOTOURISM Pt.1 Al of the above are applicable to ecotourism operations in one way or another, but have no specific provisions for specialist forms of tourism except in the case of the licensing of tourist guides, which is considered separately. There is as yet no legal requirement for the certification of hotels or other forms of accommodation in Malaysia. A pilot star rating scheme has been launched in 1995 amongst a number of hotels within the Klang Valley. ‘The certification of tour guides is conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. The courses themselves may be organized by an agency outside the Ministry, which submits a budget for approval, and follows the Ministry's course curriculum, A basic course is offered for six weeks full time or two months part time, covering tourism; travel trade knowledge (techniques and regulations); geography and history of Malaysia; system of government; culture; national economy; the art of tourist guiding; and practical work. Course participants mut take an examination in order to obtain a certificate. Supplementary courses are offered to specialist guides. These are not specialist courses, but an abridged version of the basic course, offered to individuals who already have a specific skill such as scuba-diving or bird identification. Such guides, if they pass the examination, are then certified to conduct specialist tours, but only within their specific field of expertise and are not allowed to conduct general or city tours. There is so far no system in place for checking the validity or level of skills within the field of expertise of such individuals, a2 : aD 902 This Act redefined the name, role and functions of the former Tourism Development Corporation. Under the Act, the functions of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (also now known as Tourism Malaysia) are: «to stimulate and promote tourism to and within Malaysia; * to stimulate, promote and market, intemationally and locally, Malaysia as a tourist destination; * to give assistance to any governmental or non-governmental agency or ‘organisation appearing to the Board to have facilities for the carrying on of any such activities including, with the approval of the Minister, financial assistance by the taking up of share or loan capital or by loan or otherwise;ECOTOURISM Pt. Legal and Institutional Framework 7 © to dispose of capital assets and to use the proceeds from such disposal as the Board deems fit; ‘© to appoint such agents as it may deem fit for the purpose of performing its functions; ‘© {0 impose fees or any charges it deems fit for giving effect to any of its functions or powers; * to do such other things as it deems fit to enable it to cary out its functions and powers effectively; and ‘© to exercise all powers and perform all duties which, under or by virtue of any other written law, may be vested in or delegated to it. ‘Nature has an important part in marketing and promotional strategies of the Board. Itis incfuded in a subtle way within the slogan "Naturally Malaysia" now in use, in general images of the country including illustrative material in posters and brochures, and in specific materials such as booklets on diving, hill resorts, and adventure activities. The Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation is established under this State Enactment. Its functions are similar to those of the Malaysia Tourism, Promotion Board. Under the Enactment a Sabah Tourism Promotion Fund is established, which may be used by the Corporation to exercise the Corporation's powers. This legislation has no specific reference to the role of ecotourism or nature-based tourism. However, by virtue of the many nature-based tourism products in Sabah, a large part of the Corporation's business is related to the promotion of nature tourism. This includes general illustrative material (e.g,, orang utan and Rafflesia pictures), and brochures on specific nature sites. It is noteworthy that in November 1995 the Corporation won the award for Best ‘Stand at the World Travel Mart, London. 3.4 Sabah Tourism Council ‘The Sabah Minister of Tourism and Environmental Development has established a Sabah Tourism Council, as a formal channel in which the private sector and government can air their views, suggestions and problems so as to enhance appropriate development. The Council is intended to enable the Ministry to obtain18 Legal and Institutional Framework ECOTOURISM Pt.1 the views of the private sector as an input to policy formulation; to discuss current issues, problems and solutions; and to provide a forum for disseminating information. The Council was established in 1995 and includes representatives from government, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations. LS Sarawak Tourism Board Ordinance 1994 Until 1994 tourism promotion in Sarawak was in the hands of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. In 1995 this Ministry was split, and tourism promotion ‘matters are now in the hands of the newly established Sarawak Tourism Board. Its functions and responsibilities are similar to those of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board and Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation. ‘The Board was formed in February 1995 and is the marketing arm of the Ministry of Tourism. The Board's functions are promotion, marketing, rescarch, and advice on measures and programmes for the development of the tourism industry. As with the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board and the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, a large part of the Board's marketing and promotional strategies revolves around images of nature, but there is also a greater emphasis upon culture. It is worthy of note that within a year of its formation the Board won the World ‘Travel Mart's award in London, in November 1995. 3.6 Promotion of Investment Act 1986 ‘This Act promotes the establishment and development of industrial, agricultural and other commercial enterprises in Malaysia through tax incentives. For the tourism sector, these incentives are available to “hotel” accommodation projects and other “tourist projects". In the Act, "hotel" is defined as any accommodation which includes hotel, motel, chalet or hostel of the approved standard registered with the Tourist Development Corporation (now known as the Malaysian Tourism, Promotion Board). A "tourist project" is defined as a project exclusively carried out for a purpose connected with the promotion of tourism and registered with the ‘Tourist Development Corporation. The chief incentives available to approved tourist projects and hotel businesses include: Pioneer status; * Investment Tax Allowance; © Industrial Building Allowance;ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Legal and Institutional Framework 19 © Duty exemptions; + Income tax exemptions; © Reduction in service tax. The full list of incentives, and further explanation of each one, is given in detail in Part 5,#4.6. 3.2 Protection of Jand and natural resources related to tourism, 2.2.1 Constitutional Powers ‘The Federal Constitution of 1957 is the supreme law of the country, and divides legislative power between the central government and the 13 State governments. The Federal List enumerates the subjects upon which Parliament may legislate. The Second or State List deals with the subjects of State Legislative competence. The Concurrent List gives the subjects on which either the Federal or the State governments may legislate. Those subjects relevant to ecotourism are given in Table 3. ‘Thus legislative control over land and forests is held by State governments, Control over the sca is exercised by State governments up to a limit of 3 km offshore, and by the Federal government to the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone 200 nautical miles offshore. The marine and estuarine fisheries resource falls under the Federal List in Peninsular Malaysia, and under the Concurrent List for Sabah and Sarawak. In the interests of national development the Federal government, under Article 92(1) ‘may proclaim an area or areas as a development area, and thereupon give effect to a development plan, which has been defined as a plan for the development, improvement, or conservation of the natural resources of a development area, the exploitation of such resources, o the increase of means of employment in the area, This power has not yet been exercised specifically for the benefit of natural resources. The States of Sabah and Sarawak have their own legislation and policies relating to the protection and management of natural resources. This is attributed to Article 76, Article 95D and Article 95E of the Federal Constitution. Article 95D excludes Sabah and Sarawak from Parliament's power to pass uniform laws about land or local government.20 Legal and \nstitutional Framework ECOTOURISM Pt.1 ‘Table 3.1 Matters relevant to nature and natural resources under the Federal Constitution LIsT ITEM MATTER FEDERAL 1(a)_ Treaties, agreements and conventions with other countries and all matters which bring the Federation into relations with any other ‘country (for example, Convention on Biological Diversity), 1(6) Implementation of treaties, agreements and conventions with other countries. 9(4) Maritime and estuarine fishing and fisheries, excluding turtles. (NB: This item applies only to States in Peninsular Malaysia.) 11(b) Water supplies, rivers and canals, except those wholly within one State or regulated by an agreement between all the States concerned, STATE 2_Land matters, including land improvement, soil conservation and licensing of mining. 3(a) Agriculture 3(b) Forestry 6(c) Subject to Federal list, water (including water supplies, rivers and canals); control of silt; riparian rights. 12 Turtles and riverine fishing. 15 Foreshores. CONCURRENT 3 Protection of wild animals and wild birds; National Parks, 5 Town and country planning. 12 Maritime and estuarine fishing and fisheries. (NB: This concurrent power applies only to the States of Sabah and Sarawak.) ‘Source: Ninth Schedule of Federal Constitution 1957.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Legal and Institutional Framework 21 ‘The legal and institutional arrangements have been established so that environmental factors are considered in project planning. The Environmental Impact Assessment Order is particularly relevant to the tourism sector as, under the list of prescribed activities, an assessment (BIA) needs to be conducted for specified resort and recreational developments. : They are as follows: © construction of coastal resort facilities or hotels with more than 80 rooms; © hill station resort or hotel development covering an area of 50 hectares or more; development of tourist or recreational facilities in national parks; and «development of tourist or recreational facilities on islands in surrounding waters which are gazetted as national marine parks. If the proposed development is categorised as a prescribed activity, the project is not allowed to proceed until approval of the EIA has been obtained from the Department of Environment. Golf courses are included as a prescribed activity under the law, but golf courses are not a part of ecotourism and can have a high impact on the environment from fand clearance, excessive use of water, and use of chemical fertilisers. The requirement for EIAs only for developments of 80 rooms or more leaves a loophole whereby developers can circumvent the EIA requirements. They can do so by building in phases, for example 75 rooms in the first phase and perhaps another 75 rooms in the second phase, adding up to 150 rooms. This loophole clearly needs to be addressed. Under amendments to existing legislation, which came into force in September 1994 and March 1995, powers to require EIAs for certain project activities in Sarawak have been transferred to the Natural Resources and Environment Board, Sarawak. The relevant legislation is the Natural Resources (Amendment) Ordinance 1993 and the Natural Resources and Environment (Prescribed Activities) Order 1994, This requires EIAs at State level for construction of parks or resorts, roads, buildings exceeding 4 storeys high on hills with slopes of 20 degrees or more, golf courses, development of resort facilities in areas within the foreshores of Sarawak, and creation of parks and recreational facilities having an area exceeding 50 hectares for commercial purposes,ind Institutional Framework ECOTOURISM Pt.1 3.23 Peninsular Malaysia National Parks Act 1980 This Act provides for the establishment and control of National Parks. The objective of establishing National Parks is to preserve and protect wild life, plant life’ and objects of geological, archaeological, historical and ethnological and other scientific and scenic interest, and through their conservation and utilisation to promote the education, health,aesthetic values and recreation of the people. To date, no National Park has been created under this Act. There are two areas referred to by the name National Park in Peninsular Malaysia. One is Taman Negara, which straddles three States and is enacted by three separate State enactments in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, A change in the area in any one State is subject to the agreement of the other two States, Endau Rompin National Park (Johor) is gazetted under Section 3 of the National Parks (Johor) Corporation Enectment 1989, This Enactment gives Johor State Government the power to reserve land for the purpose of a park, placed under the management of the National Parks (Johor) Corporation. Essentially, the Endau Rompin National Park is a Johor State Park. Under the National Land Code 1965 itis possible for State governments to reserve land or many different purposes, and this power has been exercised for matters relevant to ecotourism, for example, Pahang has reserved land in Rompin District as the effective northem half of the Endau Rompin Park. ‘The term National Park is used for some of the protected areas in Sarawak; again, these are enacted under State Enactments, not under the National Parks Act. Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 ‘This act provides for the protection of wildlife and its habitat in Peninsular Malaysia. Licenses are necessary for shooting, killing, taking, breeding, importing or exporting of protected wild animals or birds. Part IV of the Act deals with the creation of Wildlife Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries., which may be declared by a State after consultation with the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment. The States are given the authority to define or alter the boundaties of Wildlife Reserves or Wildlife Sanctuaries.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Logat and Institutional Framework 23 The Act contains detailed lists of totally protected, protected and game animals, and (in an amendment) animals from foreign sources requiring import or export permits under the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). The Act does not apply to animals which are unlisted, or to plants. Although States create, define, redefine and presumably extinguish Wildlife Reserves and Sanctuaries, their management is carried out by the Federal government through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. 3.2.3.3 Fisheries Act 1985 ‘The Fisheries Act provides for the conservation, management and development of maritime and estuarine fishing and fisheries, marine turtles, and riverine fishing. Part IX of the Act concems the establishment of Marine Parks and Marine Reserves. This part of the Act is particularly important to ecotourism as activities such as scuba diving, underwater photography and snorkelling are often carried out in marine parks. Currently there are 38 Marine Parks established under the Establishment of Marine Parks Malaysia Order 1994, The objectives of establishing an area of sea as a marine park or reserve are: ‘+ to afford special protection to the aquatic flora and fauna of such an area or part thereof and to protect, preserve and manage the natural breeding grounds and habitat of aquatic life, with particular regard to species of rare endangered flora and fauna; * to allow for the natural regeneration of aquatic life in such area or part thereof where such life has been depleted; * to promote scientific study and research in respect of such area or part thereof, ‘to preserve and enhance the pristine state and productivity of such area or part thereof; and © to regulate recreational and other activities in such area or part thereof to avoid irreversible damage to its environment.24 Legal and Institutional Framework ECOTOURISM Pt.1 ‘The following activities are an offence in a marine park, unless with prior written permission: fishing or attempted fishing; taking, removing or possession of any aquatic animal or plant or part thereof alive or dead; collection of corals, dredging, polluting, and damaging habitat; construction of any structure or building; anchoring; and destroying, defacing or removing any object. eee There is also a provision banning the carriage, use or possession of certain ‘weapons such as spring-guns, spear-guns, harpoons and suction guns. Section 45(1) of the Act empowers the Minister of Agriculture to make regulations for the zoning, management, development, control and protection of marine parks and reserves. The Fisheries (Prohibited Areas) Regulations 1994 declares five areas to be fisheries prohibited areas where no collection of shells, molluscs and corals is allowed, and where a licence must be obtained in order to enter the area to Kill or capture any fish. National Forestry Act 1984 ‘The National Forestry Act, which is applicable in Peninsular Malaysia, sets out the legal basis for the concept of a national Permanent Forest Estate (PFE), consisting of many Forest Reserves which are legislated by States. Forests outside the system of Forest Reserves stand on Stateland, and is either intended for incorporation into the PFE or for conversion to other land uses, or in Wildlife Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and State Parks. Section 10 of the National Forestry Act provides for the classification of the PFE into 11 functional categories. Three of these (Forest Sanctuary for Wildlife, Amenity Forest, and Education Forest) are of particular relevance to ecotourism, and another (Virgin Jungle Reserved Forest) is important for the conservation of biological diversity. These categories are mapped for some of the forest area, and may overlap. Wildlife Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries established under the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 may overlap with Forest Reserves. These may or may not be categorised as Forest Sanctuary for Wildlife under the National Forestry Act, and may or may not be Production Forest for the felling of trees.ECOTOURISM Pt. and Institutional Framework 25 3.2.4 Sabah 3.24.1 Land Ordinance 1930 The Ordinance may be used to reserve land for a variety of purposes, which can include nature conservation, for example Sipadan island, This function is administered by the District Officer. 3.24.2 Parks Enactment 1984 ‘The Enactment allows for the establishment of parks. It sets up the agency named Sabah Parks, which includes a Board of Trustees, and a full-time management staff. They are responsible for administration of parks, protection of resources within them, and control of access. ‘Six parks are administered under the Enactment, ic., Kinabalu Park, Crocker Range National Park, Tawau Hills Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Turtle Islands Park, and Pulau Tiga. The two parks with the greatest current significance to ecotourism are Kinabalu Park and Turtle Islands Park, 3.2.4.3 Fauna Conservation Ordinance 1963 ‘The Ordinance is administered by the Sabah Wildlife Department. The main role of the Department is the regulation of hunting and trade in wild mammals, birds and reptiles. Currently no sanctuaries have been established under this legislation, but the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is in the process of being established under the Ordinance. 3244 Forest Enactment 1968 (and amendments) ‘Under this Enactment, seven classes of Forest Reserve are defined. At least three classes are currently of ecotourism significance: Class I Protection Forest Reserve includes for example Danum Valley; Class VI Virgin Jungle Reserve includes for example Sepilok; and Class Vil Wildlife Reserve includes for example Tabin Wildlife Reserve. All the other classes may include sites which have ecotourism potential, for example in mangroves and in production forest.26 325 3.2.5.1 3.2.5.2 3.25.3 Legal and {nstitutional Framework ECOTOURISM Pt. ‘Sarawak Forest Ordinance 1954 and amendments Under the Forest Ordinance 1954, the Sarawak Forest Department has established forest reserves, which may be used for timber extraction and other forms of forestry activity, protected forests in which local people have rights to collect certain forest products, and communal forests for the use of Jocal communities. The legislation, and the forest categories thus set up, do not have specific reference to tourism. However, forest management under this legislation is an important factor influencing tourists’ experiences, attitudes and satisfaction within the State, and so has economic impacts upon the tourism sector. National Parks Ordinance 1956, revised as the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1990 ‘Under the 1990 amendment of this legislation, the National Parks and Wildlife Office of the Sarawak Forest Department can set up National Parks are effectively State parks, not covered by the Federal govemmment's National Parks Act 1980) and Nature Reserves, and can include marine, estuarine and freshwater areas. Both categories of reserve are open for tourism, and they include Sarawak's top visitor attractions for nature-based tourism. ‘The purposes of establishment of national parks and nature reserves are: preserving the State's general wildlife, flora, fauna, or geographical features of special interest; and preserving natural features and sites for scientific, archaeological, recreational, educational and aesthetic value, Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1990 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sarawak are established under the 1990 amendment of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, and administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Office of the Sarawak Forestry Department. They are not ‘open to tourists, and therefore are not of direct relevance to tourism except insofar as they contribute to the maintenance of natural ecosystems, wildlife populations, and therefore influence visitor attitudes and satisfaction,Legal and Institutional Framework 27 Natural Resources and Environment (Amendment) Ordinance 1993 The Natural Resources Ordinance 1958 was amended in 1993 to revise the composition and powers of a Board, now known as the Natural Resources and Environment Board. The Ordinance contains provisions directed towards the protection and enhancement of the environment in Sarawak. Section 10 of the Ordinance (Appendix 1) empowers the Board to order in writing any project proponent or developer to undertake or adopt such measures as may be necessary for the conservation of natural resources or the protection and enhancement of the environment in his project site. The Natural Resources and Environment (Prescribed Activities) Order 1994 enables the Board to make rules and regulations pertaining to environmental impact assessments (see #3.2.2).. Sarawak Green Spaces and Public Parks Enactment 1993 This enactment gives broad powers to the Natural Resources and Environment Board to set up green spaces and public parks as amenities. It is designed to cater for urban and recreational parks, but the wording is such as to enable the Board to declare any area within Sarawak as a park.28 Legal and Institutional Framework ECOTOURISM Pt.1Policy considerations Tourism has occupied third or fourth place in foreign exchange earings for Malaysia in the past few years, and is now competing for second place after ‘manufacturing. Its economic importance has led to tourism being given greater emphasis in national policy and planning. Malaysia intends that tourism shall be promoted as an industry, contributing to the creation of new sources of growth required for socio-economic development. One of the objectives given in the Sixth Malaysia Plan (1991-1995) is to “place increasing emphasis upon developing a more distinct Malaysian image and identity". The rich natural assets of the country will surely contribute to the attainment of the national image which is sought after. ‘The Five Year Plans, in viewing tourism as an industry, imply the turning of raw materials into a finished product through a technological process. In reality tourism is a tertiary activity, ie., a service-orientated activity. Paragraph 8.28 of the Sixth Malaysia Plan points out the undesirable consequences for tourism of degradation of the environment. It would also be appropriate to adopt a pro-active approach to conserving the natural state of many tourist attractions, and to recognise that itis the natural state of the environment which is itself the tourism asset, rather than to place emphasis on control of negative impacts such as pollution, The latter is more a characteristic of conventional mass tourism than of nature-based tourism. Nevertheless, all forms of tourism should be orientated on a more sustainable basis, so that the negative impacts of all tourism are minimised. The Sixth Pian states that the direct involvement of the local population will be emphasized in the development of tourism, and this of course has great relevance in the field of ecotourism as a way of achieving truly sustainable development, especially in rural contexts. Training will be crucial for the growth of an efficient and competitive tourism industry (j.e., qualitative improvement) as well as to meet its manpower demand (i.e., quantitative provision). There is an urgent need for this kind of training in ecotourism; this training is not yet available, where training has to be based upon natural and environmental components. Under the Five Year Plans, there are financial allocations for tourism development, including the diversification of tourism products. The economic philosophy is to emphasize the provision of infrastructure as a means to stimulate activity by the private sector. "Increased emphasis will be upon higher productivity, efficiency and competitiveness, in order to maximise benefits from tourism". This approach stresses the quantitative aspects of tourism as a revenue producer, and does not touch upon the need for a more environmentally responsible approach as regards nature-based tourism by strengthening the symbiosis between tourism and conservation. "Special emphasis will be given to the preservation of the natural attractions such as highland and island resorts, marine parks, forest reserves, wildlife30 Policy Considerations ECOTOURISM Pt sanctuaries and the tropical rain forests. A wide range of adventure and special interest tours will be made available where tourists can be involved in a myriad of nature-related activities." This section clearly intends that emphasis should be upon the natural attraction, rather than on any associated physical facilities or excessive services which would contribute to the degradation of the environment. The Plan recognises the need for "close collaboration of all levels of government and the private sector to ensure inter-agency and inter-sectoral co-ordination...". In the field of ecotourism this is particularly important, to ensure that benefits will be reaching the different parties involved in the process, so that a national ecotourism council, of suchlike body, would have a strong participatory character. Tourism is a newly emerging industry, creating high multiplier effects and linkages in the economy, and promoting unity. "The preservation and protection of the environment against both over-exploitation of natural resources and pollution of the environment will become more important to support the development of tourism, Close collaboration between the public and private sectors will continue to be fostered in the formulation and implementation of tourism development programmes.” ‘A Mid Term Review is typically prepared halfway through the implementation of cach Five Year Plan; it assesses progress and may provide supplementary funding where shown to be necessary. ‘The National Tourism Policy, which was just begun at the time of preparation of the Sixth Malaysia Plan, has now been completed and adopted by the Government of Malaysia, A Second Tourism Masterplan Study for Sarawak was completed in 1993, to update and replace the State's previous tourism masterplan. The plan sets out strategic directions, a development concept based on northem, southern and central zones within Sarawak, and elaborates on the implementation of an institutional plan, marketing plan, transport plan and key areas plan. The National Ecotourism Plan is intended to be consistent with and to complement the Sarawak Masterplan. A Sabah Tourism Master Plan is currently being prepared and is expected to be ready by early 1996. itis similar in conception to the Second Tourism Masterplan Study for Sarawak. The National Ecotourism Plan has been prepared at the same time as the Sabah Tourism Master Plan, and efforts to ensure consistency and complementarity have been made by the two teams, including formal and informal meetings as well as the exchange of written materials. States in Peninsular Malaysia typically do not have tourism policies in any way different from the tourism policy of the country as a whole, but they implement the national policy through specific plans at new and existing tourism sites. VariousECOTOURISM Pi 1 Policy Considerations 31 States have tourism planning components within other, more general development plans, For example, tourism is a component in the Pahang coastal zone management plan and in the South Johor coastal zone management plan. Malaysia gives empbasis to the protection of nature and the natural environment through a variety of policies, plans and laws. These include at policy level the National Forestry Policy, the newly formed National Environment Policy and the National Conservation Strategy, at plan level the National Biodiversity Plan, and a range of laws such as those reviewed in section #3. Together, these have helped to form a system of protected and managed areas, still to be expanded, which are a very important asset for the development of nature-based tourism, Other links have been strengthened with environmental awareness, and a more integrated approach to environmental conservation. There is, however, no single policy on the protection of nature and natural areas. The present National Ecotourism Plan can be one of the components needed to build more harmonious links between tourism and nature. Policies have from time to time been promulgated on tourism development in environmentally sensitive areas, notably on hill land, istands and lakes. In certain ‘cases financial incentives are available. Most such developments are in the style of resort tourism, i.e., they may be high density and involve traditional tourism concepts such as high-rise buildings, golf, etc. The emphasis upon such areas exists because of their high natural allure, and it is therefore important that a substantial proportion of the areas should remain in a relatively undisturbed state, In this way they can be orientated towards nature-based activities. The existence and the types of policies and financial incentives for tourism development in environmentally sensitive areas therefore merit review. ‘As the National Ecotourism Plan has been developed in relation to all the above policies and plans, its role should be to provide a more integrated approach to the achievement of specific national objectives, such as contained in the Five Year Plans and other documents, within the field of ecotourism. It should contribute, for example, to producing a more distinctive Malaysian tourism image and identity, and contribute towards direct involvement of local populations, enhanced training, inter- agency and inter-sectoral co-operation and, most importantly, fostering environmental protection and preservation.Policy Considerations ECOTOURISM Pt.1Justification and budgetary issues of ecotourism 5.1. Economic impacts of tourism Ecotourism has been identified by the National Tourism Policy study as one of Malaysia's tourism products which requires elaboration, The socio-economic benefits of ecotourism have been discussed in detail by Boo (1990), and by Lindberg (1991). Amongst the benefits are that: © Ecotourism generates local employment, both directly in the tourism sector and in the various support and resource management sectors such. as land management and wildlife management, © Ecotourism stimulates profitable domestic industries including hotels, restaurants, transport systems, souvenir and handicraft sales, and guide services; * Ecotourism generates foreign exchange; © Ecotourism diversifies the local economy, particularly in rural areas where agricultural, fisheries, and other forms of employment may be sporadic or insufficient; . Ecotourism stimulates rural economies by creating a demand for agricultural produce, and by injecting capital; . Ecotourism stimulates improvements to local transport and communications infrastructure, which benefit local people; * Ecotourism promotes the maintenance of parks and reserves, which can become showcases for the country and which can therefore enhance investment; ‘+ Ecotourism encourages the economically productive use of fand which may be marginal for agriculture, enabling larger tracts of land to remain covered in natural vegetation, and safeguarding water supplies and other environmental services. The local communities tiving near ecotourism sites typically have incomes that are below the national average, and they typically have a rather limited range of other economic options. For these people ecotourism can represent a viable economic alternative. They can participate directly in the operation of chalets, hotels, restaurants, and they often have practical local knowledge which makes them effective nature guides once trained, Local community organizations can act as concessionaires of tourism services, with appropriate administrative training.34 Justification and Budgetary Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 So far as tourism in general is concerned, the simplest picture can be obtained by a comparison of allocations under the Five Year Plans with the annual revenue from tourism (Table 5.1). Table 5.1 Recent Allocations and Revenue for Tourism Pian Allocation Mean annual ‘Mean annual revenue allocation during Plan period (RMniillion) (RM million) (RMnillion) Fifth 140.5 28.1 2,555.8 Sixth 533.9 106.8 5,560.5 It is because of such economic advantages that the Malaysian government has provided a range of budgetary incentives for tourism. Qut of the range of incentives, some are suited to ecotourism, whilst others are more appropriate to ‘mass tourism or tourism in urban areas. ‘The estimates of the percentage importance of nature-based tourism to Malaysia are only approximate. This is discussed in Part 4 (Current State of Ecotourism in Malaysia) The estimates vary from 7% (the estimated amount of all travel worldwide which is nature and adventure travel: S. Reed, Mountain Travel Sobeck, pers. comm.) to 10-15% (World Travel Organisation worldwide estimate) to 20% (based on similarity with estimates for Thailand), and even up to 50% in Sabah and Sarawak. If the conservative 7% estimate is used to account for numbers and revenue from nature-based tourism, then the revenue from this specialist tourism sector alone was three fo six times the mean anmival tourism allocation under the Five Year Plans. This alone is more than enough to justify the further development of ecotourism and the allocation of special parks and reserves Where nature can be enjoyed by tourists. If, however, the amount of tourism based upon nature was as high as it is in Thailand, 20%, then revenue from nature-based tourism in Malaysia may have contributed anything from nine times to 20 times the mean annal allocation for all forms of tourism. Even if ecotourism were seen as only a minor contributor to the total tourism revenue, it nevertheless has a strong socio-economic justification. This is its potential for contributing to the development of the rural poor, to village economies, Local communities provide the cultural basis for ecotourism, and amongst the best staff for ecotourism sites. They can benefit from direct cash inputs to the village economy, instead of (or as well as) receiving trickle-down benefits from other sectors of the national economy.ECOTOURISM Pt. { Justification and Budgetary Issues 35 5.2. Justification and budgetary issues of protected and managed areas Clearly, tourism to natural areas is economically important to Malaysia, even though the true levels of income and expenditure are hard to assess. Where income is relatively low overall, it can still be very important locally, for example at village level at Kampung Kuantan, Selangor, or around Kinabalu Park, Sabah. In 1994, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks had a total of 737 posts, of which 683 posts were filled. The staff deficit of about 9% of posts unfilled is, mainly amongst the lower employment grades. Although the nominal strength of the department according to the number of approved posts has fallen by 20% since 1986, the actual staff strength has fallen by only 9%, Nevertheless the work of the department has greatly expanded, not only in a near doubling in the number of legal cases in the past ten years, but in the development of research and policy work, involvement in national and international conventions and negotiations, and assistance to other Federal and State government agencies. Recurrent expenditure (emoluments, ete.) by the department has doubled over the past decade, to nearly RM 14 milion per annum, and development expenditure has quadrupled over the same period to reach nearly RM 10 million per annum, A substantial proportion of this expenditure has been on the development of new headquarters, but significant amounts have also flowed to State level projects including the national park Taman Negara and other protected areas. In 1992 the recurrent expenditure of the National Parks and Wildlife Office of the Sarawak Forestry Department was RM 3.6 million, The expenditure on development was RM 5.7 million, of which 17% was on the development of Wildlife Sanctuaries (not open to tourism) and 83% on National Parks and Nature Reserves (open to tourism). The recurrent expenditure amounted to about 10% of the Sarawak Forestry Department's total recurrent budget, but the development expenditure was about 3.8% of the total development budget. Sabah Parks, a statutory body, has a staff of about 300. It receives an annual government grant of about RM 5 million, and ears about another RM 4 million, mainly from chalet rental and entrance fees. The annual recurrent costs of staff are about RM 4 million, and parks maintenance costs are about RM 1 million per year. The Sabah Wildlife Department has a staff of about 171. It currently has an income of about RM 4.5 million per annum from Trust Funds, and less than RM 0.5 million from royalties and licencing, The difference between this income and the department's expenditure is made up by government allocations. Recurrent expenditure is about RM 3 million, special expenditure on equipment about RM 02 million, and Trust Fund expenditure on Gomantong Caves and Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre about RM 4 million per annum, Development36 Justification and Budgetary Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 expenditure has amounted to about RM 0.5 to 1.5 million per annum in the recent past. Total annual expenditure of the above government agencies amounts to about RM 48 million, including both recurrent and capital development spending. Perhaps half of this is expenditure upon matters related to tourism, such as parks and reserves, the rest being for licencing, enforcement, research, training and education, and other duties. These are small expenditures in comparison with the annual revenue from tourism (now around RM 9 billion), or even in comparison with a conservative estimate of 7% of tourism revenues attributable to nature-based tourism (around RM 560 million). There cannot be a direct comparison between revenue and expenditure in this sector, however, because little of the realised revenue is returned directly to the management of protected areas, and because many of the economic spin-offs from tourism bring their benefits to other sectors of the national and local economy.6. Interface of ecotourism with Malaysia's tourism policy and national planning strategies 6.1 Interface with national tourism policy ‘The relationships of ecotourism with national policy and planning, as set out in the Sixth Malaysia Plan, have been described in section #4. The Malaysia Tourism Policy study (Peat Marwick, 1992) recommends the development of ‘ancillary’ forms of tourism including ecotourism. However, the policy study does not define ecotourism, nor does it define the relationship between ecotourism and other types of tourism. The use of the word ‘ancillary’ implies a subordinate position for this and other specialised types of tourism (e.g., sports tourism), and contributes to a view of ecotourism as a ‘poor’ form of tourism which is almost certainly unjustified in terms of both numbers and revenue. ‘The policy study is also misleading in its advice that the "natural environment requires development policies directed at accessibility, resource preservation and conservation, that minimise adverse environmental impacts...” (Tourism Product Sectoral Report, page 3: Peat Marwick, 1992). Although true as far as it goes, this misses the points firstly that for ecotourism lack of accessibility may itself be an attraction (and therefore the policy study encourages an undue emphasis upon infrastructure), and secondly that ecotourism should enhance the natural environment in a positive feedback mechanism (rather than simply minimising impacts). ‘A correction of the above misconceptions is needed, if Malaysia is to succeed in assigning the right kind of tourism to the right kind of site, and hence to ensure that each type of tourism is sustained within its proper niche. The policy study has identified 17 main policy recommendations for product development. Each js listed below, with an indication of its specific relevance to ecotourism. 1) Tourism development should be directed at both the international and domestic markets. Both intemational and domestic markets exist, and can be expanded, for nature-based tourism and ecotourism products, Malaysian, Singaporean, other ASEAN and longhaul tourists all appear to have slightly different tastes and requirements, for example in their tendency to travel in groups of characteristic size, and the degree of specialism in their requirements for nature-based products.38 Interface of Ecotourism with Tourism Policy ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 2) Tourism development should be permitted only within guidelines established by the Federal government and endorsed by State planning authorities. Guidelines, standards and criteria are of special importance for ecotourism because tourism products in this sector are intended to be low impact. The National Ecotourism Plan can be part of the process of producing agreed guidelines, which will refer to much more than the physical planning aspects. For ecotourism, emphasis on the management and protection of habitats will also be needed. 3) Tourism development should be concentrated within six development zones. The six zones together cover most of the country, and each has a hub. Most existing and proposed ecotourism sites fall comfortably within one of the six zones, The relevance of these zones to the planning and administration of ecotourism areas is somewhat different from their relevance to traditional and mass tourism. The sites used for ecotourism cannot be manipulated freely, but the six zones can certainly be used as development zones through which tourists are channelled to ecotourism sites. 4) Product development should reflect intemational and domestic potential demands and their likely economic impacts. Refer to (1). This recommendation includes various environmental topics, including the need for Environmental Impact Assessments, physical planning criteria, and the development of environmentally sensitive integrated resorts, featuring islands, beaches, hills and forest. Domestic tourism demand in this field are currently orientated towards recreational forests, waterfalls, picnicking, and some adventure activities, youth activities such as Rakan Muda and recreational clubs. These are typically low expenditure, short stay activities, The development of this field needs emphasis on site management, litter collection, and minimizing impacts. International tourism demand in this field tends at present to reflect more specialised interests, and this requires emphasis on the development, rehabilitation and management of specific sites, and the further development of quality services such as information services. 5) A tourism investment scheme that is competitive within the ASEAN region which will attract new intemational and domestic investment as well as encourage the upgrading and refurbishment of existing facilities should be maintained until planned objectives are achieved. Owing to the small scale of many nature-based and ecotourism activities, the types of investment that are required somewhat differ from those inECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Interface of Ecotourism with Tourism Poli 39 the field of tourism as a whole. Smaller scale and lower impact physical facilities are implied, with less infrastructure but more investment in manpower training, information, site management, and in the planning of the relationship between the tourism project and the natural surroundings. 6) The current extended time-frame in the planning process is a deterrent to investment and should be reviewed. This recommendation zeférs to the time required for planning permission for physical facilities, and does not refer to the need for careful planning ofall developments and site management related to ecotourism. 7) The architectural design of tourist accommodation and other visitor facili should reflect a Malaysian sense of place, This recommendation has particular relevance to ecotourism, in which culture can be an important part of the tourist attraction, and in which visual impacts are intended to be low key and in harmony with the surroundings. 8) The PATA Code for Environmentally Responsible Tourism should be adopted and enforced. This recommendation is in line with the need for all forms of tourism to be made more sustainable. By their definition, ecotourism products should be consistent with the PATA Code. Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms have still to be developed. 9) A regulatory framework should be established with the objective of ensuring that the overall development of tourist accommodation and ancillary facilities should comply with product development policy. The National Ecotourism Plan recommends the setting up of inter- sectoral and participatory mechanisms for regulation, 10) Specific monuments, sites and buildings should be declared as part of the national heritage, This recommendation is consistent with the development of ecotourism products, as cultural artifacts can be a part of itineraries which may or ‘may not include nature.40 Interface of Ecotourism with Tourism Policy ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 11) All forms of tourist accommodation with more than a specific number of saleable beds/rooms (e.g., 10) should be subject to a comprehensive classification scheme. While in principle the concepts of classification are good, they will in practice be difficult to apply to the full range of tourist accommodation, which ranges from luxury hotels in cities to simple camping sites. Those forms of accommodation most relevant to ecotourism will be the most difficult to classify. A classification system which is descriptive, rather than one which is regulatory or prohibitive, is the most likely to prove feasible. 12) Time-sharing or other multiple ownership tourist accommodation developments should be permitted in designated areas only, and be placed under strictly controlled operating conditions. This recommendation could apply to some forms of accommodation at or near ecotourism sites, but does not appear to have specific relevance to ecotourism. 13) Improvements to the design and promotion of handicrafts, artifacts and other souvenirs should be given prictity. ‘This recommendation has particular relevance to ecotourism, in which culture can be an important part of the tourist attraction, and in which local community involvement is important. Handicrafts should clearly reflect indigenous and traditional culture, products and activities. 14) The range of products and the comparative price attractiveness of Malaysia vis-a-vis other ASEAN shopping destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore should be promoted internationally. This recommendation does not have specific relevance to ecotourism, Nevertheless, there are links, The range of cameras available in Malaysia is quite good, but the range of binoculars, telescopes and tape recorders {all items used by ecotourists) is poor. Salesmer!s knowledge about specialised equipment such as that used by ecotourists is also quite low. Although most ecotourists already own such equipment before they come, there is scope for attracting some ecotourists for joint holidays- cum-purchase of equipment. The recommendation also has relevance t0 the availability and pricing of suitable books on wildlife and nature,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Interface of Ecotourism Tourism Policy 41 15) Additional tourist attractions and recreational facilities should be developed and improved as a basis for making Malaysia a more attractive tourist destination. Part 2 of the National Ecotourism Pian makes specific recommendations about the siting of ecotourism attractions, their type, methods of development, services, guidelines, etc, 16) Federal and State governments should encourage the development of ancillary tourism development opportunities, including fly-drive tourism, riverine tourism, ecotourism, agrotourism, cultural and heritage-based tourism, ‘meetings and conventions, and other special interest tourism. This recommendation, specifically promoting ecotourism, is the basis of the present National Ecotourism Plan. Several of the other forms of ancillary tourism mentioned (e.g., agrotourism, cultural and heritage- based tourism) can be linked appropriately to ecotourism. 17) The general public should be made aware of the important role that tourism will play in the future economic plans of the Federal government and of the opportunities for the private sector, particularly small and medium scale enterprises with an emphasis on Bumiputra initiatives for tourism investment. This recommendation is as relevant to ecotourism as it is to other forms of tourism. There appears to be a general shortage of understanding of the implications of ecotourism and its special characteristics, promoting conservation, involving local communities, and having low impacts. Ecotourism is particularly suited to small and medium scale enterprises in rural areas, Thus the development of ecotourism, if carried out well, should be consistent with Malaysia's development policies in general and with tourism policies in particular. The general relationship between tourism, nature-based tourism and Malaysia's policies on the protection of nature and the environment have been described in section #5. 6.2 Policy and planning in other sectors Ecotourism will never become the predominant type of tourism either in the world or in Malaysia, but its importance is not only judged by the amount of revenue it generates. The distribution of this revenue, in helping to fulfill the need for socio-economic development in rural areas, is also important in terms of the equitable distribution of benefits and regional economic development. Ecotourism will never be intensive high-density, but it can be extensive low-42 terface of Ecotourism with Tourism Policy ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 density, so that adding up all the different areas of ecotourism activity will show a substantial and significant economic benefit. The total income from ecotourism may not be high, but certain types of ecotourism (e.g., scuba diving) can yield a high profit margin. Much tourism has an eco component. Ecotourism, also serves an important ambassadorial function, There may arise cases in which specific ecotourism developments are contradicted by other forms of development. About 4% of Malaysia's land surface is currently protected within categories of land use recognised by the TUCN World Conservation Union list of protected areas (IUCN, 1993). The rate of reservation of natural environments far the protection of nature, and which can be used for ecotourism, has sometimes been slow. Conflicts have arisen in places with use of the coastline for industry, as for example in Terengganu, and in some cases of reclamation on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The concept of the Permanent Forest Estate involves the maintenance of forest within a system of Forest Reserves, and includes the theoretically total protection of forest in mountains, but in practice there are a number of inftingements which affect tourism. Ecotourism can act as a tool to promote conservation and the management of natural environments so as to foster sustainable development, and can enhance Malaysia's image, but careful inter- sectoral co-ordination may be needed so a5 to avoid the sensitivity of logging as ‘an issue. The cleanliness of water bodies is another aspect of environmental management in which activities such as logging, agriculture, mining and industrialisation may face a potential conflict with the needs of tourism over river quality. As tourism becomes an increasingly important source of revenue, the balance of environmental management may shift. Because tourism cuts actoss sectors, there will always be many agencies involved in ecotourism development. The areas used will be of varied status (eg., State land, Forest Reserves, privately owned land). Some of the agencies, involved are developing (or will develop) plans which are complementary to the National Ecotourism Plan. They include, for instance, a National Agrotourism Plan for the Ministry of Agriculture, and a master plan for recreational forests for the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department Headquarters. Such agencies would generally like to maintain the current status of the areas under their jurisdiction, ‘The most pragmatic alternatives should be chosen in each case. For example, it may be more practical to maintain a Forest Reserve as a Forest Reserve, and form a joint committee of agencies to assist the Forestry Department to implement ecotourism there, rather than to press unproductively for the establishment of a national park. Danum Valley is a case in which the relevant State Government decided to maintain the area as a Forest Reserve but to change its classification from productive (commercial) to protection forest, This ensuredECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Interface of Ecotourism 63 Tow Policy 43 the continuation of ecotourism in the long term without a change in management, authority. Relationship between Ecotourism and Environmentally Responsible Tourism, There is much more to environmentally responsible tourism than just ecotourism. All tourism should be environmentally responsible, and involve proper waste disposal, the saving of energy, have low impact upon the environment, have appropriate architecture, minimise the clearing of land and slope cutting, adhere to beach frontage controls and so on, as discussed in section # 7.14,44 Interface of Ecotourism with Tourism P ECOTOURISM Pt. 1Identification of Main Strategies There is a symbiosis such that ecotourism is a way to promote conservation and sustainable development, and vice versa, There are 14 main strategies within the National Ecotourism Plan, as follows: 1) There should be mechanisms for intersectoral participation, building on existing institutions and strengths, 2) There should be encouragement for the establishment of additional natural areas for} ecotourism (which contributes to conservation of natural resources on a self-interest basis, not by decree), whether governmental, privately owned, etc. 3) There should be a regionali ‘der approach, compatible with the six tourism regions, ied by the Tourism Policy study; 4) Imaginative and innovative funding mechanisms should be developed which encourage ecotourism, inchiding methods of self-financing so as to apply tourism revenue directly to protected areas as well as fostering local development; '5) The main ecotourism activities and circuits at national level should be identified; 6) The concepts of carrying capacity and limits of acceptable change should be| elaborated for each site; 7) Appropriate design and construction of physical facilities must be implemented for ecotourism; 8) Marketing and promotional strategies should be developed at local, n international level; al and| 9) There should be mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of progress in| development of ecotourism; 10) Environmental and socio-cultural negative impacts should be minimized; there} should be active involvement of local communities, 11) Manpower training should become a major theme in specialist tourism; 12) Ecotourism should be a tool for environmental education and ecological awareness 13) Specific legal modifications are required. 14) All tourism, not only ecotourism, should be sustainable and environmentally responsible. .Main Strategies ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 a Mechanisms for Intersectoral Participation All 37 issues (# 9.1 to 9.37) should be addressed by this main strategy. All the main stakeholders in ecotourism should be involved in the mode of its development. This can best be done by setting up a mechanism for intersectoral participation. A model which has proven to be successful in several countries is a national ecotourism council consisting of members from the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations and local communities. ‘Such members typically pay membership fees, the fees contributing towards the maintenance of a small permanent secretariat. ‘The secretariat has specific functions which are of such use to members that itis advantageous to belong to the council, and disadvantageous to be outside it. Functions can include any or all of the following: © the collection and analysis of statistics on ecotourism; * the construction of visitor profiles for different nationalities or interest groups; * the development of guidelines; ‘© analysis of impacts, calculation of carrying capacity, and other forms of consultative work; © the dissemination of information, literature, and computer packages, etc., amongst the various stakeholders; © the organisation and implementation of training courses; © the monitoring and evaluation of performance in the field; © cettification of ecotourism products; * access to marketing and promotional opportunities. In some cases, national ecotourism bodies have a rotating chairmanship between the main classes of members (i, government, private sector, etc.) for a two or three year term. The body would be an advisory one, wielding moral authority not administrative power, serving its members and the field of ecotourism as a whole with technical advice and services.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Strategies 47 Rather than set up a new body, it would be preferable to strengthen or modify an existing one. It is therefore recommended that the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee be taken as the basis for a national ecotourism body. The steps to be taken (not necessarily in this sequence) would include: a) a slight expansion of membership to include more non-governmental representatives (eg., guides’ associations, local tour operators’ associations, nature associations), technical experts, and representatives of local communities; b) expansion of terms of reference to include monitoring and evaluation fanctions, and other functions listed above; ©) capacity to charge fees, and to employ a secretariat staff; Such a body should first devise its methods and procedures, how to measure levels and successes in ecotourism, data collection methods, etc. Further reference to these matters can be found in Action Plan # 10.3. Ideally, there would be equivalent structures at State and focal level, giving a thorough coverage of all levels of the country. In practice, some of these functions can possibly be undertaken in Sabah and Sarawak by the Sabah Tourism Council and Sarawak Tourism Board. In Peninsular Malaysia it may be necessary to rely upon existing networks of associations (eg, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) at national level, town, State or other locally based tour agents’ associations at lower level) to provide such coverage. If it should prove difficult to expand the brief of the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee in this way, an altemative is for the private sector and non-governmental organisations jointly, or the private sector or non- governmental organisations alone, to set up a Foundation. Another possibility is that monitoring, evaluation, certification standards, or other measures of progress could be determined by government agencies with guidance from the National Ecotourism Plan, and monitoring ete. then be contracted out to a private company or to such a Foundation. A final possibility is that monitoring and evaluation of progress in ecotourism according to the plan could be contracted out to the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA). Each of the stakeholders in ecotourism has its sectoral role to play: government in providing infrastructure, incentives, national and international promotion, certification, etc.; the private sector in developing ecotourism products, marketing, and conducting operations; non-governmental organisations in48 Main Strategies ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 monitoring and ensuring the conservation support function; local communities getting directly involved pro-actively and obtaining tangible benefits from ecotourism; universities and institutions in training, research, and incorporation of appropriate topics into the syllabus. A main objective of the national body, whatever it might be, would be in trying to convert theoretical into material benefits (and these may be of different nature) for each of the participating sectors; and in encouraging co-responsibility for the conduct and impacts of ecotourism. ‘Ways of doing this might include the production of a brochure on Malaysian ecotourism; devising Guidelines for tour operators; Guidelines for tourism sections of any master plans, structure plans and district plans; training and certification activities; specific research on sites, economics, tourist requirements, opinions, origins, expenditure, impacts, and management. It could carry out and commission contract work on any of the above. 7.2 Establishment of natural areas for ecotourism If ecotourism is to continue growing and fulfill its potential as an increasingly significant portion of the tourism market in Malaysia (# 8, Establishment of Planning Horizons), not only will each ecotourism product need to satisfy customer expectations, but in addition more areas will be needed for ecotourism. ‘New areas for ecotourism will include a variety of sites, some of which are not, yet exploited, and other existing sites which can be modified and “developed! (not necessarily with physical facilites), inline with ecotourism guidelines. Many areas are described in Part 2 of this report (Ecotourism Potential Site Listings). In order to achieve equitable opportunities within the country, principles of the regionalisation approach should be followed (# 7.3). A spirit of competition should be engendered between the States, in vying to possess ecotourism sites of international repute. It is also very important to bear in mind that provision of infrastructure may actually hinder ecotourism development, because clients wish for a sense of isolation, remoteness and wilderness experience. Therefore tourism sites must be clearly distinguished, some being developed for mass tourism, others for ecotourism, and yet other sites for other forms of tourism. Either the locations for the different forms of tourism will be separate, or a given location will be zoned for the separate uses. A legal framework already exists whereby each State in Malaysia can reserve land for purposes including ecotourism (# 3, Legal Framework). The laws differ in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Ideally it would be good to haveECOTOURISM 49. consistency in the legal and administrative management of parks, but consistency may not be the most pragmatic way of fostering the development of ecotourism, Ecotourism is clearly a diverse field, catering for different interest ‘groups in areas which are now under the administrative control of varied Federal and State agencies, Johor has provided an effective model for the establishment and administration of parks (# 3.2.3.1). Adoption of this model should be encouraged in other Peninsular Malaysian States; high priority States are Pahang, Perak, Perlis and Terengganu. ‘The Johor model sets up a Corporation (known as the National Parks (Johor) Corporation), and enables the State government to reserve areas which may be administered as parks (effectively State parks, with no handing over of rights to Federal authorities). In practice, the Corporation is able to call upon the good offices of Federal and other State agencies for assistance in technical aspects of management, for example by secondment of staff or by joint enforcement operations with agencies such as the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, ‘State Forestry Department, Fisheries Department, or Department of Irrigation and Drainage. ‘A strong case can be made for revenue from Parks to flow directly to park management agencies, rather than to central Treasury or State treasuries (Guidelines, Part 3, # 21.4, # 21.5), In this way management and staffing can be more closely linked to visitor pressures; rising visitor numbers should lead to increased revenue, part-financing the needed increases in management. The structure of Sabah Parks (# 3.2.4.2 and # 5.2) provides a model for this, subsisting partly on grants from State funds, partly on income derived from entrance fees, partly from accommodation charges inside parks, and tendering of facilities. Another example is the practice of setting up Trust Funds for specific locations, as done by the Sabah Wildlife Department for Gomantong and Sepilok. Additional mechanisms for transferring funds more directly from tourist activi to specific protected areas and ecotourism destinations are given in Guidelines, Part 3, #21. 73 Regionatization approach Normally ecotourists (especially foreigners) like to move around from site to site, secking different sights and obtaining a more varied experience during their visit. This implies the need for a regional approach, not merely a site-specific approach. There should be an hierarchy of ecotourism destinations based upon parks and other protected areas. The use of these protected areas should be linked to that of surrounding lands.50 Main Strategies ECOTOURISM Pi The six tourism development 2ones specified by the Malaysia Tourism Policy study (especially the Sabah and Sarawak zones) are generally consistent with the requirements of ecotourism. In addition, for ecotourism zoning an approach more specifically based on the natural environment is needed. Such an approach can be based upon major ecosystems such as lowlands, highlands, coastal areas, territorial seas, and islands, or at least follow more natural boundaries and travel routes so as to: © fitin with typical itineraries of ecotourists; ‘* relate to fields of interest (bitdwatchers, spelunkers, divers etc., or generalists); © fit in with time available (one week, 2 weeks, one month itineraries), first-timers or repeat visitors; © offer combinations of travel suited to different budgets (backpackers, middle-income, jet-setters); and © facilitate the combination of ecotourism with other forms of tourism (eg., beaches, business! conventions). ‘Where possible, ecotourism should be in line with the six Tourism Development Zones. The preparation of ecotourism packages should be based on the six zones in general, and special ecosystems in particular as described above, itineraries, flights, existing/future hotels, and existing/future tour operators’ location and capabilities. Various criteria can be adopted in identifying regional opportunities for the development of ecotourism. Sixteen criteria are listed below. Criteria for selection of sites 1) Reasonable geographical spread, between states and within the larger states, so that ecotourism remains a dispersed activity and so that tourists of this sector are drawn to many parts of the country; 2) Size, involving a few large sites and numerous smaller sites which should be pinpointed in the itinerary and tourism circuits, en route to other destinations; 3) Judicious geographical mixture of large and small sites, so that large and ‘small sites can be built into varied itineraries in each part of the countryECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Strategies 51 4) 5) 6) 8) % 10) uy Degree of accessibility; in general big highways leading to ecotourism sites should not be encouraged, where possible rivers/streams, or other existing and less impacting routes should be used, and existing roads should be upgraded rather than new ones built. A small landing strip is sometimes better than making a new road, because roads are an invitation to squatters and illegal settlement, Even railway impacts may be less than a new highway because settlements are typically confined to stations, far apart. A mix of some sites easy and some difficult to reach should be attractive, because many ecotourists shy away from the more accessible sites. Methods of ensuring that a site remains of limited access include construction specifications. For example, a bridge can be made that will support not more than X tonnes weight, or a tunnel not more than 4 m wide, or low impact roads never more than 6 m wide with road reserves of less than 2m each side. Existing infrastructure; no/insufficient infrastructure, too much infrastructure, inappropriate infrastructure; the right infrastructure, Quality of attraction; each region must have a clear inventory of main ecotourism attractions, categcrized into flagship, complementary and support attractions (see Guidelines, Part 3, # 1.1). Breadth of attractions offered over the whole range of sites, so that numerous wild attractions and activities are available, without losing sight of an overall theme for ecotourism in the country/ state. Clear identification/image of attractions and activities available at each site, Identify the profile of a site, its ecotourism assets (e.g., cave, forest, birds; do not make artificial attractions, an ecotourism image must be based on intrinsic natural assets). Do not create false expectations, Availability of human resources at or near the site; build attractions upon. existing culturai diversity, using local guides, park rangers and methods of involvement of these people in ecotourism activities. For example, parks staff could spend one day per week guiding, apart from their ordinary day-to-day duties, as this is a good way of the management agency finding out what itis that tourists want and a good way of raising the image of the park management authorities in the tourist's eyes. Lack offminimization of social disbenefits in the vicinity of each site, conversion of problems in the relationship with surrounding areas into benefits, linking the site with its surroundings, making a thorough analysis of the socio-économic situation in region, and how ecotourism can help alleviate some of these problems. ‘Maximization of benefits in the vicinity of each site, getting local communities involved from earliest stages of planning, whether ecotourism is in their opinion a good option, whether they are interested52 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) Main Strategies ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 in participating, the method of retum of benefits from site to community and from community to site, and schemes by which the community can support conservation activities (e.g., talks to schoolchildren, ways to sell products from sustainable harvest from forests, how to sell to ecotourists, handicrafts, culture, local foods). General safety _and security for visitors: having a central point for information about events (good weather, flooding, etc.), correct information, the right sort of visitors suited to the activities available, correct signage, the right physical facilities (eg. railings, safe boardwalks, steps, maintenance), first aid facilities, access to clinics and hospitals, good sewerage and waste disposal. Security of tenure of sites in the long term (now and potential) supported by a strong legal framework, ensuring that formalities are fully completed, with strong enforcement; tenure of concessions on facilities, types of contractual agreement reached, ownership, tendering /bidding mechanisms, and penalties. Linkage of an area to its surroundings (is it possible to protect a buffer, create one, is there sufficient neighbouring forest to support the asset (eg, elephants, hombills, swiftlets) within the site?), ic, there must be g00d regional land use planning; establishing what are/are not permitted activities in each zone (e.g. in buffer zone); re-conversion of alienated Jand (e.g., mining, mining pools, agriculture) back into buffer zones and protected areas. Economic and overall feasibility, having a business plan with'a proforma giving projected 5-year (or more) planning of income and expenditure, cost-benefit analysis, and cross referencing to master plan / development plan, and good marketing and promotion strategy for the product so that income is in accordance with expectations; projecting percentage ‘occupancy of accommodation or number of visitors. Ecotourism should never be the sole economic activity, but must be integrated within a varied economic landscape of agriculture, trade, eto. ‘The seasonal balance of activities must be considered, e.g., ecotourism in seasons when other activities are low. This is frankly an idealistic list of criteria, and sites for ecotourism development. should be selected on the basis of their ability to fulfill these criteria. They can then be ranked into (a) High Priority new sites; (b) High Priority upgrading/re- habiliiation of existing sites; (c) Moderate Priority; (4) Low or Long-term Priority.ECOTOURISM Pt. Main Strategies 53 ‘This regionalisation approach may apply in a variety of scenarios: Scenario A: hardcore poor area where ecotourism is begun as the primary economic activity, with possible spin-offs such as vegetable farming, fruits, fishing, educational opportunities; © Scenario B: other economic activities are already important (e.g., fishing, farming, small traders), and ecotourism comes in as a new activity in line with regional plans; © Scenario C: ecotourism begins as a sustainable altemative to previous, unsustainable activities such as logging, assisting in the need for a smooth economic transition; © Scenario D: a current crisis in existing economic activity leads local villagers to look for other options, and find them in ecotourism. 7.4 Funding mechanisms Innovative funding mechanisms are required for ecotourism areas, so that the areas are not entirely dependent upon central government funding. Guidelines (Part 3, # 21 and # 22) are presented in the National Ecotourism Plan, and greater detail is giver in Action Plan # 10.15. 7.5 Identification and setting of main ecotourism activities and circuits at various levels. Ecotourism activities and circuits should be further claborated at international, national and local/State level. Good packages and itineraries, well marketed, will attract a greater variety of special interest groups, and help to spread the benefits of ecotourism through the various States. Further details are given under issue # 9.14, below, 7.6 Carrying Capacity and Limits of Acceptable Change It is crucial that sites should not be degraded to the point where tourism is discouraged, and it is preferable that degradation at any given site should not proceed to the point where ecotourism begins to be replaced by mass tourism. Such a situation will not be sustainable. This will mean setting carrying capacity limits for each area, zone and smaller unit, adhering to these limits, and ensuring that each type of tourism has its appropriate place.54 Main Strategies ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 7.7 Appropriate design and construction of physical facilities Physical facilities for ecotourism sites should be low impact, physically and visually. This principle should apply both to on-site physical structures, and the infrastructural facilities such as roads, electricity and water supply in the vicinity. Local styles of architecture, especially traditional designs, should be strongly favoured. Good examples of individual unit design exist at Taman Negara and Tanjung Ara, Terengganu, although these are packed too closely together to qualify for the criterion of low physical and visual impact at an ecotourism site. 7.8 — Marketing and promotional strategies at local, national and international level It is expected that future tourism development and marketing strategies in the East Asian region as a whole will be orientated towards the natural and cultural features (intrinsic values) of each country. Thus Malaysia in promoting ecotourism will find itself in competition with other East Asian and especially ASEAN countries over marketing methods, strategies and opportunities. Based on the ecotourism product development such as recommended within this Plan, marketing strategies should stress a sustainable approach and the conservation of nature. This emphasis can appeal not only to those who have a special interest in nature or culture, but also general tourists who are aware (even vaguely) of the need for development to be sustainable. 7.9 Monitoring and evaluation of progress in development of ecotourism There should be one body involving all sectors (government, private, NGOs, local communities), with the capacity to monitor and evaluate the development of ecotourism. It has been suggested (see # 7.1, above) that this body should be an expanded Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee. 7.10 Minimization of environmental and socio-cultural negative impacts, and involvement of local communities The definition of ecotourism makes it clear that this activity is a normative and self-correcting one, so that negative impacts are dealt with by corrective ‘measures engendered from within the ecotourism sector. If this does not happen, then it is not ecotourism.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Strategies 55 7.11 Manpower training Manpower availability and training will be an obstacfe to the smooth and orderly development of ecotourism. First, unemployment levels in Malaysia are very low. However, sites with good ecotourism potential are typically located in rural areas where there may be pockets of unemployment and hard core poverty. This is a very positive reason to stress the employment of local people where possible, as solving the problems of local poverty and manpower availability with a single measure. Second, the number of highly qualified Malaysian nature guides is very small. It will be important to capitalise upon the skills of individuals, local nature societies, and existing nature guides, in combination with a strengthening of the certification process to include site guide certification as well as tour guide certification. Tour operators, hotel staff, goverment officials, tourism writers, specialist guidebook writers, photographers and publishers are alll groups who ‘would find training and information about ecotourism useful. 7.12 Environmental education and awareness Education and interpretation are key tools to manage tourists better. Ecotourists in particular demand high standards of interpretative materials. Furthermore, the use of protected areas and parks for promoting education and awareness amongst, for example, schoolchildren, will mean that such areas perform multiple functions; providing interpretative centres, brochures, etc, becomes not merely good business but also a valuable social service. 7.13 Legal provisions and changes Where possible, the law should be used to facilitate ecotourism, and to bring consistency to the various States. However, if these two objectives are in conflict then pragmatic decisions need to be made which will help to conserve the natural environment as the basis for sustainable ecotourism. Detailed recommendations on the legal provisions necessary are given under # 9.29, below. 7.14 Ecotourism within overall tourism context Ecotourism is a low impact activity, and actively repairs whatever damage or degradation it may cause. Ecotourism actively involves local communities. ‘These are features characteristic of ecotourism, but not necessarily unique.56 Main Strategies ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 There is much more to sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism than just ecotourism, All tourism should be environmentally friendly: in terms of minimising waste, methods of waste disposal, energy saving, low impact technology, good architecture, noise reduction, minimised clearing of land, slope cutting, beach frontage controls, etc. General principles for sustainable (¢., environmentally benign) tourism should be adopted by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. These could be based upon the Charter for Sustainable Tourism adopted at Lanzarote, Canary Islands, in April 1995 (Guidelines, Part 3, # 16.1). The following points should be borne in mind: ‘© The environment has an intrinsic value which outweighs its value as a tourism asset. Its long-term survival and its enjoyment by future «generations must not be prejudiced by short-term considerations. ‘© Tourism should be recognised as a positive activity with the potential to benefit the environment and the host community, as well as the tourist. © The relationship between tourism and the environment must be ‘managed, so that the environment is sustained in the long term. This must not be allowed to damage the resource, prejudice its future enjoyment, or produce unacceptable impacts. * Tourism activities and development should respect the scale, nature and character of the place in which they are located, + In any location, harmony must be sought between the needs of the tourist and of the local community. © In a dynamic world, some change is inevitable and can often be beneficial, but adapting to change should not be at the expense of these principles. © All those involved in tourism at the destination - the operator, local and central government, environmental agencies and the tourists themselves - have a duty to respect the principles of sustainable tourism.ECOTOURISM. Main Strategies 57 Specifically, the following guidelines should be followed for tourism development, management and marketing, and are as relevant to ecotourism as they are to other forms of tourism: ‘Use resources sustainably: the conservation and sustainable use of resources, whether natural, social, cultural or financial, is crucial and makes long-term business sense. Reduce over-consumption and waste: reduction of over- consumption and waste during the development and subsequent operational phases avoids the cost of restoring long-term environmental damage and contributes to the quality of the tourist environment, Maintain diversity: maintaining and promoting natural, social and cultural diversity is essential for long-term sustainable tourism, and creates a resilient base for the industry. Integrate tourism into planning: tourism development which is integrated into a national and local planning framework, and which undertakes EIAs, increases the long-term viability of tourism. Supporting local economies: tourism that supports a wide range of local economic activities and which takes environmental costs and values into account, both protects these economies and avoids environmental damage. Involving local communities: the full involvement of local communities in the tourism sector not only benefits them and the environment in general, but also improves the quality of the tourism experience, Consulting stakeholders and the public: consultation between the tourism sector and the local communities, organisations” and institutions is essential if they are to work together and resolve potential conflicts of interest, ‘Training staff: staff training which integrates sustainable tourism into work practices, along with the recruitment of local personne! at all levels, improves the quality of the tourism product. Marketing tourism responsibly: marketing that provides the tourist with full and responsible information increases respect for the natural, social and cultural environments of destination areas and enhances customer satisfaction.58 M: Strategies ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 © Undertaking research: on-going research and monitoring by the industry using effective data collection and analysis is essential to help solve problems and to bring benefits to destinations, the industry and consumers. The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism should encourage all tourism sectors towards sustainable tourism, because reducing environmental impacts will enhance the quality of all tourism products, and create an atmosphere in which ecotourism can flourish. Schemes such as the Green Globe award of the World Travel and Tourism Council, and the Green Leaf award of PATA are available for use as tools in developing sustainable tourism. An Environmental Action Pack for Hotels has been produced by the International Hotels Association. ‘Various documents relevant to these schemes are given in Annexe 6 of Part 6,8. Establishment of Planning Horizons 8&1 Existing Tourism Growth Scenarios The Malaysia Tourism Policy study established three scenarios conceming possible tourism expansion up to the year 2000, together with required levels of support services in each case, However, since 1992 tourism expansion in both tourist numbers and revenue have diverged significantly from these scenarios. Particularly noticeable discrepancies have built up with respect to tourist expenditure and contribution to GNP, required hotel rooms, hotel building investment needs, and manpower requirements. The scenarios in the Tourism Policy Study have therefore been superseded, and new projections have been adopted by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. These are shown in Tables 8.1 and 8.2 and 8.3. Table 8.1 Projected foreign tourist arrivals (millions), 1995-2000. Source: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, November 1995 Table 8.2 Projected tourist expenditure and hotel supply, 1995-2000. ‘Year 1995 | 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 RM billion 9.2 10.3 14 13.7 14.5 15.7 No. of hotels 1209 | 1221 1230 1238 1247 1258 No. of rooms 89,268 | 93,468 | 97,367 | 101,320] 105,110} 109,240 Source: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, November 199560 Table 8.3 Planning Horizons ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Percentage average annual growth in estimates of tourist parameters. Topic Mean annual change, 1995-2000 Total of foreign tourists, 9.6% Tourist expenditure 11.2% Number of hotels 08% ‘Number of hotel rooms 43% Source: Caleulated from Tables 8.1 and 8.2. 8.2 Scenarios for Ecotourism Expansion Based on the above, three possible scenarios have been constructed for the future development of ecotourism, beginning from the assumptions that: @ Gi) Gi) (iv) @) wi) tourist numbers will rise at 9.6% per year, from 7.2 million in 1994 to 12.5 million in the year 2000; the number of nature-based tourists was at least 360,000 in 1994 (i.e., 5% of all foreign tourists) and will be about 400,000 in 1995; the percentage of foreign tourists who engage in nature-based tourism will either remain steady at the assumed minimum baseline of 5%, or increase to 10% or 15% by the year 2000, depending on a variety of factors, remaining stable thereafter; the number of domestic tourists who engage in nature-based tourism, staying at least overnight in protected areas and other ecotourism areas, and the number seeking recreation at nature areas, now approximately equal to the number of foreign ecotourists, will increase at the same rate; average number of nights spent in Malaysia by foreign nature-based tourists will decline as shown below, as an expanding market draws in less committed individuals, the domestic component will be split roughly equally between tourists (overnighting) and recreationists (day visitors); and revenue performance from ecotourism will constitute a steady percentage of total tourism revenue, at 5%, 10% or 15% as noted above,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Planning Horizons 61 These assumptions are broadly conservative, except for the main variable (assumption ii) conceming the percentage of foreign ecotourists, for which relatively low, medium and high values have been chosen to illustrate the three scenarios. ‘The three scenarios are termed Scenarios A, B and C. For each of the three Scenarios, planning horizons have been suggested in the short term (1-2 years), medium term (5 years) and long term (over 15 years). These planning horizons illustrate what is to be expected in short term (1997; steps on the way to achieving the scenario), medium term (2000; when we have arrived at the scenario); and long term (2010; 10 years after we have reached the scenario, showing what the effects may have been). Further studies are needed by the Malaysia Tourism Promotions Board and by regional (ourism authorities, conceming the numbers and percentages of ccotourists in different areas, Potentially, numbers could be defined at national, regional and local level. For example, while the national average may be that 10% of tourists are ecotourists, the percentages in Sabah and Sarawak may be in the vicinity of 50%. Nearly all visitors to Gunung Mulu National Park might be considered ecotourists, but the visitors to Taman Negara include an increasing percentage of conventional tourists. Figures are needed for the eight main destinations currently promoted by the Malaysia Tourism Promotions Board, and for the 30 destinations to be promoted in the near future, No detailed breakdown of these various national, regional and local differences is yet possible62 Planning Horizons ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Scenario A: 12.5 million foreign tourists by the year 2000, 5% of them nature-based or ecotourists Possible foreign tourist arrivals | 85 million | 125million | 18.5 million Possible number of foreign 425,000 625,000 925,000 ecotourists* (5%) G%) (S%) Increment in nos. of foreign 25,000 225,000 525,000 ecotourists since 1995 Possible number of domestic 212,500 312,500 462,500 ecotourists* Possible number of domestic 212,500 312,500 462,500 nature recreationists Increment in domestic numbers 25,000 225,000 525,000 since 1995 Average nights stay, foreign 189 16 12 ecotourists Ecotourists' expenditure RMO.S7 RM0.79 billion billion Ecotaurists' contribution to GNP | RM 0.93, RM 1.28 billion billion Manpower requirements: Nature guides (all types) Dive specialists Caving specialists 796 1172 1734 Bird guides *For the purposes of this table only, ‘ecotourist’ is used to include all forms of nature- based and culture-based tourism,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Planning Horizons 63 Scenario B: 12.5 million tourists by the year 2000, 10% of them nature-based or ecotourists Possible foreign tourist arrivals. { 8.5 million | 12.5 million | 18.5 million Possible number of foreign 638,000 1,250,000 1,850,000 ecotourists* (7.5%) (10%) (10%) Increment in nos. of foreign 238,000 850,000 1,450,000, | ecotourists since 1995 Possible number of domestic 319,000 625,000 925,000 ecotourists* Possible number of domestic 319,000 625,000 925,000 | nature recreationists Increment in numbers since 238,000 850,000, 1,450,000 Average nights stay, foreign 189 16 12 | ecotourists Ecotourists' expenditure RM1.14 billion Ecotourists' contribution to GNP | RM 1.85, billion “Manpower requirements: ‘Nature guides (all types) Dive specialists Caving specialists Bird guides “For the purposes of this table only, “ecotourist' is used to include all forms of nature- based and culture-based tourism.64 Planning Horizons ECOTOURISM Pt, 1 Scenario C: 12.5 million tourists by the year 2000, 15% of them nature-based or ecotourists Possible foreign tourist arrivals 8.5 million 12.5 million 18.5 million Possible number of foreign 850,000 1,875,000 2,775,000 ecotourists* (10%) (15%) (15%) Increment in nos. of foreign 450,000 1,475,000 2,375,000 ecotourists since 1995, Possible number of domestic 425,000 937,500 1,387,500 ecotourists* Possible number of domestic 425,000 937,500 1,387,500 nature recreationists Increment in all ecotourist, 450,000 1,475,000 2,375,000 numbers since 1995 Average nights stay, foreign 189 16 12 ecotourists Ecotourists' expenditure RML71 RM 2.36 billion billion Ecotourists' contribution to GNP | RM 2.79 RM3.85 billion billion Manpower requirements Nature guides (all types) Dive specialists Caving specialists 1,594 3,515 $,203 Bird guides *For the purposes of this table only, ‘ecotourist’ is used to include all forms of nature- based and culture-based tourism.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Planning Horizons 65 83 Arc Estimates Realistic? ‘These projections are contingent upon the proper and orderly implementation, firstly of those recommendations within the Malaysia Tourism Policy study (Peat Marwick, 1992) which impinge upon ecotourism (see #6.1), secondly of the strategies and actions within this report, and thirdly of the guidelines contained in part # of the report. Scenario A is probably on the low side. Numbers of foreign nature-based tourists, domestic nature-based tourists, and domestic recreationists at natural areas may already exceed the numbers for 1997 in this scenario. The number of tourist guides well qualified to lead nature tours has not reached the level suggested (796 such guides by 1997), but some components of the pool of qualified guides are already substantial, eg. dive guides. Scenario C is probably unrealistically high. Ecotourism areas, management and services would be severely strained by some of the numbers suggested. Scenario B is considered to be the more realistic estimate, or a position intermediate between Scenarios A and B. It should be borne in mind that the range of figures in each scenario does not follow an inevitable pattern. Instead, the different components can be manipulated in order to sustain growth or to achieve other desired objectives. Accordingly, expenditure by ecotourists may be hoped to reach about RM1.57 billion in the year 2000. This figure is also a target which is susceptible to change by manipulating ecotourism products and tourist behaviour, not a firm prediction, No clear distinction can in fact be made between ecotourists, partial ecotourists (¢.g., a businessman who might include a short trip to Taman Negara in his visit), and conventional tourists visiting natural areas. ‘Average nights! stay by foreign ecotourists has been calculated from survey results during this study. After 1997 a decline in length of stay has been suggested, because expanding ecotourism will draw in less committed individuals. However, active encouragement of longer stays will help to improve the ecotourism development scenarios financially, Expenditure. and contribution to GNP: calculated as relative proportions of data from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism projections, based on numbers of foreign ecotourists. ‘Number of nature guides: These estimates are based on the handling of 800 tourists per guide per year, an estimate derived from discussions with guides.66, Planning Horizons ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ae Hee 5 Sure is provided, the numbers being included within the number of nature guides (all types). There may already be more than 200 individuals leading dive tourists, which is one of the more rapidly expanding fields of nature tourism. The number of highly qualified caving guides now active is probably under 20. Malaysia has a choice of appropriate models for tourism. The models which are developed in future can include mass tourism, beach tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and expositions), and also some models of ecotourism, showing a mix of different components in tourism as a whole. Ecotourism is suited to particular localities, which can neither be moved nor developed for other, inappropriate and competing forms of tourism. It is therefore essential to get the right kind of tourism and tourists in the right kind of place: ecotourists at ecotourism sites and mass tourists at mass tourism sites Achievement of ecotourism targets will require this firm commitment, and the creation of additional parks, such as those recommended in Parts 1 and 2 of this report. 8.4 Implications for Area Management Scenario B may be acceptable as a working estimate of likely foreign nature- based tourist numbers. In this scenario, there were about 500,000 such tourists in 1994, rising to about 640,000 in 1997 and 1.25 million in the year 2000. This is ‘a 150% increase in six years (16.5% increase per year). Accompanying this increase, there will be an increase in domestic nature-based tourism. However, it is very difficult on present information to give a break- down of domestic tourism versus domestic recreation at nature areas. Together, domestic tourism and domestic recreation account for a number of Malaysian visitors similar to the number of foreign visitors at most areas (sce Part 4, # 5.4 and # 5.5). Thus the number of visitors to nature areas may teach about 2.5 million by the year 2000. The implications for development at existing areas are: ‘© each existing nature tourism area is likely to attract larger visitor numbers. there will be pressures for easier access, including roads and airstrips, for more amenities such as mains electricity and water, and for more infrastructure such as roads, chalets, and hotels in and close to nature areas, ‘some of the existing areas will continue through the “tourism cycle’ towards mass tourism, and some may be developed with activities incompatible with ecotourism. These will be lost to ecotourism,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Planning Horizons 67 The implications for area management are: ‘© more nature areas will be needed. The sooner such areas can be set aside the better, so that conflicting land uses do not intervene, destroying the attraction base. ‘+ there must be specific, firm decisions to zone areas, (i) placing facilities such as golf courses and multi-storey hotels outside park boundaries, (ii) creating buffer zones, (iii) giving concessions to operate government-owned facilities within parks, and, very important, (iv) setting carrying capacity and limits of acceptable change for each area, ‘© currently used areas must be managed with increasing care so as to avoid or minimise impacts on the attraction base. 8.5 Service Sector Mix and the Role of SMIs 8.5.1 Smalland Medium Industries Small and Medium Industries (SMis) are currently defined by the Ministry of Intemational Trade and Industry according to their number of employees and amount of paid-up capital. Small Industries have less than RM 500,000 paid-up capital, while Medium Industries have more than five employees and less than RM 2.5 million paid-up capital. The concept of SMIs refers only to manufacturing industry, not to the service sector such as tourism. In a 1993-1994 survey, there were 12,168 SMIs in Malaysia. Of these, 18% were in Johor, 18% in Selangor, 13% in Perak, 12% in Pulau Pinang and 10% in Kuala Lumpur, with the remaining 29% scattered through the other nine States. ‘Twenty percent were in the Food, Beverages and Tobacco sector (and 90% of all these concemed food), 18% in Fabricated Metals, Machinery and Equipment, 16% in Wood and Wood Products, and 12% in Textiles, Clothing and Apparel. Out of 31 Malaysian tour companies which specialise more or less in nature tourism, listed in Part 6, itis thought that 30 have fewer than SO employees, and 29 have less than RM 250,000 paid-up capital. Of the two companies thought to have more than RM 250,000 paid-up capital, one is a major trading corporation which has a jungle lodge as a minor part of its total operations, and the other is a tour company of which about 20% of business is nature-based/adventure tourism. There are a few big companies, advertising tours to nature destinations, which are in no sense ecotourism companies. Malaysian Railways (KTM), for example, advertises packages to Taman Negara and other nature areas. A few68 Planning Horizons ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 big companies offer nature holidays, for example Reliance Sdn Bhd., Taman ‘Negara Resort (Peas OUB), Hilton (Batang Ai), but appear to lack one or more of the components which would qualify their products as ecotourism under the definition used here. Virtually the entire field of ecotourism is therefore within the ambit of small companies which are similar to Small Industries in their scale of operations. However, they do not qualify as SMIs because they are not in the business of manufacturing, Ifa link is to made between SMIs and ecotourism, then three sectors of business must be recognised. They are: the majority of ecotourism businesses, which are small; © the few, bigger tourism operators who arrange tours to nature destinations but typically do not fulfill the definition of ecotourism; and * SMIs, whose manufacturing operations might, in a few cases, be linked to ecotourism businesses. Examples of such links could be: A Small Industry in the field of Food, Beverages and Tobacco manufacture, which uses naturel plant dyes (e.g. mangosteen pigments) as food colouring, could form Sinks with an ecotourism or agrotourism operation to demonstrate its techniques; © A Medium Industry in Wood and Wood Products might form part of an ecotour which is organised by another ecotourism company, demonstrating one link in the chain of sustainable forest management, from the rainforest tour to plantation forestry to wood processing techniques. It seems clear, however, that such links will always be minor, and form just a supplementary form of business so far as the SMIs themselves are concerned, ‘The development of such links will also require considerable imagination. However, it is possible that the definition of SMIs may be expanded to include parts of the service sector. Although there are no current plans to do this, it would be in line with ther recent changes, such as the expansion in scope of the Human Resource Development Fund to cover tourism businesses.8.5.2 Incentives for Smaller Companies ‘The financial incentives available for encouraging tourism are not specifically designed for, or aimed at, smaller businesses (see Part 5, # 4 of this Plan). They are aimed at encouraging companies to grow larger, bringing in more tourists each. The scope for big companies to carry out ecotourism in acceptable ways is rather limited. There is, however, still a place for the dedicated operators of large companies to carry out specialised ecotourism, as a branch of their operations, if this involves the channeling of significant resources to area management and rehabilitation, and the involvement of local communities. If ecotourism is to be a continuing success, it will be important to retain the role of small companies, This may require specific incentives for existing companies to stay small, but provide high quality. Such incentives for small businesses could be: security of land tenure; «monopolies or exclusive access to areas; © favoured status during tenders and bidding; © access to funds for production of better information (maps, guidebooks, etc.); © greater flexibility in the conditions of use of private land. Specific areas of ecotourism business for which incentives could be improved ‘© local community, homestay; © specialist guide training companies or organisations; * waste treatment methods, equipment and training; ‘* design and construction standards for low impact accommodation in villages, forest and coastal areas; © arca management, conservation training; * conducting zoning and carrying capacity studies; * assistance in promotional materials and dissemination of information.70 Specific areas in which better controls are needed include: ‘planning permission for structures; © use of unlicenced guides ECOTOURISM Pt. 19. 9.1 Identification of main issues ‘This section is based upon diagrams resulting from a Logical Framework Analysis. Figure 1 identifies the lack of a single plan as the central issue around which the analysis is focused. There are various identified causes of this situation, The lack of an overall plan also has various effects, which can be grouped under the themes of (@ site management, (b) management of the processes and operations, (c) human aspects, and (d) fiscal aspects. The distinction between causes and effects is often arbitrary, because there are complicated interactions between them. Figure 2 sets out the objectives to be achieved by the plan, in which each cause and cach effect is addressed so as to result in a more desirable situation. A comparison between Figure 1 and Figure 2 should help to identify the steps required to move from the existing situation to the desired situation, These required steps are described below, in a sequence approximately like that in Figures 1 and 2, but at this stage without further analysing which is a causative factor and which is a consequential effect. Broadly, issues 9.1 to 9.11 represent causes, and issues 9.12 to 9.37 represent effects identified in Figure 1. Conditions for tenure of ecotourism sites not formulated Examples: There may be a subsidy of businesses which are basically uneconomic, by giving the "free" use of land for development, land adjacent to sites, and land grants. E.g., resorts on Pulau Layang-layang and Pulau Perhentian are paying nothing for use of resources beyond their property boundaries but which are being used, the coral reefs for diving and jungle for trekking. Private enterprise may build architecturally unsuitable structures within protected areas, and require additional land as business expands, with consequent damage to the tourist attraction, Desired situation: Conditions for tenure of ecotourism sites formulated.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues re ep “ied snd Sain ms Fra ay 2 ‘os [sero mo Poway] So PNT x iy “aeedeg or one smcima | fra on same | [ica spon | |"Pamaaing = saney | |"poonopan | Pasmaer] | "evans women scans] | "stong | | wsumapoa | | wennonos 20 mrgonat | | engriotea| | jamcina| |p army 2 Per vere | | inonea'| | wir mes | [snmp i I I 1 T rea ra, foxdey | |"snunoan ress) | aoc yeas | | Teor Dever | | ssabopet 5 1 ea ia ima ea “atop ia “eta 2pan || ferns 5 ‘meng | | por ‘os [I] “ep || | seme z eamen | | epeteo a vanes inom |] | yess a En me Sewer | [ical a sles} | posers ees | [Sean on = ea ‘ors a veostean| | aomosog ‘Sompv ica 1s wunee om paca som an = = Ez cea sso oa, SHAT |Srmatio| [Era eg 90 pa fecal spnnpeg persed] ten | |Sdeancer | | Sedan ‘ato sees cor | |oeismert| | cimpea | | sven wns aso) Prec meuaamnoy | [nommio'| [irene] [_ sere amet ms sIogasv Tost SLOMASVNVWAH — SNOLLVUAdO ANY S4SSAIOUd AO INAWZDVNVIN sauisMain Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘eet | Go "~ fname ad fica rope fica meee | | omen | [Far Stdoagneer | | neue eso strom || gene | | aserba | | crngaog | | Ammons Kiet mas rd | | joss | |aamuswou] | mmo | |_esiren |omaseso| sasnvo SLOaASV ‘TVOSL SLOGdSVNVWNH — SNOLLVWAdO GNV SASS4D0Ud 40 LNIWADVNVW74 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘Measures for achievement: a) ®) There should be a listing of the models available for site tenure, The list would include the following: All buildings and other facilities to be placed outside an ecotourism site/protected area, and run by the private sector; © Government agency to build facilities within an ecotourism site/protected area, and lease them out to operators for running; * Government agency to build as well as run facilities in an ecotourism site/protected area; © Operators be allowed to build, own and run property within an ecotourism site/protected area; There should be a mixed strategy (€g, some facilities owned by government within ecotourism sites, others privately run in buffer zones), rather than limiting the choice as a point of principle. There should be a procedure and method for deciding in each case which is the best option. Options may be ranked from most preferred to least preferred, probably in the sequence listed above. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.2, # 10.7 and # 10.8. 9.2 Short-term planning for ecotourism activities, leading to: ‘There may be little or no control of (or planned maximum) visitor numbers, room numbers, type or location of activities carried out, enforcement of certification of guides in remote locations. There may be insufficient capability within any given sector to assess the suitability of a proposed development within a given site, resulting in inappropriate forms of tourism within ecotourism sites.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 15 Tourism may be conducted solely as a business enterprise, without an understanding of the environmental impacts of visitor numbers and behaviour upon the resource which supports the business. Site carrying capacity methodology may be undeveloped, or insufficiently applied. Desired situation: Long-term planning for ecotourism activities, leading to: Need for carrying capacity limits appreciated, and Methodology for assessing site carrying capacity well developed Measures for achievement: Regional planning should always precede site-specific ecotourism planning, and both should precede the approval of land titles, construction, etc. Current, completed examples of carrying capacity studies should be distributed and used as models. Each protected area, and wherever possible other ecotourism areas, should have carrying capacity limits specified. These should refer to (a) overall carrying capacity of the area, (b) carrying capacity of differential-use zones within the area, and ideally (c) the carrying capacity of specific trails and facilities in each zone. Carrying capacity methodology should be further developed by each resource management agency, with consultation between them. ‘The site management agency (e.g. Fisheries Dept, Sabah Parks, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Forestry Department, etc.), consultants, local communities, tour operators and guides should all be involved in the elaboration of carrying capacity studies at each site.76 Les Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘The role, identity of trainers, and form of training have still to be elaborated in the National Ecotourism Plan, Different methodologies will be required that take account af: Habitat, e.g, coral reefs, forest, caves, etc. Site ownership, Existing ease of access, User needs ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.3, # 10.4 and # 10.7. Ecotourists' expectations poorly understood Examples: There often exists a lack of understanding of what ecotourism is: few individuals in any sector differentiate between types of tourism, basing plans upon the concept that more people bring in more money and are therefore better. Environmental impacts of planning based solely on visitor numbers and expenditure may be buffered by the fact that as sites are degraded, the tourist decline (amongst those who are put off) is offset by influx of other types of tourist (resort tourism and recreation), inappropriate to the site, hiding the basic lack of sustainability. Ecotourism sites may be developed according to the perception that their ‘demands are similar to demands of mass tourists, for better road access, sir conditioning and western foodstuffs, etc. Desired situation: Ecotourist expectations better understood Measures for achievement: Methods for monitoring and analysing ecotourists’ opinions, needs and comments are required. Some surveys have been carried out at protected areas by the area management authorities, though not on a regular basis. ‘Surveys should be carried out overseas and amongst special interest groups, by overseas offices and agents of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board. They should construct market profiles, including a specific component onECOTOURISM Pt. Mai es 71 nature and ecotourism demand, interests, requirements, and availability of information. Overseas ecotourism organisations such as The Ecotourism Society (USA), the Ecotourism Association of Australia, and the Ecotourism Institute of Thailand should be utilised for their expertise in ecotourism requirements. Successful ecotour operators in Malaysia are a rich source of information about the requirements of ecotourists. They should be brought into dialogues specifically to describe such requirements, for use in developing tourism products adapted to ecotourist needs. A national body (# 7.1) should spread such knowledge amongst the various stakeholders including local residents near ecotourism sites. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.3 and # 10.14, 94 — Inadequate procedures for acquiring accurate statistics, leading to: Inadequate tourist and nature-based tourist statistics Examples: Procedure for acquiring tourismvecotourism statistics may be inadequate in distinguishing travel to the three regions of Malaysia, distinguishing ‘ecotourists from adventure and sports tourists, etc. National versus state level analysis may pose problems. Immigration Department officials may not accept responsibility for collecting tourism data. The true expenditure, number of visitors at many sites, special interests (type, and number of people for each), how many sites visited per person, average length of stay compared with general tourists, reasons for choice of country/state/site, changes in perceptions of Malaysia/ state/site as result of visit, visitor satisfaction amongst ecotourists are all poorly understood.Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Desired situation: Procedure for acquiring tourist statistics in place, leading to: Improved tourist and nature-based tourist statisties Measures for achievement: Methods of determining the number and characteristics of visitors, especially foreign visitors, travelling onwards from Peninsular Malaysia through to Sabah and Sarawak need to be strengthened. If this cannot be done from immigration statistics, it can be achieved by observation and counting by the staff of other govemment agencies standing at airport immigration desks. Surveys of tourists and ecotourists need to be conducted in parks, and of departing visitors in airports, and buses, on a continuing basis. Sample questionnaires are given in Part 6 of this report. Additional questions, and ‘more refined versions, may be developed with experience. Data from tour companies (and specifically from those dealing with visits to ecotourism sites) on visitor numbers, origins, places visited, suggestions, complaints, records of things they liked, etc., should be compiled on a continuing basis, ‘An effort could be made to assess the significance of nature destinations amongst non-tourist visitors to Malaysia, e,g., business persons, those attending conferences, who may also take a few days' holiday and visit sites for aday or alfa day. Further data are needed on the domestic tourism market, statistics at Recreational Forests, and at previously unrecorded sites for camping, etc. These may be collected at such sites, and will probably require a strengthening of the existing efforts by institutions of higher leaming and research. Contractual work for the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, or Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, may be required. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plan # 10.14,ECOTOURISM Pt 95 Desired situation: 1 in Issues 19 Government authority dispersed and unclear, leading to: Inter-agency integration inadequate Examples: Prospective operators of tour/ecotour businesses and facilities may approach an inappropriate agency, and become tangled in delays. Lists of sites for ecotourism compiled by one agency may conflict with lists from another agency. Meanwhile, various sites on such lists may already have been developed inappropriately by the private or public sector. Confusing and conflicting publicity may be issued about sites such as Endau Rompin, owing to management complications. Many activities being carried out at State level may not be accompanied by the necessary information flow to Federal marketing and promotional agecies. Tourism projects may proceed without proper guidelines because of mukiple agency responsibility. The crucial role of District Officers in planning approvals and in giving assistance to small enterprise may not be recognised by the tourism sector. Goverment authority made concentrated and clear, leading to: Inter-agency integration improved Measures for achievement: A guidebook should be available for prospective and existing tour operators and tourism project developers, indicating what to do in each circumstance, with the sequence of necessary and recommended steps. Procedure will differ with the status of land, (a) Stateland or privately owned land, and (b) government owned reserve (Parks, Forest Reserves, Wildlife Reserves, Marine Parks, etc.); see # 9.21 for suggested procedures.80 96 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 To aid other objectives, the code of conduct (# 9.20) should be included within this guidebook, as well as being available separately. State Parks authorities have been determined as a method of encouraging the establishment of ecotourism sites. See # 7.2 above, and # 9.29 below. Clear lines of authority should be established between such State agencies, District Offices, and Federal agencies. Similarly, clarity of procedure should be established in dealing with tourism proposals within Marine Parks, on adjacent islands and mainland, with respect to State agencies, District Offices, Federal agencies especially the Fisheries Department, and the proposed island development board under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Information flow between ministries, departments, District Offices, and others should be facilitated through the good offices of a national monitoring body (see # 7.1). ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.5, # 10.7 and # 10.8. National objectives of ecotourism unclear Examples: There may be a lack of development and management plans for areas used. for ecotourism, and few enforcement mechanisms to implement ther. Private sector may begin site development without clear understanding of Federal or State objectives for the site, such as Gunung Stong, Pulau Layang-layang, or Tasik Kenyir. eco ere National objectives of ecotourism clear Measures for achievement: ‘The adoption of a National Ecotourism Plan should help to clarify the relative importance accorded to ecotourism. It should be regarded as a significant portion of the overall tourism sector, which is to be distinguished clearly from other types of tourism in its needs, to be carried out on a widespread low impact basis.ECOTOURISM Pt. Main Issues 81 Whilst ecotourism will never form the majority part of tourism, it will continue to be the dominant form of tourism in specific locations, and be capable of bringing specific benefits to its practitioners and to the natura! environment. Ecotourism sites exist primarily for conservation and resource management, and ecotourism is typically a supplement, not the main justification for such sites. This supplement should wherever possible benefit local communities and the site concemed. ‘The importance of adhering to the principles and guidelines for ecotourism should be emphasised to the private sector through publicity, disseminating information, and through firm implementation of approval procedures and monitoring. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.1 and # 10.2. 9.7 Criteria for assessing proposals and proposers inadequate or non-existent Examples: Tourism developments may get under way prior to the establishment and implementation of the legal and administrative framework: e.g, building of chalets within a Forest Reserve without proper legal status. Architecture may be inappropriate to the site. ‘Tourism project proponent may have no experience in ecotourism. Desired situation: Criteria for assessing proposals/proposers in place and operating Measures for achievement: Criteria for project approval should be presented in full in the final version of the National Ecotourism Plan, They should be linked to the approval process which at present is discussed under # 9.21 (below).Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 The criteria which are developed should be adopted by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism as the licencing authority for tourism businesses under the Tourism Industry Act 1992; and by authorities at State level (e.g., Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development in Sabah, Ministry of Tourism in Sarawak, and by State Planning Committees in Peninsular Malaysia. An advisory role would be played by bodies such as the proposed State Design Advisory Committees (Peat Marwick, 1992), any relevant NGOs (wildlife, ecotourism, etc.), and whatever monitoring body may be set up for implementation of the National Ecotourism Plan, An individual would complete a proforma checklist according to the criteria; the proforma may be designed during the final version of the National Ecotourism Plan. Cross-reference should be made to the guidelines for assessing tenders and bids (Guidelines, Part 3, # 22). Amongst criteria which could be employed are: Proposals: ~ Environmental impacts (inked to carrying capacity studies), is there an existing management plan, does proposal fit in with this plan, and with cexisting/planned infrastructure? - Proposal accompanied by contour map, map of existing vegetation? - Consistent with Town & Country Planning Department plans? - Enhancement of national/state image? - Economic viability and business plan? ~ Available manpower? - Human resource development plan? + Is it ecotourism or mass tourism? ~ Increase tourist numbers/revenue? -Will enhance tourist satisfaction? (geared to results of tourist statistics/surveys) - General health and safety measures? - Existence of a business plan? Proposers: ~ Does he know enough about nature? - Is he/she intending to stay in the ecotourism business, or use it as a land scam? = Past experience record in tourism/ecotourism (important, but do not prohibit fresh blood)? = Past record in any other business (not to prohibit fresh blood, but general level of respectability)? ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plan # 10.8.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 83 9.8 Land use decisions made on inadequate foundation Examples: Land applications may conflict with development and management plans, or bbe made in the absence of such plans. ‘Tourism facilities may be unreasonably crowded into a small area, creating negative impacts upon the natural attraction. Land applications may not take into account traditional use by local communities, or may not consider social impacts of the influx of tourists. red situati Land use decisions made on adequate foundation Measures for achievement: All Proposed Forest Reserves, Parks, etc, must be gazetted as soon as possible, if opportunities for ecotourism are not to be missed. Government should re-examine the concept of giving incentives to maintain forest on privately owned land or leased Sateland used for tourism purposes (eg, taxbreaks; freehold instead of merely leaschold, exemption from service tax, no/minimal land rent). This would typically be a State level decision, but could be encouraged by Federal leads. Such concepts should be incorporated into the framework of fiscal measures for ecotourism (see # 9.34), The concept of plantation forestry on private land should be fostered, including the use of such plantations for ecotourism and agrotourism. There should be a Master Plan for land use for forested areas throughout the country, incorporating zoning for existing and potential tourism as well as recreation. This should draw upon elements from the 5 year Management and Development Plans prepared by each State Forestry Department, which address tourism to a limited extent. Structure and Local Plans should be formally adopted and gazetted quickly, 50 as to be enforceable.84 ae Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Contour maps, vegetation maps, hydrological information, and discussion of compatibility with surrounding land use and the surrounding socio- economic situation are matters which should routinely be consulted in decision-making on land use proposals for tourism and ecotourism (sce # 8.21). Decisions need to refer to social, economic and environmental benefits and costs in relation to the whole community, not just the tourism or ‘ecotourism operation itself. There should be opportunities for capacity building in Land Offices, State Planning Committees, and Town & Country Planning Department offices, including the use of workshops and seminars on tourism and ecotourism requirements. ‘The material on activities suitable for private sector involvement (# 8.21, and Guidelines # 21 are relevant to land use decisions including the lease/ privatisation/ ownership of property in parks, etc. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.3, # 10.7, # 10.9 and # 10.10. Shortage of controls for ecotourism activities Examples: There may be little or no control of (or planned maximum) visitor numbers, room numbers, type or location of activities carried out, and enforcement of certification of guides in remote locations. ‘The public sector may lack the resources to assess the suitability of a proposed ecotourism or tourism development. There may be a "get-rich-quick" attitude amongst developers, treating the environment as an ordinary business, with little understanding of the processes and requirements for management. a Adequate controls for ecotourism activities Measures for achievement: Measures described below under # 9.25, 9.26, 9.29 are relevant and should be implemented in the longer term. Where feasible, material from Guidelines, or a written commitment to adhere to specified Guidelines,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 85 should be incorporated into contracts and agreements relating to the use of land by the private sector for tourism and ecotourism. In the immediate term, wherever ecotourism projects are under way or soon to commence, and where controls on activities, extent and location of facilities, etc, seem inadequate to minimise adverse effects, the relevant government agencies should review the projects and as far as possible ensure that guidelines contained in this Plan are followed. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.4, # 10.5, # 10.7 and # 10.11. 9.10 General perception of ecotourism as a poor kind of tourism Examples: Potential of ecotourism may not be realised if equated with low-budget backpacking. Low-budget tourists tend to spend longer out of town than hhigh-budget tourists, and inject money directly into the rural economy. There is also a niche for high-budget ecotourists. Ecotourism as a field may be neglected through ignoring the cumulative importance of fow impact dispersed tourism. ‘The various types of tourism may be insufficiently distinguished, tuming cach site into a mass tourism site or recreational site. a Potential of ecotourism to contribute to spreading benefits and environmental impacts, and to supporting environmental conservation, realised in government policy Measures for achievement: ‘The measures to achieve this desired situation are similar to those for # 9.6 (above). When the perception of ecotourism as an important activity, and sometimes the predominant economic activity in specific localities, is86 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 recognised, then the national objectives of ecotourism will become clear. ‘The reverse is also true. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.1, # 10.2 and # 10.14. 9.11 Shortage of good information for ecotourists Examples: Maps are frequently not available, Checklists of birds, plants, fishes, etc, found in the given area may seldom ‘be available for purchase. Foreign Independent Travellers may face difficulty in acquiring information about access, permits, and public transport to parks. Co Adequate information for ecotourists provided Measures for achievement: The current policy which restricts the availability of maps useful in rural areas must be reviewed. Up-to-date maps showing rivers, topography, rural roads, location and boundaries of protected areas, etc., are urgently needed. A rolling fund should be established for the preparation and sponsorship of books, checklists, etc. The fund may be established and funds disbursed by a central co-ordinator (e.g., the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board). Corporate sponsorship may be sought to raise funds for specifi products. Design and preparation of material suitable for publication may be contracted to non-governmental organisations, and design of interpretation displays to companies (@.., environmental consultants, in co-operation with the resource management agencies). The fund could be the same one as that proposed for supporting the production of material for interpretation centres (see # 8.20, below). Specific information materials of high accuracy will be needed to cater for the target audiences of promotions and marketing of specialist themes (see # 8.14: e.g, palms, begonias, longhouse cultures, archaeology), for which the commissioning of specialist writers would be necessary.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 87 The accuracy and usefulness of existing materials should be reviewed in consultation with tour operators, and by consultation with tourists (e.g., using survey techniques at ecotourism sites to discover if they found the information provided to be sufficient, useful or easy to obtain). A better mechanism should be found for such consultation than exists now. Park management authorities should be enabled to use tourist revenues directly for publication or re-publication of brochures, maps and other materials, to avoid situations in which stocks are exhausted whilst budget allocations for future years are considered. Operators of tourist facilities in or adjacent to patks may enter into partnership with parks management authorities in produciag booklets, ete., for sale, and have profit-sharing agreements, THEREFORE implement Action Plan # 10.17. Site Management: 9.12 Few or no benefits to coniservation from ecotourism Examples: Introduction of tourism into an established protected area may not be accompanied by revenue sufficient to manage the resulting environmental and social impacts. Fiscal measures may encourage infrastructural development in the more sensitive of areas. Desired situation: Synergy of mutual benefits between ecotourism and conservation ‘Measures for achievement: Decision makers should be guided by established criteria for assessing tourism proposals (see # 9.7 criteria, 9.21 process) and reject proposals88 9.13 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 which provide only money benefits at the expense of environmental degradation or loss of biological diversity. Proposals which indicate social and economic retums to the area and local community should be favoured. The fiscal framework of ecotourism needs to be reviewed (see # 8.34), with special attention given to methods of enhancing revenue capture at sites (eg. visitor fees, fees to concessionaires operating at sites, etc.), and means to retum revenue for the purpose of improved site protection and management. State government authorities should be supplied with information about areas with ecotourism potential which are currently under threat from less sustainable forms of use (¢., logging or agricultural expansion on hill slopes). State authorities under pressures to exploit natural resources in specific, known environmentally sensitive areas should be encouraged by tourism authorities to look at ecotourism as a potential alternative, THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.9, # 10.10, # 10.12, # 10.13, # 10.15 and # 10.19. Canying Capacity/Limits of Acceptable Change (CC/LAC) exceeded at identified sites Examples: Little or no control of visitor numbers, room numbers, activities carried out, may lead to inappropriate physical facilities, infrastructure, and degradation of site that results in a decline in tourist satisfaction, and in revenue and sustainability. Wom and eroded tracks may become dangerous. Wildlife may be stressed, leading to changes in behaviour and reduced breeding. Copycat operators may exceed the limits imposed by carrying capacity, through lacking expertise in how to avoid damage, and lacking incentives to avoid damage. Visitor numbers may increase exponentially, with litle planning for ceilings and how to attain them.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 89 een Carrying Capacity/Limits of Acceptable Change maintained at each site ‘Measures for achievement: Methods and procedures for assessing carrying capacity and limits of acceptable change need to be determined and refined (see Guidelines, Part 3, #2). Methods and procedures need to be made known to site management agencies and used commonly. Site management agencies should carry out CCILAC studies or commission qualified agencies (e.g., environmental consultancies, universities, non-governmental organisations) to conduct such studies. Government should ensure that CC figures are available for all ecotourism sites, and can be defended. Site management authorities must bear responsibility for ensuring that existing and proposed tour operations match CC estimates for sites under their control. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.7, # 10.10 and # 10.16. 9.14 Suitable sites remain unidentified Examples: ‘An area suitable for ecotourism may be used for other, environmentally degrading and possibly less economically productive purposes. Developers may experience opportunity costs. Kinabatangan river only identified for tourism in late 1980s, by which time auch land had been excised for land clearance. ‘A site may not be identified and developed through complexity of social problems in the area,90 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Be Suitable sites adequately identified Measures for achievement: The process of site identification and categorisation is partly done by this National Ecotourism Plan, with a listing of sites in Part 2. Site identification, categorisation, and subsequent measures of planning, development and rehabilitation, will be continuing processes. Agencies such as the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Fisheries Department, Sabah Parks, National Parks and Wildlife Office, Local Anthorities and NGOs will bave a continuing role in identifying suitable sites. The linking of these sites into international, national and local itineraries will also be a continuing process. A range of possibilities which can be developed is given in Action Plan # 10.19. Criteria are needed for assessing tourism and ecotourism proposals based on site suitability. A guidebook should be available indicating the legal and administrative options for protecting areas for tourism. It may be possible to produce a draft of such a booklet during the elaboration of the National Ecotourism Plan, THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.8, # 10.9, # 10.13 and # 10.19. 9.15 Technical data on sites inadequate Examples: Shortage of information about visitor interests may lead to mixing of different tourist types on a trail, and interference with each other's activities. Lack of information about behaviour and movements of a wildlife species of tourism interest precludes both suitable zoning of habitat and appropriate tourist schedules. Compaction of soil by visitors on trails results in preventable tree deaths and subsequent detraction from visitor satisfaction,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 1 a Technical data available for each site ‘Measures for achievement: Research is needed in the following areas: inventories/checklists of plant and animal species at ecotourism areas; ecology of species of main tourism interest; refining methodology for assessment of carrying capacity; monitoring of parameters to determine limits of acceptable change; socio- economy of ecotourism areas; tourist characteristics/opinions/response at specific sites. Such research could be done by universities, governmental resource management agencies, consultancy companies, non-governmental organisations, and foreign scientists attached to Malaysian institutions. A monitoring programme needs to be established in conjunction with the training of site protection/management staff, so that long-term monitoring of wildlife ecotourism assets can be continued. Funds for such research need to be made available; it would be appropriate to allocate some funds derived from entrance/concession fees for this purpose. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.7, # 10.10 and # 10.16, 9.16 Reserved sites unmanaged for ecotourism Examples: Copycat tour operators may exceed the visitor limits imposed by carrying capacity, having no expertise in ways of avoiding damage, and no long-term incentives to avoid such damage. Visitors may be allowed in to a site but not managed upon entry or once they are inside, leading to damaging activities and revenue losses. Absence of ecotourism site interpretation facilities, inadequate access trails and viewing points, and missed opportunities for fee collection, may resultMain Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 in missed educational opportunities, visitor dissatisfaction, and sub-optimal revenue collection. a Reserve management takes ecotourism into account: ‘Measures for achievement: All protected areas and areas used for ecotourism should have an updated, operational, dynamic master plan with a very detailed section. on tourism activities. Priority in the development of such plans should be given to the larger, more heavily used sites, and selected sites with high risks of environmental degradation. Where protected areas already have management plans that do not adequately address tourism, the plan should be revised in order to do so. For sustainable tourism and for support of habitat and species conservation, the foundation of tourism management in protected areas must be that conservation principles take precedence over tourism. Ecotourism in protected areas would then be given precedence over all the remaining possible uses (¢.g., mining). Tourism management aspects of site management plans should be as specific as possible, so that site managers can follow prescriptions. Plans need to be updated in the light of new information and experience. A clear policy is needed on the extent to which management agency staff (eg, wildlife rangers, parks staff) will be directly involved in ecotourism ‘management, and in guiding and other duties. This may vary from site to site. Government agencies managing ecotourism sites are responsible for ensuring that managers are qualified and experienced. In view of likely shortages in the availability of suitable staff, if necessary one manager may cover the running of more than one site. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.10, # 10.11 and # 10.16.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 93 9.17 Stateland sites alienated for other purposes Example: ‘An area of Stateland forest containing Rafflesia plants, an ecotourism asset, may be cleared for subsistence farming. In Sabah, Sarawak and some other States, such sites may be cleared with the main intention of claiming land rights, rather than for crop production. Applications for State land for agricultural purposes, submitted to government some years ago, may continue to be processed, even though recent information indicates that the land has good ecotourism potential. Proposals for Parks, Forest Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries, some recommended as early as the 1960s, have been rejected or ignored on the assumption that agricultural expansion is a superior land use. Desired situation: State lands reserved where required for ecotourism Measures for achievement: In light of such factors as the need to protect water quality and timber production capacity, growing shortage of labour, and promotion of tourism rather than agricultural expansion for economic diversification, 2 review of land alienation policy is needed urgently. As a matter of urgency State _governments should review all previous, existing proposals for parks, Forest Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and other conservation areas. All State governments should review plans for both alienation of State land (especially large land areas for agriculture) and the process of gazettement of the Permanent Forest Estate (PFE), PFEs should be finalised by all States as soon as possible. The PFE should contain the full range of Malaysia's natural forest habitats, and be planned to maximise the number and variety of sites accessible for ecotourism, THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.7 and # 10.9.94 9.18 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Alienated lands lost to ecotourism Examples: A rare plant, of interest to a specialised botanical tour group, may be destroyed by the land-owner who sees tourists as an interference in his agricultural work. A suitable site, upon investigation, is found to have been alienated already, but not yet cleared. The condition of land title specifies that the land has to be used for agriculture. Ecotourism may be a viable alternative, and preferable for example if not needing foreign labour, and in leading the way to diversify the local economy. However, the land owner is hesitant to try to amend the condition of land title, and is given no encouragement fom government 0 do so. Desired situation: Alienated lands used for ecotourism where feasible ‘Measures for achievement: ‘State governments should consider adopting a policy that alienated land may be retained under natural forests for valid purposes (including tourism, water catchment protection) without the need to apply for permission to change conditions of the land title, Where tourism and resource management authorities (e.g., Forestry Departments, wildlife agencies) are aware of the existence of alienated lands with ecotourism potential, they should liaise with the land owner to suggest option, and provide administrative support (e.g., in advising the land authority) and technical advice where necessary. A policy should be in place that privately owned land can be kept under forest and used for tourism, and which ensures that existing features with ecotourism potential on private land are utilised THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.7 and # 10.17.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 98 9.19 Sites degraded, and lose ecotourism value Examples: A turtle nesting beach may be degraded through litter, or turtles be killed by boat propellers, or local residents’ behaviour altered unfavourably through interaction with tourists. There may be little or no control of visitor mumbers, room numbers, and activities carried out. Desired situation: Ecotourism site quality enhanced Measures for achievement: There should be a system for the review of management plans, zoning plans, etc., for parks and protected areas, to monitor and check that tourism has not, drifted from the original concept, or if modification of the original concept is required, Such a review, and other normal operating practices, should be used to identify necessary steps for rehabilitation. Where degradation has demonstrably been caused by tourism, methods should be devised, on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with tour operators and local communities, to find funds and/or manpower for rehabilitation work. In certain cases this can even involve overseas ‘tourists’ such as youth groups on adventure training trips. Measures should be taken to improve supporting services and facilities, especially maintenance services (e.g, adequate rubbish bins which are regularly cleaned and maintained). ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.7, # 10.10 and # 10.12.96 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pi. 1 Management of processes/operations: 9.20 Ecotourism contributing little to environmental education and awareness Examples: ‘A tour guide may permit visitors to a cave to write graffitti, thereby conveying wrong expectations of acceptable/not acceptable activities, Insufficient interpretative materials may detract from visitors’ enjoyment, through poor understanding of what it is they are seeing. — Ecotourism contributing to public environmental education and awareness ‘Measures for achievement: A code of conduct for ecotour operators and guides, and for tour operators in general, should be prepared and comprehensively distributed. This could be based on the PATA Code of Conduct for Environmentally Responsible ‘Tourism, and include a digest of the Guidelines from the National Ecotourism Plan. The full Guidelines should also be available. Ecotourism sites should be promoted and more thoroughly used as sites for the education and awareness of youth, for research on tourism and ecotourism issues (¢.g., in tourism courses conducted by MARA and other institutions). Not only can they be model sites for demonstrating use of the environment, and contribute to the environmental awareness of Malaysian and foreign tourists, but they can generate useful data of use in tourism planning. A fund should be established for the development of interpretation displays at ecotourism sites throughout Malaysia. This may be the same fund mentioned in # 9.11, above). THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.12, # 10.16, # 10.20 and # 10.21.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main 9.21 es 97 Absence of process for assessing and deciding on proposals Example: A developer of mass tourism facilities may apply for, and be awarded, land within a national park used for ecotourism. ‘A Land Administrator may approve a land title based upon the view that it will bring immediate financial benefit, without considering effects upon the natural asset itself, Development of a multi-storey building may be approved as bringing in greater revenue per unit area, Desired situation: Proposal evaluation/decision-making process introduced Measures for achievement: An administrative process for receiving and processing tourism proposals is to be decided at State level. All States have control over decisions on land use, and therefore on ecotourism proposals; but States may differ in the most appropriate framework for receiving and processing proposals, ‘The relevant State-level agency needs to be identified to camy out the evaluation of tourism and ecotourism proposals, including the Ministry of Tourism in Sarawek and the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development in Sabah. A general model which could apply both to proposals from the private sector and from government agencies is given in Action Plan # 10.8. ‘A matrix indicating the recommended roles of private and public sector bodies in ecotourism operations is also given in Action Plan # 10.8, Further details on projects and fields suitable for private sector involvement are given in Part 2, #4, of the National Ecotourism Plan. In principle, all of the ecotourism product ideas given in Action Plan # 10.19 are suitable for private sector development, subject to the appropriate controls. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.8 and 10.19.98 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 9.22 Unsuitable developers entering ecotourism industry Examples: ‘A mass tourism project, involving the setting up of a hotel with a few caged animals, may be touted as ecotourism, and have negative effects upon the Malaysian image. Insufficient capital expenditure by a developer may result in the construction of unsightly shacks next to an existing, well-planned and well-designed facility, thus detracting from the business of both operations. An irresponsible dive tour operator may employ unqualified instructors and other staff, resulting in the death of a customer and legal proceedings. ee Suitable Developers enter ecotourism industry. ‘Measures for achievement: Ecotourism development should be guided by a national body, an expanded Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee, which will provide guidance and examples of good practice (see # 7.1, above). More thorough screening of applications for tourism or ecotourism projects, a better decision-making process (see # 8.21 above), and more thorough guidelines in place (see # 9.29, below) should be used as opportunities to improve the quality of ecotourism products before they are set in place. Job opportunities and a better career structure should be encouraged, for example in tour and site guiding, so that more, and more suitable people can center the profession. A tourism ‘certification’ system, guided by the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee, will help to raise standards of ecotourism (see Guidelines, Part 3, #15). All rules, regulations and policies must be strongly pursued and enforced, including the low impact dispersed tourism approach; the need for management plans for protected areas and parks, setting forth carrying capacity, limits of acceptable change, zoning and site plans. “Awards systems should be used as a tool to encourage tour operators who perform well in adhering to guidelines and best practice. Good operators may be rewarded by access to better marketing assistance,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 9.23 Training must be available, to tum unsuitable operators into suitable ‘operators; this concept is addressed in Action Plan # 10.16. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.8, # 10.11, # 10.12, # 10.16, # 10.17 and # 10.18, Shortage of innovative entrepreneurs entering ecotourism business and developing new products Example: ‘A small number of tour operators in Malaysia have created many good tourism products with minimal assistance from government and while working against many constraints. Many other operators have relied on simple products where the resources have been supplied by government, have copied the products of others, and failed to develop their own products. a More small ecotour operators, each developing their own, new, imaginative and appropriate products, in all regions of Malaysia. jievement: As far as possible, government authorities should be supportive of ventures which show signs of introducing new, imaginative and appropriate products (ie, sustainable and adhering to the principles of ecotourism). This might include allowing new business partnerships involving non-Malaysian management staff, and encouraging operators to employ biologists as product development staff. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.12, # 10.16, # 10.17 and # 10.19.100 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 9.24 Mass tourism occurring at ecotourism sites Example: A metalled road may be constructed to provide access to a site, and succeeds in attracting more visitors than the site can sustain. ‘A company acquires a licence to operate a restaurant at an ecotourism site but, finding that it receives insufficient business to make good profits, then acquires permission to develop an amusement park. Customer numbers increase, but the original value of the site for ecotourism is lost. Coastal reclamation for a resort may lead to destruction of coral reefs or of mangroves currently in use for ecotourism. ‘A luxury hotel with air-conditioned, self-contained units crowded into the space near a waterfall may destroy: the visual impact of the waterfall for other visitors, and dissatisfy its own clients who are isolated from the natural experience. Fifty hectares of a forest reserve may be cleared for recreation and weekend picnicking, a space unnecessarily large and involving the severe littering of a nearby stream. Traffic jams may be experienced at weekends within an ecotourism site. Desired situation: All ecotourism sites utilised by visitors whose behaviour and numbers are appropriate for the site: the right kind of tourism is carried out at the right kind of site. Measures for achievement: ‘There should be clearer segmentation of tourism products into the different forms of tourism (mass tourism, sports tourism, ecotourism, etc.). It is assumed that site carrying capacity and limits of acceptable change have been identified, and that the problem centres on the existence of facilities of a type which encourage excessive or inappropriate use, Each form of tourism should be assigned to a distinct locality, or to separate or non-competing zones within a locality. This will be facilitated by the existence of management plans for ecotourism sites and protected areas, and by the existence of a clear planning concept of the aim of each site.ECOTOURISM 1 Main Issues 101 Marketing and promotional methods should be appropriate to the particular site and its management objectives. Dealing with mass tourism at sites which should have been managed for small visitor numbers requires sensitive handling on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, the only practical solution will be to continue to manage the site for mass tourism, with the introduction of improvements where possible, and seek alternative sites for ecotourism. It is important that the relevant authorities leam from the sequence of events which led to the problem at the first site (in some cases, well-intentioned investments by government in improving road access or in advertising may have facilitated mass tourism at unsuitable sites). It is equally important that the alternative sites are maintained for ecotourism and that they too do not become mass tourism destinations. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.7, # 10.10, # 10.11, # 10.12 and # 10.13. 9.25 Unsuitable products under way Examples: AA tour operator may encourage the feeding of monkeys, which become first tame, then aggressive, then have to be shot. ‘on a beach, through inadequate understanding, of local residents whose culture is a prime component of the area's attraction. A tour operator may encourage the collection of butterflies which reduces the number available for others to see, or the feeding of coral reef fish which encourages eutrophication of water. Desized situation: Tourism products offered at ecotourism sites are consistent with site potential and requirementsMain Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Measures for achievement: Modifying or stopping unsuitable products that are already under way requires sensitive handling on a case-by-case basis. In some cases a slow phasing out will be appropriate (for example, if the activity causes no permanent damage, and in order to minimise damage to Malaysia's tourism image, and if there is no existing legislation to prohibit the activity of concern). In other cases, it may be proper to stop the activity quickly by any means possible (for example, where undesirable activities will become more intransigent if action is delayed, or if they are clearly damaging to the environment). Whenever it becomes apparent that unsuitable products are under way, national and state level tourism authorities should identify the government authority most appropriate to take action. For instance, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks is normally the appropriate agency for problems concerned with wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia, while local authorities may be the appropriate agency for problems concerning tourist behaviour where tourists are based at accommodation under the purview of the local authority. The tourism authority should collaborate with the most appropriate other agency or agencies to draw up a proper course of action, In general it will be preferable to seek informally the co-operation of tour ‘operators to phase out or stop unsuitable activities. If this is unsuccessful, then the authorities should use any available legal means. Examples could be taken from: the ways in which tourism to see turtles at Rantau Abang has been modified over the years; the joint discussions held between and with tour operators at Sukau, Kinabatangan. In the longer term, the introduction of a system of certification for tourism products will help to prevent the introduction of new unsuitable products, Tourism authorities could maintain 2 portfolio of suitable project ideas available for the use of potential tourism and ecotourism developers. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.11, # 10.12, # 10.13, # 10.16, # 10.18 and # 10.19.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 103 9.26 Weaknesses in on-site management Examples: Young or under-qualified site managers may be unable to manage adequately the staff under their supervision. Management of bookings and accommodation may be conducted by agencies insufficiently qualified in these fields. Visitors may be enabled to wander off trails, trampling and degrading vegetation. Wildlife sightings may decline owing to excessive concentrations of visitors. ‘There may be failure to prevent encroachment around the less frequented boundaries of parks, damaging the environment and leading to visitor dissatisfaction upon discovery. Inadequate zoning of protected areas may lead to concentrations of visitors within core research plots. Desired situation: On-site management strengthened Measures for achievement: Protected areas should remain under the management of the agencies currently responsible, because their primary purpose is resource management and conservation. Where ecotourism is one of the potential or existing use options, technical committees should provide a channel for incorporating tourism into decision making. The Taman Negara and Endau Rompin committees are models. For the range of smaller areas, where it would not be feasible to have committees for every area, a single advisory committee such as the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee should be the relevant body.104 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Management plans should be drawn up and implemented for all ecotourism sites, Where protected areas already have management plans that do not address tourism adequately, the plan should be revised to incorporate tourism issues. Periodic review of management plans is required. Tourism management aspects of site management plans should be as specific as possible, ¢.g., continually referring back to carrying capacity, zoning and site plans, so that site managers can follow prescriptions. Government agencies responsible for the management of ecotourism areas should ensure that managers are qualified and experienced. In view of likely shortages in the availability of suitable candidates, if necessary one manager may cover the running of more than one site, Training opportunities should be provided, and expanded (see in addition Guidelines, Part 3, # 14 related to guide training). Park management is such. a specialised field that in States which set up their own park authorities the concept of staff transfers would have to be examined case-by-case with particular care, ‘The setting up of financial mechanisms additional to conventional government allocations (e.g. Trust Funds, supporters’ groups: see Guidelines, Part 3, # 21, 24; and Issues # 9.33 - 9.36 below) will help to free up finances for management, purchase of special equipment, etc, THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.10, # 10.11 and # 10.16, 9.27 Inadequate on-site staff capacity and capability Examples: ‘Staff numbers may be insuflicient to cope with both enforcement and visitor management. Organisations newly set up for park management may take time to build up staff resources, during which time habitat degradation and infringements may occur. Organisations charged with area management may not have staff qualified in ‘tourism matters. Desired situation: On-site staff capability improvedECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 105 Measures for achievement: Government should place refatively more emphasis on funds for staff capacity building in ecotourism, along with project planning and management, and relatively less on funds for infrastructure and buildings. On-site staff training seminars should be organised by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism in collaboration with the relevant site management agencies. These seminars should be run by experienced park/tourism managers, including staff from Malaysia and if necessary outside Malaysia, and they should spend some days observing current management of the site before running the seminar. A scheme of accreditation should gradually be introduced for tourism products (Action Plan # 10.18; Guidelines, Part 3, # 15), as one of the ways to promote own-statf training by private companies. Staff numbers should be commensurate with (a) total area, and (b) tourist numbers, i.e., with the overall management burden of the area concemed, avoiding over- or under-staffing. Where prospects for the increase of on-site government staff capacity are limited, funds should be made available for the development of self-guided interpretation facilities, if necessary by qualified private contractors. Staff may also be seconded from other government agencies. Funds raised from visitor fees at government-owned ecotourism sites should be retumed to the site management agency for the improvement of future ‘management, including increasing staff numbers and/or staff training. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.12, # 10.15 and # 10.16.106 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 9.28 Infrastructural development emphasised at the expense of planning, training and ‘management, leading to: A soad, pipeline or electricity supply may be set in place to stimulate private sector development, prior to the formulation of a comprehensive plan for an area, Rapid creation of job opportunities may exceed the supply of local manpower, forcing an influx of people from outside the area, and resulting socio-economic problems. Expensive chalets or offices may be built, prior to agreement on who is to run them, Government or private sector may invest in structures which are then under- utilised. Desired situation: Planning, training and management given proper emphasis and timing relative to infrastructure Measures for achievement: Government should place relatively more emphasis on funds for tourism project planning and management, and training programmes, and relatively less on funds for infrastructure and buildings. Such plans should not initially be site plans, but plans which place the proposed tourism project within a regional development context. A scheme of certification for ecotourism products should gradually be introduced (see Guidelines, Part 3, # 15), as a way of promoting better quality in all aspects of product development and management. When infrastructure is provided, it should adhere in concept and design to existing development and management plans. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.5, # 10.7 and # 10.11.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 107 9.29 Inadequate guidance and rules for private sector Examples: River banks may be reinforced with wood and concrete, creating a drain-like effect rather than maintaining a natural landscape, Exotic plants may be introduced into natura! areas for decorative purposes, and competing with the native flora. Abstraction of groundwater may lead to saltwater intrusion and pollution, owing to lack of regulation. Litter and wastewater disposal methods may be inadequate and unhygienie. Bright lights shining onto beaches may prevent turtle nestings. epee Rules/guidetines for private sector in protected areas introduced ‘Measures for achievement: All government authorities involved in decision-making and/or enforcement in relation to tourism, including District Officers, other local government authorities, and Federal and State level natural resource management agencies, should be provided by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism with a copy of all the Guidelines contained in this report. ‘The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, in collaboration with State level tourism authorities, should conduct workshops for District Officers and other local government officers to introduce and discuss the reasons for the Guidelines contained in this report. Ait relevant legislation, rules, regulations and by-laws should be reviewed and amended if necessary (see below), to ensure that all conditions and penalties relating to the use of State land and alienated land are sufficient to promote appropriate land use, and to act as a deterrent against inappropriate land use. This will inctude a revision of the quantum of fines for offences under land legislation (the National Land Code for Peninsular Malaysia, the Land Ordinance for Sabah and Sarawak), Local Government legislation,108 relevant land rules and regulations, and by-laws gazetted under local government legislation, ‘Various legal provisions and changes are recommended with the aim of strengthening the links between ecotourism and protection of the environmental resource base upon which it depends, They are: State-level enactments should be encouraged for the incorporation of parks management agencies in Peninsular Malaysia, using the Johor legislation as a model and ensuring strong links with Federal gencies in the sharing of staff resources. ‘The wording of guidelines in the interpretation of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) ELA Order 1987, for prescribed activities relevant to tourism in hill resorts, national parks, and marine parks needs to be amended so that the meaning of these terms is fully clarified for the pumoses of the Act; e.g., "national park" must include wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves, nature reserves, etc. There is a need for regulations controlling the construction of tourism-related infrastructure. First, uniformity is needed. Second, local government regulations are limited to their respective areas of jurisdiction. An example of a problem area is at Kundasang, Kinabalu Park, where the sprouting of numerous chalets outside the park area may give rise to a variety of problems such as landslips and poor sewage disposal ‘There is a need for legislation on land use adjacent to Marine Parks, ie, on islands. This must be reconciled with the Federal government's recommendation for an Islands Management Board chaired by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The legislation should include provisions to safeguard marine tourism against possible impacts of land-based activities, and to give preferential status to ecotourism development rather than mass tourism development on land adjacent to marine parks so as to encourage a core of sustainable activities. There is a need for State-level enactments to regulate commercial freshwater fisheries relevant to artificial dams such as Kenyir, ‘Temengor, Batang Ai, etc., and possibly relevant to natural lakes, swamps and rivers. ‘There is a need to propose areas for World Heritage status under the World Heritage Convention. The areas with high potential include ‘Taman Negara, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, and theECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 109 Belum/Temengor area (for nature), and Melaka (for culture). Listing of the areas under the Convention will open new opportunities for finding and for marketing and promotion. ‘There is a need to investigate the legal basis of licencing for companies or individuals to build artificial reefs, for recreational fishing: questions arise over the occupation/ownership of areas at sea, complicated by the differential State and Federal jurisdiction over marine areas. Draft legistation is being prepared on recreational fishing, and this is dealt with by Ministry of Agriculture under the theme of agro- tourism. There is a need to clarify the permission required for boats, including fishing boats, to carry passengers, The Fisheries Act provides for such licencing but requires that there should also be a permit from the Marine Department, which is thought to have different requirements. The safety regulations of the Marine Department require railings, etc. that are incompatible with fishing, Copies of the respective regulations are not freely available. A solution to this dilemma must be found, and may lie in the formation of boat operators’ co-operatives. There should be a step-by-step series of mandatory conditions for the type of solid waste and human waste equipment used at tourism facilities, based on increasing sophistication with increased amount of accommodation. On-the-spot fines should be allowed for within the legislation governing all forms of protected area (national parks, wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, nature reserves, marine parks, turtle sanctuaries). The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism should liaise and collaborate with local government authorities (in co-ordination with State level tourism authorities), to (a) suggest new by-laws that would be useful in regulating tourism operations, and (b) if appropriate to assist local authorities in enforcing by-laws which pertain to tourism operations.110 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt, | All tourism authorities should liaise with agencies concemed with freshwater resources (eg, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Geological Survey Department) to seek advice on drawing up general and specific guidelines relating to water management. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.4, # 10.5, # 10.7, # 10.8, # 30.11, and # 10.18. 930 Inadequate masketing plan, leading to: s : : Example: Over-emphasis on established sites that have exceeded carrying capacity, e.g., Kuala Tahan, Sipadan, Sepilok. Those writing and distributing publicity may give misleading information, and raise excessive expectations amongst potential tourists. ‘Copyright on written and pictorial material may be infringed. Newspaper reporting may emphasize undesirable or unpleasant factors such as leeches and arduous journeys. Marketing may show a bias towards the big commercial operators. Promotion of a site may lead to excessive visitor numbers, without a contingency plan for diversion of tourists to alternative sites. ae Marketing strategy and plan in place, with acceptable image and appropriate marketing Measures for achievement: A marketing and promotions strategy is proposed in Action Plan # 10.14, in this volume. Ecotourism requires accuracy of information, creating realistic expectations of what can be seen where. Promotional material must be available throughECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues iu ‘the new information technology of internet, World Wide Web, etc., which permits not only access to the information itself but even printing out of brochures at the overseas end. Television overseas can be used as a promotional tool, {inking documentaries to advertisements. Specialist magazines area highly targetted channel for promotions and should be used much more. Themes to be targetted include birdwatching magazines (Dutch Birding, British Birds, Bird Study, Auk, Condor, Ibis, Wilson Bulletin, Alauda, Birds, etc.), dive magazines, photography (c. Amateur Photographer), palms (¢.g., Principes, the magazine of American-based Palm Society), African violets (despite the common name of these plants, they have important horticultural relatives in Malaysia), begonias and other plant groups (¢g., in the magazines of the Royal Horticultural Society, Amateur Gardening, etc.), caving (e.g. American Speleological Society publications, Cave Science), history, anthropology, archaeology and cultural magazines (¢.g., Bomeo Bulletin, Sarawak Gazette, publications of the Smithsonian Institution), general and regional sports magazines (e.g., Action Asia). A database should be compiled with addresses of relevant magazines, societies and institutions. In developing a wider range of ecotourism sites, the main theme and flagship assets of each site should be determined (Guidelines # 1), so that target audiences and activities for each site can be decided and the relevant promotional outlets used. Ecotourists require good guidebooks, maps, checklists, identification guides, and other interpretative material, The Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board should strengthen its support for authors and publishers of such material. Sales of this material will bring extra revenue, increasing the value of ecotourism to the country, Marketing strategies for incentive and conference travel can include a component on sustainability, nature and the environment; nevertheless, incentive travel is more likely to be to mass tourism sites not ecotourism sites, Post-conference tours for any conference theme can include visits to see nature and culture, and these can be added attractions within the ‘marketing of the conference package.112 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘A major marketing problem can develop through the heavy promotion of sensitive sites that actually need no promotion (for example, a small coral island which might already exceed visitor capacity), Yet operators in less popular areas may not receive help because their product is not seen as bringing in money. Therefore 2 way to disperse tourism is to promote themes, regions, or species rather than (of course, as well as) specific sites). For example, in Sabah orang utans should be promoted rather than Sepilok; proboscis monkeys rather than Kinabatangan; in Peninsular Malaysia forests rather than just Taman Negata. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plan # 10.14. Human aspects: 9.31 Human resources insufficiently developed, leading to: constraints on further developing ecotourism products Example: Low levels of expertise may exist at many levels, amongst tour guides and business owners, federal and state government agencies, with reference to ecotourism, how to control tourists, business practices and environmental damage, how to deal with copycat operators, and how to maintain a viable business of restricted size rather than revert to short-term mass tourism. ‘There may be insufficient well-trained, motivated, specialist tour guides to cater t0 visitor needs. ‘Desired simation: Human resources developed Measures for achievement: Workshops should be organised through the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, for dissemination of concepts, plans, management techniques for ecotourism at State level. ‘Training for ecotourism guides should be strengthened by using Guidelines, Part 3, # 14, and by emphasising the concept of site guides as well as tour guides.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 113 ‘The various ecotour guide training initiatives by the PATA Environment Committee, Forestry Faculty of Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (the Agricultural University Malaysia, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, and Malaysian Tour Guides Association should be co-ordinated with each other, and reconciled with the guide certification system operated by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. ‘There should be incentives for tour guides to improve their knowledge and skills, by improved career structure in the private sector, as well as for park rangers/guides in government service. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10,3, # 10.7, # 10.16, # 10.17 and # 10.20. 9.32 Inadequate local community involvement, leading to: Insufficient benefits retuned to local people Examples: A tourism operation may be set up with insufficient consultation with local people, resulting in labour conflicts and unrest. Tourism facility owners may employ local people as golf caddies and sweepers, rather than making use of their traditional knowledge of an area. Local people may not be given access to training opportunities. A local community may be removed from an area so as to allow the unhindered development of a mass tourism resort. Local communities adequately involved, giving equitable financial and social benefits14 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘Measures for achievement: In studying tourism development proposals, government should require that the proposer incorporates measures to provide beneficial opportunities for local residents. In principle, proposals which do not provide any such opportunities should be rejected. Proposals which provide evidence of specific, innovative and long-term plans for local involvement (e.g, training programmes, employment of elderly people to teach traditional knowledge, commitment to buy local produce) should be favoured over proposals which contain only vague, unimaginative and short-term plans. ‘The government agency responsible for studying and making recommendations on tourism development proposals should make its own independent check to verify that the proposer has consulted relevant local interests and that the proposer’s plans for local involvement are feasible and locally acceptable. Agencies involved in promoting the production of handicrafts by local communities should favour the use of traditional materials and designs. These agencies should also consider it their responsibility to investigate the sources of materials and take steps to ensure that supplies are obtained on a sustainable basis. ‘These measures should not be seen as a burden, because their fulfillment will be a positive marketing point that can be used in advertising an ecotourism product and attract extra business. The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism and State government agencies involved in tourism should seck new means to promote training of local people in skills that will be of direct or indirect use to enhance local involvement in tourism. These means may include: liaison with other government agencies involved in rural development so as to improve the quality of other rural development programmes; a programme to allocate grants to competent local groups and non-governmental organisationsto run approved training courses in rural areas. The quality and types of handicrafts may be upgraded on a site-by-site basis, bearing in mindthe need to maintain the use of traditional materials, and the production of handicrafts that have specific relevance to the culture and day- to-day lives of the local communities, There will also be a requirement for variety in the nature of handicrafts, stressing more upon objects which have actually been used. ‘Where appropriate, local communities should be given communal rights over specific areas of land, to permit them to negotiate fair agreements with investors from outside the area. For example, in Sabah, the Land Ordinance may be used to establish Native Reserves, for which management authorityECOTOURISM Pt. Main Issues 4s may be granted to trustees chosen from the community and from relevant government agencies. In Sarawak, the Forest Ordinance allows for the creation of Communal Forest as one of the forest management categories. THEREFORE implement Action Plan # 10.17. 9.33 Tourist Safety Examples: Boats may be loaded with passengers beyond capacity, and life jackets be inadequate or poorly maintained. Tour bus drivers may speed on rough rural roads, in areas used by logging lorries. Some prime potential island/reef sites off Sabah are at risk from armed pirates. a Tourist safety measures improved. “Measures for achievement: Relevant enforcement agencies (e.g., Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Marine Department) to pay special attention to ensuring that tour boats are properly equipped and used, and to enforce penalties (#8.13 is relevant). ‘The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism should provide "counselfing" to tour operators on the importance of implementing a "safety first" policy at all times. Guidelines, Part 3, # 18 on health and safety are relevant. Piracy must be reduced through both the enhancement of conventional enforcement methods (¢.g., joint collaboration with neighbouring countries), and offering tourism as a viable means of livelihood (e.g., in the Sabah - Philippines border area), THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.11, # 10.18, and # 10.20.116 Fiscal aspects: ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 9.34 Lack of framework for fiscal aspects, leading to: 1 ree ron Inappropriate tax incenti Example: Tax relief on capital equipment for development on islands may lead to excessive destruction of the beaches which are the tourism asset. Revenue from tourism at protected areas may, when returned to central government, be spent on matters entirely unrelated to tourism or nature, Entrance fees may be too small. es Framework for fiscal aspects in place, leading to appropriate taxation-and fee collection systems, and appropriate fiscal incentives Measures for achievement: The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, in consultation with the management agencies responsible for major protected areas, should commission a suitably-qualified consultant to study existing fiscal arrangements directly and indirectly related to tourism and ecotourism, and to suggest a new and modified framework which will encourage the move towards sustainability. The terms of reference of the study should make clear that the aim of the study is to seek a framework which will result in equitable sharing of profits from tourism, and which will ensure long-term sustainability of all the resources upon which ecotourism depends. Adequate consultation must be ensured with all stakeholders, including resource ‘management agencies and local communities, as well as relevant experts outside Malaysia, The recommendations of the study should be reviewed by a group of relevant government experts under the Ministry, and the necessary steps taken for implementation.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues U7 Amongst the main considerations are: = whether to charge entrance fees, and their level; awarding of concessions on accommodation; = charges or concession arrangements for public facilities such as TViradio relay stations, power stations and other "squatters" on protected lands; = taxation procedures, such as a RMI allocation derived from airport tax, to be used in the maintenance of protected areas for ecotourism; + the further "concealment" of such taxes within ticketing procedures; - Donations are a potential source of revenue from foreign tourists, especially if they can join a supporters’ group and afterwards receive znews about an area they have visited; - Trust funds can be established, such as has been done for Sepilok and Gomantong in Sabah by Sabah Parks. Tour operators should recognise an obligation to retum benefits to a local community and to the protected arca; this has been done at Batang Ai, Sarawak by at feast one company, and a Philippines example is given in Guidelines, Part 3, # 24. Village co-operatives are a way to distribute benefits amongst the community. Where conventional limited companies have been set up rather than co-operatives, the more successful ones are those which have managed to employ a wide range of villagers, for example on a roster system, ‘Government should continue providing seed funds for ecotourism following ‘the planning process; locally based companies which can fulfill criteria given under Guidelines # 22 should be given preference. Funding sources can include the Ministry of Public Enterprise, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development, not just the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Ecotourism is not the only way of financing protected areas. Fiscal spending should be continued so as to maintain areas and develop tourism, just as there is government expenditure on housing, education. Self-financing of areas should be a supplement to government funding, not a replacement for it, For example, there should always be a budget for maintaining & creating118 9.35 Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 totally protected areas, and for tourism policy, planning and promotion including ecotourism. These items should be high on the government priorities not only because tourism eams revenue in varied service sectors of the economy outside the area concerned, but also because they are in public interest. THEREFORE implement Action Plan # 10.15, Current "ecotourism" operators not necessarily sustainable, leading to: bbusiness_filure.Jack of confidence _in_eentourism._and reduced inputs to protect and manage sites of conservation if Example: Insufficient capital expenditure by a developer may result in the construction of unsightly shacks next to an existing, well-planned and well-designed facility, thus detracting from the business of both operations. Many "ecotour" operators worldwide are reported to have gone out of ‘business, or changed to other forms of tourism. a Equitable sharing of economic, social and environmental benefits between sectors, in the long term Measures for achievement: The government should promote partnerships such as (a) advising ecotour ‘operators with little or no natural science expertise to employ such expertise on consultancy and/or full-time basis, and matching up keen, knowledgeable nature guides with reputable business-like operators; and (b) establishment of ecotour business co-operatives including diverse membership from tour companies, local communities and biologists. THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.5, # 10.8 and # 10.16.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 9 9.36 Government loses opportunities for sustainable development; and Government foregoes potential revenue Example: Basically uneconomic businesses may be subsidised by free use of land, leading to opportunity costs. Conversely tourism may assist sustainable development, as in the case of Batu Caves where the cessation of quarrying has permitted the indefinite continuation of income and cultural traditions. Desited situation: Equitable sharing of economic, social and environmentai benefits between sectors, in the long term Measures for achievement: Loss of opportunities: District and regional Jevel plans (e.g., Structure Plans and District Plans) should incorporate potential for ecotourism and sustainable tourism, and, where possible, identify specific ecotourism zones on maps. The National Forestry Policy should include the need for State Forestry Departments to assess tourism and recreational potential for all sitesprior to the issuance of logging licences. Forestry departments may legitimately consider nature-based tourism and ecotourism in Forest Reserves as a form of forest revenue, accruing to the credit of the department. A guideline should be introduced into the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process that the potential for sustainable tourism be addressed in all project proposals involving utilisation or conversion of natural habitats.120 Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. Revenue foregone: ‘The quantum of rents for the commercial use of government-owned lands and natural resources should be reviewed (including non-tourism use of ecotourism areas, such as relay stations in national parks). THEREFORE implement Action Plans # 10.3, # 10.7, # 10.9, # 10.10 and # 10.14, ‘Small ecotourism operators may not qualify for tax exemptions based upon a minimum number of customers. ‘Small operators may be unable to take advantage of economies of scale such as reduced air fares for large parties, Small operators may have insufficient funds to afford good advertising, leading to fewer clients, and still less funds available in a continuing spiral, Both small and large ecotourism operators receive access to economic advantages tailored to needs ‘Measures for achievement: Subsidies should be considered for small well-qualified operators to attend trade fairs, promotions, seminars, and receive on-the-job training. Better marketing and adverti assistance from MTPB, STB, STPC should be available to small well-qualified operators. Small, locally based operators should be favoured in the tendering of concessions to run facilities in parks and other protected areas. ‘THEREFORE implement Action Plan # 10.15.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Main Issues 121 ‘The overall implications of the above causes and effects are that: * ecotourism is contributing insufficiently to the promotion of conservation, and conservation is contributing insufficiently to the promotion of ecotourism; (This point applies worldwide, and certainly throughout Southeast Asia); and + Malaysia may be lagging behind other South East Asian ecotourism destinations. But a later start may enable Malaysia to avoid some of the mistakes made elsewhere} These disadvantages, or potential disadvantages, can be overcome by: . implementation of Action Plans # 10.1 to # 10.21.22. Main Issues ECOTOURISM Pt. 110. Action Plans Mechanisms to Facilitate Implementation It is essential that the sequence of approval, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Ecotourism Plan should be followed through as smoothly as possible. After approval, the critical steps will be at ecotourism sites, involving a variety of State and local level authorities. It is therefore important that such authorities should be familiar with the relevant sections of the Plan, and have a feeling of ownership for it. In order to facilitate implementation of the Action Plans at State level, the following mechanisms should be emphasised: a national workshop for State authorities, to be conducted as soon as possible; regional or State level workshops; informing and involving the State Planning Committees and other State bodies, including briefings on the National Ecotourism Plan; establishing pilot projects, as indicated in Action Plan # 10.12; 4 greater willingness by the Federal government to provide financial assistance to States to develop ecotourism areas subject to the criteria implicit in the agreed definition of ecotourism (e.g., funds may be dependent on the existence of a management plan); a more pro-active role by the State Govemments in encouraging ecotourism developments that follow the explicit requirements of the Plan, e.g., on carrying capacity and zoning. the enhanced, joint participation of State and Federal authorities in delineating promotional and marketing strategies. Action Plan # 10.5 is particularly relevant to implementation of the Plan.124 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Interactions between Components of the Plan For the user, there are three essential components of the National Ecotourism Plan which interact with each other. They are: Action Plans (This section of Part 1) a Site Proposals (Part 2) (Part 3) They ate all of equal importance, Successful implementation of the Plan will depend upon éach of the three components being implemented with full regard for the other two. Specific Action Plans This section attempts to follow through from the main strategies in # 7, through the planning horizons in # 8, and the issues and problems to be overcome in # 9, so as to arrive at specific action plans. There are 21 action plans, as follows: 10.1 10.2 103 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 19.9 10.10 10.11 10.12 Adopt and Promote a Clear Definition of Ecotourism Adopt and Promote a Clear Policy on Developing Ecotourism ‘Strengthen the Eco and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee to Implement the National Ecotourism Plan Implement Legal Changes to Support Implementation of the Plan Adopt and Promote the National Ecotourism Plan Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Programme for the National Ecotourism Plan Establish Complementary Planning Procedures for Ecotourism Site Development Establish Complementary Application Procedures for Ecotourism Site and Product Development Expand and Improve Management of a Nationwide System of Ecotourism Areas, Elaborate Development and Management Plans for Each Ecotourism Area Implement Guidelines for Ecotourism and Integrate Them with Planning Applications and Management Plans Establish a Series of Pilot Ecotourism ProjectsECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 125 10.13. Establish Additional Products and Management at Taman Negara 10.14. Establish and Promote a Consistent Marketing Strategy 10.15 Identify and Promote Fiscal Measures to Encourage Ecotourism 10.16 Establish a Human Resources Development Plan 10.17 Ensure Local Community Participation and Involvement 10.18 Investigate Feasibility of an Accreditation Scheme for Ecotourism 10.19. Establish and Promote an Ecotourism Product Development Programme 10.20 Establish Training and Promote Certification of Ecotourism Guides 10.21 Upgrade Standards of Tourist Information Literature Implementing the National Ecotourism Plan 10.1 10.2 103 Adopt and Promote a Clear Definition of Ecotourism Adopt a clear definition of ecotourism. Make sure this is widely known, understood, and applied. MOCAT, MTED, MT ‘Adopt and Promote a Clear Policy on Developing Ecotourism Adopt a clear policy on the country's aims in developing ecotourism, Make sure this, too, is widely known, understood and applied. Clarify the different approaches and emphasis of ecotourism in comparison with other forms of tourism, and ensure that tourism products of any given type are assigned to the appropriate place. EPU, MOCAT, UPENs, MTED, MT Strengthen the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee to Implement the National Ecotourism Plan Modify and strengthen an existing body so as to form a body which can guide, monitor and evaluate the development of ecotourism. MOCAT, EAIC, STC126 10.4 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Implement Legal Changes to Support Implementation of the Plan ‘Make necessary legal changes to support and facilitate AG's Chambers Federal Govt State Legislative Assemblies ) the creation of State Parks Corporations State Legislative Assemblies of Kedah, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Terengganu Gi) the creation of more areas suitable for ecotourism; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries MOCAT, MTED, MT EAIC, DOs, CM's Offices (iii) the clear distinction between areas and zones to be used for ecotourism, versus areas to be used for other forms of tourism (beach tourism, mass tourism, sports tourism); UPENs, DOs Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries (iv)_legal accountability amongst tour operators, guides, and other participants in ecotourism; MOCAT, MTGC, MATTA. (9) visitor safety. MOCATECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 127 10.5 Adopt and Promote the National Ecotourism Plan, Conduct workshops and seminars at national and State level; strengthen the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee as a secretariat; employ the Plan as the core document for implementation; build up partnerships between the public sector, private sector, local communities and non- governmental organisations in order to implement the specific actions recommended in the Plan. MOCAT 10.6 Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Programme for the National Ecotourism Plan Ensure that a procedure is established for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the National Ecotourism Plan, according to steps and priorities identified in the Plan itself. MOCAT, EAIC Site Planning and Management 10.7 Establish Complementary Pianning Procedures for Ecotourism Site Development Set in place at national level, and more especially at State level, planning procedures which: MOCAT, EAIC CM's Offices, UPENs (@ help to ensure the development of suitable ecotourism products at ecotourism areas; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries Gi) prevent the development of mass tourism products at ecotourism areas, ‘ut instead divert them to other areas suitable for mass tourism; State Legislative Assemblies State Planning Committees128 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Gii) encourage capable and responsible operators who implement ecotourism policies. MOCAT, MTGC, EAIC 10.8 Establish Complementary Application Procedures for Ecotourism Site and Product Development Set in place at national level, and more especially at State and District level, application procedures which similarly: () help to ensure the development of suitable ecotourism products at ecotourism areas; (i) prevent the development of mass tourism products at ecotourism areas, but instead divert them to other areas suitable for mass tourism; (ii) encourage capable and responsible operators who implement ecotourism policies. MOCAT, EPU, EAIC UPENSs, DOs, LAs, CM's Offices Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries Place emphasis upon the wider spread of low impact developments, each for small numbers, rather than a few intensively developed sites, and upon the persuasive improvement of plans and applications rather than rejection outright. This will involve the recommendation of alternative sites, approval conditional to the incorporation of guidelines into contracts, and advice on training, involvement of local communities, architecture and design. MOCAT, EPU, EAIC UPENs, DOs, LAs, CM's Offices ‘arks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries Forestry, Wildlife & Nat Set in place criteria for the review, modification and approval of tourism development applications which fulfill the above conditions. MOCAT, EAIC UPENs, DOsECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 129 10.9 Ensure that these criteria are available to, understood by, and actually used by, District Officers, Land Administrators, parks management authorities, and others involved in the processing of applications for tourism developments. MOCAT, UPENs, DOs Ensure that guidelines appropriate to the given area are written in to business contracts, so that good ecotourism practices become an integral and legally enforceable component of project approval and implementation. MOCAT, EPU, UPENs, DOs Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries Expand and Improve Management of a Nationwide System of Ecotourism Areas Expand and improve the nationwide system of areas suitable for ecotourism. Key and priority steps will be the legal declaration and gazettement of protected areas at: State Legislative Assemblies Kinabatangan, Sempoma Islands, Sugut River, Lower Segama River, Bukau River, foothills of the Crocker Range, foothills of Mount Kinabalu and Bukit Silam, Sabah; MTED, Sabah Parks, Sabah Wildlife Dept, Sabah Forestry Dept Wang Kelian, Perlis; UPEN Perlis; Forestry Perlis Ulu Muda, Kedab; UPEN Kedah, Forestry Kedah, Wildli130 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘Belum and Temenggor, Perak; UPEN Perak, Forestry Perak, Wildlife & Nat. Parks Maludam and Pulau Bruit, Sarawak; Forestry Sarawak, NPWO Gunung Stong, Kelantan; UPEN Kelantan, Forestry Kelantan more effective management procedures and/or staffing at: Sipadan and Sempoma Islands, Sabah; MTED, Sabah Parks Bario and Loagan Bunut, Sarawak; Forestry Sarawak, NPWO Fraser's Hill and Kenong, Pahang; FHDC, Forestry Pahang, Wildlife & Nat. Parks Rantau Abang, Terengganu; Turtle Adv. Council, Fisheries, UPEN TerengganuECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 131 integrated land use and social development planning at: DID, UPENs, DOs, LAs Telupid, Sugut River, Bukau River, Lower Segama River, Nabawan heath forests, and the areas peripheral to Kinabalu Park and Crocker Range National Park in Sabah; MTED, Sabah Parks, Sabah Wildlife, Forestry Sabah Hose Mountains proposed National Park, Pulong Tau proposed National Park, and Batu Laga proposed Wildlife Sanctuary in Sarawak; SPU Sarawak, Forestry Sarawak, NPWO. ‘Segari Melintang in Perak; the entire Terengganu coast especially in the vicinity of Setiu and Rantau Abang; and areas peripheral to Kenyir dam, Taman Negara, and the eastern flank of the Main Range in Pahang; UPEN Pahang, Perak, Terengganu Taman Negara Advisory Council Turtle Advisory Council and rehabilitation of sites as listed in Part 2, section # 2.16 of this report. Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries 10.10 Elaborate Development and Management Plans for Each Ecotourism Area For every ecotourism area, produce development and management plans which have a strong section on tourism, and which give firm commitments on (i) zoning; (ii) activities suitable for each zone; (iii) carrying capacity as a whole; and (iv) carrying capacity of particular zones, sites and trails which are based upon the concept of sustaining ecotourism in the long term. Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries, Johor NPC MOCAT, MTED, MT132 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.11 Implement Guidelines for Ecotourism and Integrate Them with Planning, Applications and Management Plans Implement Guidelines from the National Ecotourism Plan, by publishing and disseminating them; by revising and adding to them; by using them as a basis for standards for accreditation (# 10.18); and by incorporating relevant Guidelines and parts of Guidelines into construction, maintenance, ‘management and concessionaires' contracts. MOCAT, MTED, MT, MTPB, STC, STB 10.12 Establish a Series of Pilot Ecotourism Projects Set up pilot ecotourism projects, which are examples of best practice, and which are used as training grounds for planners, designers, architects and engineers, ecotourism companies, guides and local communities. Ensure that they cover a range of different environments (s0 as to illustrate varied problems and how to overcome them), and are distributed between regions of the country, MOCAT, FHDC, Sabah Parks, Sabah Wildlife Private sector 10.13. Establish Additional Products and Management at Taman Negara Establish several large, private-sector led tourism facilities in a buffer area at Kuala Tahan, outside Taman Negara, as flagship attractions which contribute to the socio-economic development of the area whilst drawing off visitor pressure from the park itself. Ensure that these projects are a component of an integrated plan for the zoning and carrying capacity of ‘Taman Negara and its surrounding areas, developed and agreed between the park management authorities, Pahang State Economic Planning Unit, District Office and other relevant authorities. ‘Wildlife & Nat. Parks, Taman Negara Advisory Council Private Sector, UPEN Pahang, DOsECOTOURISM Action Plans 133 10.14 Establish and Promote a Consistent Marketing Strategy Establish and follow a consistent marketing strategy and plan through: ‘© collecting information about international and domestic ecotourists and their needs; © establishing a realistic, consistent image for Malaysian ecotourism which neither over-sells nor under-sells the products; © identifying niche markets; © promoting themes rather than particular places; * identifying the marketing support services required by the private sector to reach these niche markets, including Internet, World Wide Web, Gopher and key words for use in Yahoo; and computerising lists of specialist outbound operators, inbound operators, societies, their publications, and other specialised marketing outlets. Relate marketing effort to the carrying capacity and health of areas, by introducing a system which is flexible enough to market under-used areas, and to de-market over-used areas. Have specially designed marketing plans for the domestic tourist market, and the Singapore tourist market. MOCAT, MTPB, STPC, STB, EAIC 10.15 Identify and Promote Fiscal Measures to Encourage Ecotourism Commission a study of fiscal measures to encourage ecotourism, as well as implementing several immediate steps including: EPU, MOCAT, EAIC Implement systems of differential fees more widely; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries134 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘Award “concessions' for the operation of government-owned physical facilities in parks, rather than ‘privatising’ physical facilities; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries, EPU, UPENs, JNPC Set up Trust fiunds, supporters’ schemes, financial adoption schemes, and conservation funds to which businesses and visitors as well as government may contribute; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries, EAIC, Tour Operators, State Financial Officers Most importantly, set in place financial mechanisms which ensure a direct chain of revenue flow from the tourist to the place visited, such revenue being allocated to measures to avoid, reduce and repair the effects of tourism there. Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries, EAIC, Tour Operators, EPU, UPENs, State Financial Officers Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building 10.16 Establish a Human Resources Development Plan Build up human resources by various means, including, but not limited to, the following: @ for MOCAT staff, more dialogues with area management authorities, and more on-site dialogues with managers, staff, tour ‘operators, guides, NGOs and local people; MOcAT Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, FisheriesECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Gi) Gi) (iv) w) wi) (vii) Action Plans 135 for State level officers, similar on-site dialogues; MIPB UPENs, Dos for governmental area planners, suitable short courses and attachments; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries, UPENs, DOs for governmental area managers, suitable short courses and attachments, as well as the employment of medium term consultant managers; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries for governmental area operations staff, suitable short courses and attachments; Forestry, Wildlife & Nat. Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Fisheries for private sector ecotour operators and managers, a series of annual short courses on general management, ecotourism management and conservation; Tour operators MOCAT, MATTA, MTGC, EAIC for guides, a clearer distinction between tour guides and site guides, with the setting up of a graded training system giving access to higher specialised courses and qualifications; MOCAT, MTPB, EAIC, MTGC136 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. (viii) for infrastructure planners and designers, lists of good and bad examples, and involvement in the development of pilot ecotourism Projects; MIA, MIE, HDA, Tour operators MOCAT, EAIC (for local communities, access to training courses in basic business practice, ecotourism and the expectations of tourists, and involvement in ecotourism through existing ecotourism companies; MOCAT, JHEOA, PMOAA, COAC, KEMAS, MED, EAIC, MATTA, SEDC (%) for relevant non-governmental organisations, encouragement to participate in ecotourism work on the ground and to attend courses, thus incorporating ecotourism into their fields of interest; and NGOs, MOCAT, STB, STPC (xi) for ecotourism writers, short courses, seminars and workshops on ecotourism writing; the commissioning of material; and a system of prizes. Env. Journalists’ Assoc., MIPB, MOCAT, EAIC 10.17 Ensure Local Community Participation in Ecotourism Encourage the equitable, socio-economically beneficial participation of local communities in ecotourism businesses, by initiating dialogues; by setting up Integrated Conservation and Development Projects according to suocessful Malaysian precedents; by making local community involvement procedures one criterion used in approval of applications; and by providing training courses and other methods of human resource development. LAs, DOs, RDAs, SEDCs Forestry, Wildlife & Nat Parks, NPWO, Sabah Parks, Sabah Wildlife, Fisheries Depts MATTA, PATA, HOA, MICCI, JHEOAECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 137 10.18 Investigate Feasibility of an Accreditation Scheme for Ecotourism Investigate the desirability and feasibility of an Accreditation Scheme, followed, if results are favourable, by establishment of a Board and implementation of the scheme. MOCAT, MTPB, MTED, MT, STPC, STC, STB, EAIC Private Sector, NGOs 10.19 Establish and Promote an Ecotourism Product Development Programme. ‘Stimulate ecotourism product development, by co-operation of government and private sectors in the identification, elaboration and development of suitable ecotourism products; by publicising existing awards and prizes; by promoting the concept of tented camps; and by building links between ecotourism and other specialised tourism products such as homestay. Private Sector, MOCAT State Forestry Depts, Wildlife & Nat Parks, NPWO, Sabah Wildlife Dept, Sabah Parks, Federal & State Fisheries Depts 10.20 Establish Training and Promote Certification for Ecotourism Guides Create, for ecotourism guides, a clearer distinction between tour guides and site guides, with the setting up of a graded training system giving access to higher specialised courses and qualifications leading to a structured career. MOCAT, MTPB, EAIC, MTGC 10.21 Upgrade Standards of Tourist Information Literature Greatly improve the amount, quality, attractiveness and availability of tourist information, especially with respect to guidebooks and maps for specific ecotourism areas. Review the accuracy of existing material, set up a revolving publications fund, have courses and seminars. Commission the iting of specific ecotourism materials and guidebooks for the international and domestic markets. MOCAT, MTPB, EAIC Private sector, NGOs138 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.1 Adopt and Promote a Clear Definition of Ecotourism Malaysia should: i) Adopt an agreed definition of ecotourism; ii) Stick to the agreed definition, rather than altering from time to time; iii) _ Make sure the definition is understood by all sectors, and that its implications for product development, for tourist numbers and types, and for marketing, are equally well understood; iv) Ensure that product development, tourism activities, and marketing are consequently in line with the definition, Ecotourism is "environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features, both past and present), that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations". ‘This definition has been approved by the Technical Committee and endorsed by the Steering Committee of the National Ecotourism Plan. It is also the definition used by the IUCN World Conservation Union, of which Malaysia is a member, and therefore has international acceptance, Malaysia's commitment to this definition should be promulgated. For example, it should appear on the inside cover of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board's booklets on National Parks, Marine Parks, Hill Resorts, etc. It should be available in written form in MTPB offices overseas and in Malaysian embassies and high commissions. It should be distributed to tour operators in Malaysia, and to their counterparts overseas. Key elements in the definition are: ‘that it is tourism based on nature and culture; ‘that it is not merely low impact but that it is intended to be positively beneficial to conservation, by retuming benefits as directly as possible to the areas concemed; ‘= that it emphasises socio-economic involvement of local people.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 139 There will be many instances in future when the term ecotourism is mis-used. The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism in general, and MTPB in particular, should dissociate themselves from poor examples, and support and encourage good examples, The definition should be promulgated by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, in brochures, at tourism areas and in committees. ‘The impact of the definition is intended to be: i) _ to reduce mis-use of the word ecotourism, so as to avoid loss of credibility in the international marketplace; ii) to give targets to aim at (local community participation, promoting conservation) when developing ecotourism products; to serve as a point of reference in the application of guidelines, approval procedures, etc.140 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.2 Adopt and Promote a Clear Policy on Developing Ecotourism 10.2.1 _Promulgating and Publicising the Policy ‘The following points should be made in documents and plans relating to ecotourism, e.g,, in Five Year Plans, Mid-term Reviews, State Tourism Plans, etc. 1) Malaysia should strive to develop ecotourism, on the right lines, as one component in broadening the attraction base of the country. It must be emphasised repeatedly that ecotourism development must accord with the expectations of the target groups, so that ecotourism enhances Malaysia's image, The development of tourism products which claim to be ‘ecotourism’ but fail to adhere to the criteria (eg. funfairs and karaoke inside national parks; riding turtles) will be very damaging. Tourism products could be developed at all of the sites recommended in Part 2 of this report and yet ecotourism might fai, i the products were developed in ways that conflict with the basic principles of ecotourism. 2) Ecotourism should be targetted at special interest groups, rather than the general tourist market, with a strong emphasis upon interpretation. The aims should be to inform visitors about Malaysie's rich natural and cultural heritage, to provide a rewarding experience, to ensure that this form of tourism is made sustainable by promoting conservation, and to ensure that a significant proportion of socio- ‘economic benefits reaches local communities. 3) It must be clearly recognized by all sectors that successful ecotourism depends on sustaining the natural and cultural resources which form the basis of the tourist attractions themselves. If this is not accepted, then ecotourism in the long run will decline. The adoption of the National Ecotourism Plan should help to clarify the relative importance accorded to ecotourism. It should be regarded as a significant portion of the overall tourism sector, which is to be distinguished clearly from other types of tourism in its needs, to be carried out on a widespread low impact basis, ‘These materials should be freely available to the private sector. Abbreviated, easily digested summaries of the national position on ecotourism should be prepared.ECOTOURISM Pt. Action Plans 141 10.2.2 Guidebook Co-ordinating Agency: MocaT Implementing Agency: MOCAT, or commissioned work A guidebook should be written for prospective and existing tour operators and (ourism project developers, indicating the country's policy on ecotourism, and what to do in each circumstance, with the sequence of necessary and recommended steps. The procedure will differ according to the status of land to be used, whether it is (a) Stateland (b) privately owned land, or (c) government owned reserved land (parks, Forest Reserves, Wildlife Reserves, Marine Parks, etc.). See Action Plan # 10.7 and 10.8, To aid other objectives, a code of conduct (# 8.20) should be included within this guidebook, as well as being available separately. 10.2.3 Policy on State Parks Bodies Short-term Objective: To encourage the establishment of protected areas for ecotourism, and their appropriate administering agencies. Long-term Objective: To ensure that ecotourism benefits are sustainable. Co-ordinating Agency: Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee Background State Parks authorities have been determined as a method of encouraging the establishment of ecotourism sites. See # 7.2 and # 8.29. Clear lines of authority should be established between such State agencies, District Officers, and Federal agencies. Whilst ecotourism will never form the majority part of tourism, it will continue to be the dominant form of tourism in specific locations, and be capable of bringing specific benefits to its practitioners and to the natural environment. Ecotourism sites exist primarily for conservation and resource management, and ecotourism is typically a supplement, not the main justification for such sites. This supplement should, wherever possible, benefit local communities and the site concerned.142 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘A policy commitment is needed on the relationship between protected areas declared at State level, and the appropriate administering and managing agencies. The principle to be adopted should be that the effective creation and management of areas for ecotourism and conservation is more important than inter-State uniformity in mechanisms, This policy decision, arrived at in corresponderice or meetings between the co- ordinating and the implementing agencies, should then lead on to Action Plan 10.4, Legal Changes. Implementing Agencies: Peninsular State governments Cost: To be determined based on existing examples in Sabah and Johor (see # 5.2) ‘Time Frame: To be determined 10.2.4 Policy on Jand tenure, use and planning Government should re-examine the concept of giving incentives to maintain forest on privately owned land or leased State land used for tourism purposes (e.g., taxbreaks; freehold instead of merely leasehold, exemption from service tax, no/minimal land rent). This would typically be a State level decision, but could be encouraged by Federal leads. Such concepts should be incorporated into the framework of fiscal measures for ecotourism (see # 8.34). The concept of plantation forestry on private land should be fostered, including the use of such plantations for ecotourism and agrotourism. Contour maps, vegetation maps, hydrological information, and discussion of compatibility with surrounding land use and the surrounding socio-economic situation are matters which should routinely be consulted in decision-making on land use proposals for tourism and ecotourism (see # 8.21). Decisions need to refer to social, economic and environmental benefits and costs in relation to the whole community, not just the tourism or ecotourism operation itself. There should be opportunities for capacity building in Land Offices, State Planning Committees, and Town & Country Planning Department offices, including the use ‘of workshops and seminars on tourism and ecotourism requirements. The material on activities suitable for private sector involvement (# 8.21, and Guidelines, Part 3, # 21) are relevant to land use decisions including the lease/ privatisation/ ownership of property in parks, etc.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 143, @ () ‘There should be a listing of the models available for site tenure, including: © All buildings and other facilities to be placed outside an ecotourism site/protected area, and run by the private sector; * Government agency to build facilities within an ecotourism site/protected area, and lease them out to operators for running; ‘* Government agency to build as well as run facilities in an ecotourism site/protected area; © Operators be allowed to build, own and run property within an ecotourism site/protected area; There should be a mixed strategy (eg, some facilities owned by ithin ecotourism sites, others privately run in buffer zones), ing the choice as a point of principle. There should be a procedure and method for deciding in each case which is the best option. Options may be ranked from most preferred to least preferred, probably in the sequence listed above.144 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 103 Strengthen the Eco- and Agrotourism Implementation Committee to Implement the National Ecotourism Plan Short-term objectives: To broaden the membership base of the Committee, and fix its schedule of meetings and results on a more regular basis; Long-term objectives: To create an active national body on ecotourism; to expand the functions of the Committee so as to include monitoring and evaluation of the progress of ecotourism through the National Ecotourism Plan, Co-ordinating agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Executing agency: Policy Section, Tourism Division Background Various countries have set up national bodies which have an advisory, research, and implementing role in ecotourism development. They include several countries which have outstanding reputations in ecotourism, such as Costa Rica and Ecuador. Within the region, in 1994 Thailand set up an Institute of Ecotourism based at Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Immediately afterwards, the Institute of Ecotourism formed a regional collaboration with Kampuchea, Laos and Vietnam, which takes advantage of the trend amongst tourists to visit several of these countries in a multi-country package. In 1995 links were established between the Institute and the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism. In Indonesia, the Indonesian Ecotourism Network INDECON was established in 1995. Its formation was led by a non-governmental organisation, but it includes government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations as equal partners. In the Philippines, there is a university-led initiative in ecotourism research and networking. Within Malaysia there is no national body which fulfills a similar function. A decision is urgently needed as to whether Malaysia (i) follows one of the examples above, or (ji) leaves the private sector to develop ecotourism in the absence of guidance from a national body, or (ii) finds an alternative solution,ECOTOURISM Pt. Action Plans 145 ‘The recommendation of the National Ecotourism Plan is that an existing body should be strengthened in order to form a national structure for guidance. The body would be an advisory one, wielding moral authority not administrative power, serving its members and the field of ecotourism as a whole with technical advice and services. ‘A main objective of a national body, whatever it might be, would be in trying to convert theoretical into material benefits (and these may be of different nature) for each of the participating sectors; and in encouraging co-responsibility for the conduct and impacts of ecotourism. Preferred Altemative Stage I Strengthening Membership @ Q @) Expand the membership of the Eco-and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee to include more bodies such as PATA Malaysia, Malaysian Tour Guides Association, Orang Asli Welfare Department, guides’ associations, local tour operators’ associations, nature associations, universities, technical experts, and representatives of local communities. ‘The Committee should form a partnership with university research groups in the three regions of the country (e.g., Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Sabah) so as to create a continuing pool of expertise for policy formulation, data collection, research, dissemination of information, monitoring, evaluation, etc, Expand the terms of reference of the Committee to include monitoring and evaluation functions, and other functions mentioned below. In addressing its tasks the Committee should identify where each project fits within the framework of the ‘National Ecotourism Plan; identify sections of the Plan which insufficiently addressed, and stimulate actions upon them; and ensure that activities are fully co- ordinated with those of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, Sabah Tourism Council and the Sarawak Tourism Promotion Board. Ensure that meetings are held regularly, Put in place a fuller, more regular means of communication between members of the Committee, and between the Committee and outsiders.146 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Stage TI (4) Set up a mechanism which permits the Committee to charge its members fees, 6) © Mm which may differ according to the category of membership (€.g., private sector, government, individual, university) and according to functions and benefits of the particular category of membership. Possible mechanisms include (but are not limited to) the setting up of a corporation, an institute or a society. Determine the internal operating mechanics of the body. This may include a rotating chairmanship amongst its constituent partners of government, private sector and NGOs; deciding fees; deciding and prioritising tasks, etc. Use such fees, and other revenues which may be received, to employ a secretariat staff. Appoint the staff of the secretariat. The secretariat must be small but active. It will have specific functions which are of such use to members that it is advantageous to belong to the committee, and disadvantageous to be outside it. Functions can include some or all of the following: © the collection and analysis of statistics on ecotourism; the construction of visitor profiles for different nationalities or interest groups; © legislative review; ‘* the development of guidelines; © analysis of impacts, calculation of carrying capacity, and other forms of consultative work; ‘© the dissemination of information, literature, and computer packages, etc.. amongst the various stakeholders; ‘* the organisation and implementation of training courses; ‘* the monitoring and evaluation of performance in the field; * accreditation of ecotourism products;ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 147 ‘© access to marketing and promotional opportunities; employment of consultants for specific tasks. Following the expansion and strengthening of the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee described above, consideration could be given to forming equivalent structures at State and local level, giving a thorough coverage of all levels of the country. In practice, some of these functions can possibly be undertaken in Sabah and Sarawak by the Sabah Tourism Council and Sarawak Tourism Board. In Peninsular Malaysia it may be necessary to rely upon existing networks of associations (¢.g., Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) at national level, town, State or other locally based tour agents! associations at lower level) to provide such coverage. Alternatively, equivalent structures at State and local level could be.formed in parallel with the expansion and strengthening of the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee. Other Altematives Ifit should prove difficult to expand the brief of the Eco and Agrotourism Implementation Committee in this way, an altemative is for the private sector and non-governmental organisations jointly, or the private sector or non-governmental organisations alone, to set up a Foundation. Another possibility is that monitoring, evaluation, certification standards, or other measures of progress could be determined by government agencies with guidance from the National Ecotourism Plan, and monitoring etc. then be contracted out to a private company or to such a Foundation. A final possibility is that monitoring and evaluation of progress in ecotourism according to the plan could be contracted out to the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA).148 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.4 Implement Legal Changes to Support Implementation of the Plan Short-term Objectives: To make specific changes to Federal and State legislation which facilitate ecotourism. Long-term Objectives: To strengthen the legal framework so as to provide opportunities for the development and protection of natural resources for ecotourism. LEGAL CHANGE DESIRED INITIATING AGENCY Set up State parks boards in EAIC” State govts Peninsular Malaysian States Legal controls on infrastructure at | MOCAT State govts, ecotourism sites MELG Land use on islands in marine parks | Fisheries Dept State govts Inland fisheries laws Fisheries Dept Fisheries Dept Privatised fishing rights at artificial | Fisheries Dept Fisheries Dept reefs Boats licensing for passengers Fisheries Dept Fisheries, Marine Dept World Heritage Sites MOCAT/BAIC MOCAT Sewerage and waste disposal at EAIC MHLG tourism sites Finer definition of EIA Guidelines | MOCAT/DOE DOE pertaining to tourism in hill resorts and national parks Expansion of EIA Order 1987 to | MOCAT/DOE. include tourism developments in Forest Reserves Establishment of parks for MOCAT, Wildtife ecotourism and Forestry agencies ‘EAIC: Eco and Agro-tourism Implementation Commitiee ‘MHLG : Ministry of Housing and Local Government ‘MOCAT: Ministry of Culture, Arts and TourismECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 149 L State governments should examine the National Parks (Johor) Enactment, and the Parks Enactment 1984 (Sabah), and where necessary adapt them to the needs of the particular State. Enact ments should be passed in States where it is both possible and desirable to set up State parks corporations (see Table below). The aim should be for a small State body which acts as a co-ordinating agency. On-the-ground management should be delegated to existing sectoral agencies (e.g., Perhilitan), or staff from such agencies may be seconded to the State corporation concerned. States in which the formation of such a corporation is most timely include Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, and Terengganu. The following page gives the organisational structure adopted in Johor. State State Parks Authority Legislation Johor Tn existence Kedah Required Kelantan Required Melaka ‘Not Required Negeri Sembilan Consideration needed Pahang, Required Perak Required Perlis Required Pulau Pinang Not Required Sabah Tnexistence ‘Sarawak Consideration needed Selangor Consideration needed Terengganu Required ‘Wilayah Persekutuan ‘Not Required ‘There is a need for regulations controlling the planning and construction of tourism- related infrastructure, and the activities carried out there. An example of a problem area is at Kundasang, Kinabalu Park, where the sprouting of numerous chalets outside the park area may give rise to a variety of problems such as landslips and poor sewage disposal. Another aspect is that many local government regulations are only applicable to rateable areas; many ecotourism areas fall beyond them. ‘A study must be carried out or commissioned to investigate the details of (i) gaps in existing by-laws; (ji) needs for uniformity.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 150 [Worireo @maen @uvan 1 ea ‘Bro oon on=5 @oo%D eS Paro st ou Bn sani soe or0 @opsD Ooo Gun (@or=mm)| | Omar Sosy a, Ban san PEND an SEES RED ava sek Lsouosnran sy Seer cece eee eae Onr OneD @s0785 0 HE =00 00 ar swemni || amomsy || apmmesy (angen # 2220) wor naounvan || savnano || Snvawst G0 aEBEEPY 250 3FH —[ Wavaen (=2a0 wR) Waar (emo vem) SEX EY sm SY Sean] SY ee I I | Coup) pune Spe PLOT | ZeaX ma py rear, (expo pam sia ra| aa) (Zoqor) prvog syaeg jeuoy BN JO aaNjonajg [eUOHEsTULTIC,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 151 ‘Requirement for review of By-laws Johor ‘Yes: planning, infrastructure, activities Kedah Yes: planning, infrastructure, activities Kelantan Yes: planning, infrastructure, activities Melaka Yes: planning, infrastructure, activities Negeri Sembilan Yes: planning, infrastructure, activities Pahang Yes: planning, infrastructure, activities Perak Yes: planning, infrastructure, activities Perlis Yes: planning, infrastructure, acti Pulau Pinang, Yes: planning, infrastructure, activi Sabah ‘Yes: planning, infrastructure, activ Sarawak Yes: planning, infrastructure, activiti Selangor Yes: planning, infrastructure, activiti Terengganu Yes: planning, infrastructure, activit Wilayah Persekutuan ‘Yes: planning, infrastructure, activit 3. There is anced for legislation on land use within and adjacent to Marine Parks, i., on islands. This must be reconciled with the Federal government's recommendation for some form of Islands Management Board chaired by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The legislation should include provisions to safeguard marine tourism against possible impacts of land-based activities, and to give preferential status to ecotourism development rather than mass tourism development on land adjacent to marine parks so as to encourage a core of sustainable activities. The laws which could be amended to address this problem are the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, the National Land Code 1965, the land codes of Sarawak and Sabah, the Local Government Act 1976, and local government legislation in Sarawak and Sabah. ‘The National Land Council should make a recommendation based upon the advice of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. 4, There is a need for State-level enactments to regulate commercial freshwater fisheries relevant to artificial dams such as Kenyir, Temenggor, Batang Ai, etc., and possibly relevant to natural lakes, swamps and rivers. ‘The State Legislative Assembly in each State should take action upon the advice of the Fisheries Department within the State.152 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 There is a need to investigate the legal basis of licencing for companies or individuals to build artificial reefs, for recreational fishing: questions arise over the occupation/ownership of areas at sea, complicated by the differential State and Federal jurisdiction over marine areas. Draft legislation is being prepared on recreational fishing, and this is being dealt with by Fisheries Department and Ministry of Agriculture under the theme of agro- tourism. There is a need to sort out the permission required for fishing boats 10 carry passengers; the Fisheries Act allows this but requires that there should also be a permit from the Marine Department, The safety regulations of this Department require railings, etc. that are incompatible with fishing. A solution to this dilemma must be found, and may lie in the formation of boat operators’ co-operatives. It may be beneficial for Malaysia to propose areas for World Heritage status under the World Heritage Convention. The areas with high potential include Taman ‘Negara, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, and the Belum/Temenggor area (for nature), and Melaka (for culture). Listing of the areas under the Convention will open new opportunities for funding and for marketing and promotion. This should be pursued by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism in consultation with the relevant State Governments. There should be a step-by-step series of mandatory conditions for the type of solid waste and human waste equipment used at tourism facilities, based on increasing sophistication with increased amount of accommodation. Asan imaginary example: 1-10 rooms Cess-pit drainage following specified conditions on, distance from water, depth, etc. 11-20 rooms ‘Above-ground bio-processing equipment 20-50 rooms Removal from site Acting upon technical advice from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the appropriate specifications should be incorporated into local by-laws enforced by local authorities. Area management authorities such as forestry, wildlife and fisheries authorities which operate tourism facilities within areas they manage, should follow: the same specifications, and wherever possible introduce theseECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 153 specifications as legal requirements as new clauses within the relevant legislation. Private operators within such areas would also have to follow the same specifications through that legislation and through clauses within their operating agreements, 9. During 1995 consultancies were commissioned so as to specify in detail the guidelines for EIAs for resort and hotel development in hill stations; development of tourist or recreational facilities in national parks; and development of tourist or recreational facilities on islands in surrounding waters which are gazetted as national marine parks. ‘The wording of such guidelines in the interpretation of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) EIA Order 1987, for prescribed activities relevant to tourism in hill resorts, national parks, and marine parks needs to be amended so that the meaning of these terms is fully clarified for the purposes of the Act; e.g., "national park" must include wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves, nature reserves, etc. Forest Reserves should be added as a new category within the EIA Order 1987, such. that all tourism developments that include the construction of buildings, earthworks, pilings, roads, utilities, and the clearing of trees from areas (in each case, above a specified limit, size or capacity) require an EIA. The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism should begin discussions with the Department of Environment, and with the Sarawak Natural Resources Board, to initiate these changes.154 _ 10. Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Specific areas suitable for ecotourism, and for ecotourism support functions, should be legislated as parks or equivalents (eg. Forest Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuary), by the respective State govemments. They include, but are not limited to, the following:- State Park: Gunung Belumut, Gunung Ledang, Pulau Kukap State Park: Ulu Muda Kelantan State Park: Gunung Stong; Nenggiri VIR: Gua Setir Town Park: Gua Musang/ Batu Boh Negeri Sembilan | State Park: Kenaboi Pahang State Park: Rompin-Endau; Ulu Lepar, Tasik Bera VIR: Bishop's Trail (Fraser’s Hill) Perak ‘State Park: Belum/Temenggor Wildlife Sanctuary: Kuala Gula Perlis ‘State Park: Wang Kelian Pulau Pinang | StatePark: _ Pantai Acheh/Pantai Kerachut Sabah Park/Reserve: Bukit Silam; Lower Kinabatangan; Likas ‘Swamp; Lower Segama; Sugut River;Long Pasia Ulu Pasia; Bukau River;Semporna Islands;Pulau| Sipadan Sarawak National Park: Hose Mountains; Pulau BruigPulong Tau; Usun Apau Wildlife Sanctuary: Batu Laga; Maludam Selangor ‘State Park: Greater Templer Park, Educational Forest: Kuala Langat North Terengganu ‘Taman Negara extension or State Park: Kenyir (part) Turtle Sanctuary: Ma’ Daerah; SetiuECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 155 11. All tourism authorities should liaise with agencies concerned with freshwater resources (e.g, Department of Imrigation and Drainage, Geological Survey Department) to seek advice on drawing up general and specific guidelines relating to Water management.156 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.5 Adopt and Promote the National Ecotourism Plan Short-term Objective: Succeed in making a smooth transition from preparation to implementation of the National Ecotourism Plan. Long-term Objective: Involve all relevant agencies in practical steps to implement ‘the full National Ecotourism Plan Co-ordinating Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Implementing Agencies: All those agencies mentioned in Action Plans # 10.1 to Action Steps @) @ @) @) 6) #10.21, Hold Workshops and Seminars to familiarise agencies with the contents of the National Ecotourism Plan. Arrange such events: (a) within the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; (b) for State agencies at a workshop session in Kuala Lumpur as provided for in the terms of reference of the National Ecotourism Plan; and (c) ideally hold seminars at State level or for groupings of States. Use the Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee as the Secretariat for implementing the National Ecotourism Plan, as provided for in Action Plans # 10.3 and # 10.6. Use this National Ecotourism Plan as the core document for implementation, Seek and promote partnerships between the private sector, government, local communities and non-governmental organisations in implementing the Plan. Involve them in meetings at Federal and State level, especially when considering site proposals, development proposals, management and development plan preparation, studies of carrying capacity for particular areas, rules, regulations and guidelines, In seminars and workshops, make use of case studies on carrying capacity, social impacts, environmental impacts, local community participation and best practice. Boxed examples can be found mainly in Parts 3 and 4 of the National Ecotourism Plan.ECOTOURISM Pt. © M Action Plans 157 Implement Action Plans from Part 1 of the Plan in conjunction with Site Proposals from Part 2 and Guidelines from Part 3. The absolute minimum focal government agencies which must be contacted and circvlarised will include the following (and a fuller listing is given in ‘Annexe 2 in Part 6 of the National Ecotourism Plan): Tourism: Policy Division, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Floors 34-36 Menara Dato’ Onn, Putra World Trade Centre, 45 Jalan Tun Ismail, 50694 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2937111; fax: 03-2910951. Development Division, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Floors 34-36 Menara Dato' Onn, Putra World Trade Centre, 45 Jalan Tun Ismail, 50694 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2937111; fax: 03-2910951. Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, 24th - 27th floor, Menara Dato’ Onn, Putra World Trade Centre, 45 Jalan Tun Ismail, $0694 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2935188; fax: 03-2935884. Ministry of Tourism, 4th floor, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Petra Jaya, 93502 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 082-441957, 082-492533; fax: 082-441277. Sarawak Tourism Board, Shoplots No. 3.43 & 3.44, Level 3, Wisma Satok, Jalan Satok/Kulas, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Tel: 082-423600; fax: 082- 416700; 416701. Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development, 7th floor Sabah Bank ‘Tower, Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens, Karamunsing, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088-258476; fax: 088-236005. Sabah Tourism Council, c/o Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development, 7th floor Sabah Bank Tower, Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens, Karamunsing, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088-258476; fax: 088- 236005. Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, Mail Bag 112, 51 Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088-218620, 088-212121; fax: 088- 212075.158 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 State Level Planning: Alll State Economic Planning Units and/or State Development Departments Wildlife: Department of Wildlife & National Parks, Km 10, Jalan Cheras, 50664 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 03-9052872; fax: 03-9052873 National Parks and Wildlife Office, Sarawak Forestry Department, Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93660 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 082-442180; fax: 082-441377. Sabah Wildlife Department, Sth floor Block B, Wisma MUIS, Karamunsing, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088-214317; fax: 088- 222476. Parks: Sabah Parks, P.O. Box 10626, Block K Lot 3, Sinsuran Complex, 88806 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088-212518, 088-212508; fax: 088-221001. Johor National Parks Corporation, Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim, Bukit Timbalan, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim. Tel: 03-2237344; fax: 07-2235253. Natural Resources and Environment Board, Ministry of Resource Planning, 18th floor, Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Tel: 082-442180; fax: 082-448254, Forestry: Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department Headquarters, Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, 50662 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2988244; fax: 03-2925657. Sarawak Forestry Department, Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93660 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 082-442180; fax: 082-441377, Sabah Forestry Department, P.O. Box 311, 90007 Sandakan, Sabah. Tel: 089-660125; fax: 089-669170,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 159 Fisheries: Fisheries Department Headquarters, Ministry of Agriculture, Floors 8 & 9 ‘Wisma Tani, Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, 50628 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03- 2982011; fax: 03-2910305. ‘Sarawak Fisheries Department, 18th Floor, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Jalan ‘Simpang 3, Peti Surat 1375, 93728 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 082- 250357; fax: 082- 415499 Sabah Fisheries Department, 8th floor, Menara Khidmat, Jalan Belia, 88628 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088-235966; fax: 088-240511. Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), 7th floor, Wisma PKNS, Jalan Raja Laut, P.O. Box 12630, 50784 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 03- 2924044; fax: 03-2911931.160 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.6 Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Programme for the National Ecotourism Plan Short-term Objectives: To ensure that there is a mechanism in place for monitoring and evaluating progress in implementation of the National Ecotourism Plan Long-term Objectives: To provide feedback from implementors to revise and update the Plan Co-ordinating and Implementing Agency: Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee Background The chief links to be made in the chain of implementation of the National Ecotourism Plan are: from approval to implementation to monitoring and evaluation; + between the three tiers of national, State and local government; © between the different sectors including government, private sector, and the general public. In general, experience shows that the more speedy the approval process, and the smoother the transition to implementation, then the more successful that implementation is. Mechanism Envisaged Steps which are envisaged in the process are: A. Approval to Implementation Completion of National Ecotourism Plan, subject to advice and guidance of Techical and Steering Committees, and submission to Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; ‘© submission to Economic Planning Unit; ‘© submission to National Planning and Development Committee (NPDC); ‘© submission to Cabinet;ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 161 forwarding of approved Plan to Meeting of Chief Ministers; © forwarding to State Executive Councillors responsible for tourism, to State Secretaries, and to State Economic Planning Units (or equivalent bodies in each State); © dissemination to institutions and organisations within States, including State government agencies, District Offices and Local Authorities, and to private sector organisations (Chambers of Commerce, State Tourist Guides’ Associations, etc.), B. Implementation Schedule ‘An approximate timetable for implementation of the 20 Action Plans is shown in the Table 10.6.1on the following page.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 162 Twol_oco1_601_sror_Lro1_ 901 pron eror_zror_1or_oror__6o1 Supmg Ayedey jouonmpsut suomadeauy pue Sajuneta 215 SNVTd NOLLOV SNYTd NOLLOV AO NOLLVINANG'TAN 80d ATA LBA CALSAD ONS Pong Gremoyiod Pou wopeTuaUTa aT Fan sor_yol_ or zor__rot pig Jo woneynamoldury T9OT 19eLECOTOURISM Pt. | Action Plans 163 C. Implementation Priorities ‘The Action Plans have been placed in a sequence roughly corresponding to the logic of their implementation, beginning with the adoption of a clear definition and policy. For any given agency, however, it is recognised that some action plans will have greater importance than others, The Action Plans, Guidelines and Area suggestions most relevant to each agency are listed in a matrix included in the Executive Summary, and the agencies considered most relevant to the implementation of each Action Plan are given on pages 125-137. In themselves, these listings indicate rough priorities, The following Table 10.6.2 indicates the relative priority of each action plan amongst the main functional segments of the tourism field. Table 10.6.2 Priority of Action Plans Amongst Main Functional Segments of the Tourism Field Area ManagementECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Zowebe oyaa oa xeok xepuotes 8743 uy uexea suoyiow oyz;o0ds | yuenotes eTevodoxg aan ion Plans < exeya0 qesuowe suyTapynb esaeBtnuora | woyzequewetduy eenoy-ur Aousbe 8743 703 aveX aepustes e7ya UT uexey suOFaOW OTF}Dedg PeaMyT souTTePEND aan Aousby Aousbe 8743 eek xepustes st ya uy uexe2 suoszoe oyzyo0ds | 203 poreyt suoyzov aan Upjq wistnoloog [euoHTeN Jo UoLeUOU:a|duHt Wy ssaxB01d TuonuoU 10) HOY PaysaBBNg~ IG, 164ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 165 Table . Suggested form for centralised evaluation of progress in implementing Guidelines In-house implementation Yes/No MTGC Yes/No MATTA Yes/No PATA Yes/No ‘Tour operators Yes/No Professional bodies Yes/No MAS. ‘Yes/No K™ Yes/No NGOs ‘Yes/No Yes/No ‘Yes/No ‘Yes/No MTPB Ministry of Tourism & Eny Dev (Sabah) STPC166 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt 1 Table . Suggested form for centralised evaluation of progress in carrying out Action Plans ‘Significant Progress MOCAT. Yes/No Ministry of Tourism & Env Dev ‘Yes/No (Sabah) Ministry of Tourism Sarawak Yes/No MOCAT Yes/No Ministry of Tourism & Env Dev Yes/No (Sabah) try of Tourism Sarawak Yes/No Economic Planning Unit ‘Yes/No State EPU/equivalent Johor Yes/No Kedah Yes/No Kelantan Yes/No Melaka Yes/No Negeri Sembilan Yes/No Pahang Yes/No Perak Yes/No Perlis Yes/No P. Pinang Yes/No Sabah “Yes/No Sarawak Yes/No Selangor Yes/No Terengganu Yes/NoECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action D, Implementation to Evaluation 167 Year 1997 1998 National Planning Process Stage of National Ecotourism Plan 1996 Seventh Malaysia Plan Adoption, and Implementation 1996-2000 Monitoring at State level = Mid Term Review 1999 ‘Monitoring at State level 2000 | Preparation of Eighth Plan | Review of Problems, Constraints, Action Plans 2001 Fighth Malaysia Plan Continued Implementation 2001-2005 2002 Monitoring at State level 2003 Mid Term Review Monitoring at State level 2004 Monitoring at State level 2005 | Preparation of Ninth Plan Review of full National Ecotourism Plan 2006 ‘New plan if required (eee168 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.7 Establish Complementary Planning Procedures for Ecotourism Site Development Short-term Objective: To set the foundations for identification, establishment and ‘management of ecotourism sites Long-term Objective: To ensure that planning forms the basis for sustainability of ecotourism, Co-ordinating Agency (National level): Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Co-ordinating Agency (State level): Chief Minister's office Action Steps (1) Preparation of State land use plans which identify ecotourism areas and which incorporate the needs of water catchment protection and biodiversity conservation, Both the plans and the process by which they are prepared should be integrated with existing national and State level land use planning procedures. These plans should be multi-purpose in function, serving to assist ecotourism planning as well as water resources planning and implementation of the National Policy on Biological Diversity. Each State plan should be endorsed by State Executive Committees/Cabinets as an official guide for all agencies involved in land use planning, Implementing Agency: State Economic Planning Units. It is suggested that the State Economic Planning Unit will act as the secretariat to a State level steering committee, which will appoint and supervise one agency (e.g., Town and Country Planning Department, State-level environmental agency, ‘or a consultant) to prepare the plans. Cost: Variable, from State to State. ‘Time Frame: All States should prepare the plans as a matter of urgency, and by the mid-term review period of the Seventh Malaysia Plan.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 169 Q) @) @ Where Structure Plans and Local Plans already exist, and take into account the needs of ecotourism areas, water catchment protection and biodiversity conservation, the Plans should be formally adopted and gazetted. Implementing Agency: State Planning Committee, followed by approval by State Legislative Assembly. Cost: None. ‘Time Frame: As soon as possible. Identification and establishment of the appropriate legal status for each ecotourism area. (In many cases this will already be known, e.g. Forest Reserve, In some cases a change in status will be appropriate, e.g. from Forest Reserve to State Park. In some cases, State land may need to be reserved under appropriate legislation, e.g. under the National Land Code, for management by the local authority.) This action is elaborated in Action Plan # 10.9. Implementing Agency: State Economic Planning Unit, with advice from Land Offices, and sectoral resource agencies (Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks, Fisheries Dept., Forestry Dept., et.). Cost: None. Time Frame: Within 1996. Identification of the management authority for each ecotourism area. (In ‘many cases the appropriate authority may be obvious from the legal status of the land. However, special arrangements may be needed on a case-by-case basis. For example, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks may manage an area on behalf of the State government; or a management committee consisting of several government agencies may be established. ‘Where site management is contracted (o a private company or allocated to a non-governmental organisation, a supervising government management authority must be identified ) Implementing Agency: State Economic Planning Units, with advice from all relevant agencies. Cost: None. ‘Time Frame: Within 1996.170 6) © Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Where one ecotourism area includes more than one category of land tenure (eg., a combination of Forest Reserve, State land and alienated land), one management authority should be appointed by the State government to co- ordinate management of that area. The appointed authority should decide on a management framework appropriate for that area (e.g., formal committee or informal consultative process). Implementing Agency: Chief Minister's office in each State to appoint a co- ordinating management authority. A possible approach would be to appoint a technical resource agency (e.g., Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks) with the condition that this agency liaise closely with the relevant District Office. Cost: None. ‘Time Frame: As soon as possible. Preparation of a written management plan for (a) each ecotourism area or (b) group of ecotourism areas, (A tourism zoning and carrying capacity study should be undertaken for each area; sce point (7) below. Ideally this should be done before the management plan is prepared, or as part of the process of drawing up a management plan, If an area is already receiving tourists, and/or if a management plan already exists in the absence of a carrying capacity study, a carrying capacity study should be done, and the existing ‘management regime amended if necessary.) Implementing Agency: The management authority designated for each area or group of areas. The management authority may either (a) prepare its own plan, (b) appoint a consultant or NGO to prepare the plan, or (c) form a "consortium" of agencies to produce the plan. Whichever method is chosen, the management authority must appoint an experienced team leader to lead the study team and write/edit the plan, and ensure that the plan is based on a consultative process which involves input from all stakeholders including local communities. Cost: Variable, to be determined by the management authorities. Likely to be in the range RM50,000 - RM500,000 per area. ‘Time Frame: All areas currently identified as suitable for ecotourism should have a plan drawn up by the end of the Seventh Malaysia Plan period.ECOTOURISM Pt, 1 Action Plans 171 M 3) A study of tourism carrying capacity to be conducted at each ecotourism area, and a report to be prepared with recommendations for tourism management. These should refer to (a) overall carrying capacity of the area, (b) carrying capacity of difirential-use zones within the area, and ideally (c) the canying capacity of specific trails and facilities in each zone. Implementing Agency: The management authority designated for each arca, or group of areas. The management authority may either (a) prepare its own plan, (b) appoint a consultant or NGO to prepare the plan, or (c) form a “consortium” of agencies to conduct the study jointly. Cost: Variable, to be determined by the management authorities. Likely to ‘be in the range RM10,000 - RMS0,000 per area. ‘Time Frame: All areas currently identified as suitable for ecotourism should have a carrying capacity study completed within the Seventh Malaysia Plan period. The methodology of conducting tourism carrying capacity studies, along with methodology for monitoring tourism impacts on natural areas, should be further developed and improved. Implementing Agency: All management authorities for ecotourism areas should develop methodology in consultation with one another, and using existing documentation especially that already available for certain Malaysian ecotourism sites. Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism and State evel tourism agencies should help to facilitate and co-ordinate consultation. Cost: Small; will be absorbed within routine work by relevant agencies and within specific area carrying capacity studies. ‘Time Frame: Main elements of methodology to be developed before the mid-term review of the Seventh Malaysia Plan.172 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.8 Establish Complementary Application Procedures for Ecotourism Site and Product Development Short-term Objective: To establish State-level procedures for processing applications relating to ecotourism. Long-term Objective: To ensure that the flow of applications from various sectors, to be carried out on land of different status, is co-ordinated with the policies and purposes of ecotourism. Co-ordinating Agency (National level): Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Co-ordinating Agency (tate level): State Economic Planning Unit Implementing Agency: Chief Minister's Office in each State ‘Action Steps: (1) General criteria for assessing ecotourism applications must be identified by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and distributed to State governments via State Economic Planning Units. Suggested criteria include: Proposals: + Have environmental impacts been identified, and linked to carying capacity studies? + Is there an existing management plan for the area, and if so does the application fit in with this, and with any existing or planned infrastructure? ‘© Is the proposal accompanied by a contour map, and a map of existing vegetation? ‘+ Is the application consistent with existing plans of the Town & Country Planning Department and/or the Local Authority? «Is the application likely to enhance the national andJor State image? + Does the application demonstrate economic viability, backed by a written business plan? + Is the application for ecotourism or mass tourism, and is it therefore in an appropriate site? + Is the proposal likely to increase tourist numbers and/or revenue? «Will the proposal ensure and/or erhance tourist satisfaction (preferably based on results of tourist surveys and/or statistics)? + Are health and safety measures adequate? + Is adequate manpower available?ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 173 Has a human resource development plan been written? Are there significant benefits to local communities? If handicrafts are proposed, are they to be made from sustainably produced materials? Proposers: ‘Does the proposer demonstrate adequate understanding of, and concem for, nature, culture, and local communities? Does the proposer intend to stay in the ecotourism business? Is there any reason to suspect ulterior motives, e.g., land speculation? Does the proposer have experience in tourism/ecotourism (a feature which can be important, but should not rule out promising new operators)? Does the proposer have other business experience, and if so is there evidence of good business management? (a feature which can be important, but should not rule out promising new operators)? The following matrix should be used to show which components of tourism projects may be handled by the private sector within reserved areas (parks, etc.), and which should as a matter of policy be retained under full governmental control. Control of access: ‘Marketing: Construction: ‘Source: Fowkes & Fowkes, 1991174 Q) @) @ Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Cost: None. ‘TimeErame: Within 1996. Common criteria to be adopted by all State governments. Cost: None. Time Frame: Within 1996, The existence of criteria for approving applications automatically leads on to the monitoring of whether those criteria have then been followed. If a company has applied to build and operate facilities within a protected area, the building stage must be followed by an evaluation to determine whether the original criteria have been met. Only then can approval be given for proceeding to operate the facilities. Implementing Agency: The same as the agency which has the authority to approve the application. Costs: On a case-by-case basis, usually minor and paid for by the applicant. ‘Time Fame: In synchrony with identification of criteria for approval of applications in (1), above. The administrative process for receiving and processing tourism proposals which involve State land and alienated land to be decided and implemented at State level, A general model which could apply to proposals from the private sector and from government agencies would be as follows: (Step 1) Project proposer submits proposal to the District Office or District, level Land Office (DO/DLO). (Step 2) DO/DLO records receipt of proposal and (a) forwards a copy to the State Economic Planning Unit and (b) keeps one copy for intemal review and consultation with relevant local communities and policy makers. (Step 3) SEPU forwards copies to any relevant technical agencies for comments, including, but not necessarily all, or restricted to) the State Planning Committee, tourism authorities, local Department of Environment office, Forestry Department, wildlife/parks agencies, agencies involved with freshwater management, Fisheries Department, Town and Country Planning Department,ECOTOURISM Pt Action Plans 175 (Step 4) The technical agencies return comments to SEPU. (Step 5) SEPU reviews comments received and prepares a reply to DO/DLO, including a provisional decision on the proposal, which may be to proceed, revise or reject. (Step 6) SEPU forwards the reply to DO/DLO. (Step 7) DO/DLO reviews the reply from SEPU, comparing the SEPU advice with feedback (if any) already received from local communities and policy makers. (Step 8) If appropriate, DO/DLO arranges formal meetings or dialogues with focal communities and policy makers to discuss SEPU advice. (Step 9) DO/DLO makes decision on project proposal, informs proposer, and advises oninitiates any other necessary actions (e.g., changing conditions of land title), Cost: None. ‘Time Frame: Within 1996. (©) The administrative process for receiving and processing tourism proposals which involve government reserves (including Parks, Forest Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, etc.) to be decided and implemented at State level. A general mode! which could apply to proposals from the private sector and from government agencies would be as follows: (Step 1) Project proposer submits proposal to the reserve management authority (RMA) (e.g., Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks, Fisheries Dept., Forestry Dept., State level parks authority). (Step 2) RMA records receipt of proposal and (a) forwards copies to any relevant agencies for technical comments, including (but not necessarily all, or restricted to) the State Planning Committee, tourism authorities, local Department of Environment office, Forestry Department, wildlife/parks agencies, agencies involved with freshwater management, Fisheries Department, Town and Country Planning Department, and (b) keeps one copy for internal review and consultation with relevant local communities and policy makers. (Step 3) The technical agencies retum comments to RMA.176 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 (Step 4) The RMA reviews comments received, comparing them with the basic objectives of the reserved area and with feedback (if any) already received from local communities and policy makers. (Step 5) If appropriate, RMA arranges formal meetings or dialogues with local communities or policy makers for further discussion. (Step 6) RMA makes decision on project proposal, informs proposer, and advises onfinitiates any other necessary actions (e.g., preparation of lease agreement). Cost: None. ‘Time Frame: Within 1996,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 77 10.9 Expand and Improve Management of a Nationwide System of Ecotourism Areas Short-term Objectives: To expand the network of natural attractions available for ecotourism, Long-term Objectives: To secure the sustainable management of natural resources as the key factor which will make ecotourism sustainable, as ‘well as long-term protection for the full range of Malaysia's natura! biological diversity upon which ecotourism depends. Co-ordinating Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Implementing Agency: Chief Minister's offices in each State Action Steps: qd) The list of ecotourism areas included in this Plan to be divided into 13 State lists as well as the lists for Federal Territories. The lists to be forwarded by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism to the Chief Minister's office of each State, drawing attention to the potential ecotourism value of the areas, and recommending that steps be taken: (@) to provide adequate statutory protection for those areas which currently enjoy no form of reserve status (i.¢., State lands); and (b) to modify the category of existing statutory protection for those areas which are already protected in some way but require a different status if ecotourism is to succeed. Priority steps will be the legal declaration and gazettement of protected areas at: Kinabatangan, Sempoma Islands, Sugut River, Lower Segama River, Bukau River, foothills of the Crocker Range, foothills of Mount Kinabalu and Bukit Silam, Sabah; ‘Wang Kelian, Perlis, Ulu Muda, Kedah; Belum and Temenggor, Perak; Maludam and Pulau Bruit, Sarawak; Gunung Stong, Kelantan;178 @ Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 more effective management procedures and/or staffing at: Sipadan and Sempoma Islands, Sabah; Bario and Loagan Bunut, Sarawak; Fraser's Hill and Kenong, Pahang; Rantau Abang, Terengganu; integrated land use and social development planning at: Telupid, Sugut River, Bukau River, Lower Segama River, Nabawan ‘heath forests, and the areas peripheral to Kinabalu Park and Crocker Range National Park in Sabah; Hose Mountains proposed National Park, Pulong Tau proposed National Park, and Batu Laga proposed Wildlife Sanctuary in Sarawak; Segari Melintang in Perak; the entire Terengganu coast especially in the vicinity of Setiu and Rantau Abang; and areas peripheral to Kenyir dam, Taman Negara, and the eastern flank of the Main Range in Pahang; and rchabilitation of sites as listed in Part 2, section # 2.16 of this report. Cost: None. ‘Time Frame: Within 1996, The list of ecotourism areas in this Plan to be forwarded by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, (a) for information, and where appropriate, for further action in relation to (b) the National Biodiversity Policy and (c) research funding. Cost: None. ‘Time Frame: Within 1996.(OTOURISM Pt. @) 4 Action Plan: 179 Implement Action Steps 3 - 7 in Action Plan 10.7. ‘The Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee to identify priority areas (see Part 2, # 3.1 - 3.30 for areas requiring government action, # 4 for areas suitable for private sector participation, and # 2.16 for areas requiring rehabilitation), and seek means to support appropriate development of these areas, See also the lists mentioned in the summary of actions (# 10, this volume).180 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.10 Elaborate Development and Management Plans for Each Ecotourism Area Short-term Objective: ‘To manage areas so as to provide the resources needed to develop ecotourism, while minimising adverse environmental impacts. Long-term Objective: To ensure the continuing ability of natural areas to sustain ecotourism. Co-ordinating Agency (National level): Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Co-ordinating Agency (State level): ‘Chief Minister's office in each State Action Steps (1) Implement Action Plan # 10.7 (5). In addition, the exact boundaries of the Q) @) area under the supervision of the chosen management authority must be defined. Implement Action Plan # 10.7 (6). Implement Action Plan # 10.7 (7): A study of tourism carrying capacity to be conducted at each ecotourism area, and a report to be prepared with recommendations for tourism management. These should refer to (a) overall carrying capacity of the area, (b) carrying capacity of differential-use zones within the area, and ideally (c) the carrying capacity of specific trails and facilities in each zone. Mechanisms to encourage the preparation of carrying capacity studies should include: encouragement to do so by State Planning Committees; use of Marine Parks legislation under the Fisheries Act, which calls for the preparation of management plans (which should include the consideration of carrying capacity), Implementing Agency: The management authority designated for each area or group of areas. The management authority may either (a) prepare its own plan, (b) appoint a consultant or NGO to prepare the plan, or (c) form a “consortium of agencies to conduct the study jointly.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 181 @ 6) 6) a Cost: Variable, to be determined by the management authorities, Likely to be in the range RM10,000 - RMS0,000 per area. ‘Time Frame: All areas currently identified as suitable for ecotourism should have a carrying capacity study completed within the Seventh Malaysia Plan period. Implement Action Plan # 10,7 (8): The methodology of conducting tourism carrying capacity studies, along with methodology for monitoring tourism impacts on natural areas, should be further developed and improved, Implementing Agency: All management authorities for ecotourism areas should develop methodology in consultation with one another, and using existing documentation especially that already available for certain Malaysian ecotourism sites. Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism and State level tourism agencies should help to facilitate and co-ordinate consultation. Cost: Small; will be absorbed within routine work by relevant agencies and within specific area carrying capacity studies. ‘Time Frame: Main elements of methodology to be developed before the mid-term review of the Seventh Malaysia Plan, ‘A manager must be appointed for every ecotourism area under goverment supervision, or, if the number of managers is limited, for each grouping of ecotourism areas. Ambiguity in the extent to which the manager has authority over all aspects of area management must be minimised. Natural areas set aside as government reserves (National Parks, Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Forest Reserves, etc.) must continue to fall under the jurisdiction and management of the sectoral resource management agencies, not under tourism authorities. Aspects of areas where management may be privatised should be identified (Gee matrix under Action Plan # 10,8). The roles and responsibilities of every privatised management arrangement must be clearly specified in a contract. The contract must be drawn up by the relevant government management authority, with independent assistance if necessary, and should be inspected by the State Attomey General's or State Legal Advisor’ office, The contract must be based on the premise that the objective of managing the specified area is to conserve the natural integrity of that area; the contract,182 (8) @) (0) a) ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 should not be drawn up with the objective of maximising profits independent of considering the impacts upon the environment, All on-the- ground aspects of concessions to run facilities in parks (including corporatisation, privatisation and other concessionary arrangements), should be under the ultimate supervision of the area manager appointed by government. The area management plan should be periodically reviewed, either by the designated management authority, or by that authority with the assistance of qualified, independent specialists. If not specified in the area management plan, the management authority should devise and implement a programme to monitor selected environmental indicators that will show trends in environmental quality, including trends related to tourism. ‘Where the need for rehabilitation of degraded sites or facilities is identified, a rehabilitation programme should be drawn up and implemented under the direction of the management authority. A list of sites known to be requiring rehabilitation is given in Part 2, section # 2.16, of this report. Where possible the programme should be drawn up and implemented in collaboration with local communities, operators, and/or tourists. Whenever it becomes apparent that unsuitable tourism products are under way, the relevant management authority should take action. The management authority should collaborate with the most appropriate other agency or agencies, including State and national level tourism authorities, to raw up an appropriate course of action. in general, it will be preferable to seek informally the co-operation of tour operators to phase out or stop unsuitable activities. If this is unsuccessful, then the authorities should use available legal means. Dealing with existing mass tourism at areas which should have been managed for small visitor numbers requires sensitive hhandling on a case-by-case basis, In some cases, a slow phasing out will be appropriate (for example, if the activity causes no permanent damage, and in order to minimise any possible negative effects on Malaysia's tourism image, and if there is no existing legislation to prohibit the activity of concern), In other cases, it may be proper to stop the activity quickly by any means possible (for example, where undesirable activities will become more intransigent if action is delayed, or if they are clearly and quickly damaging to the environment). In some cases, the only practical solution will be to continue to manage the site for mass tourism, with the introduction ofECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 183 (12) a3) improvements where possible, and seek altemative sites for ecotourism. It is important that the relevant authorities learn from the sequence of events which led to the problem at the original area (in some cases, for example, well intentioned investments by government in improving road access or in advertising may have facilitated mass tourism at unsuitable sites). It is equally important that the alternative areas be maintained for ecotourism and that they too do not become mass tourism destinations. ‘Measures to preclude future development of mass tourism at ecotourism areas include: camying capacity studies; clear statements by area management authorities on planned limitation of visitor numbers; improved co-ordination amongst area management authorities, tourism authorities and other relevant agencies. In the longer term, the introduction of ational scheme for accreditation for tourism products will help to prevent the introduction of new, unsuitable products, Malaysia should plan for the introduction of accreditation within about the next ten years (by 2005). Certification should be based on the ‘model suggested in Action Plan # 10.18, using a fully participatory approach by: the regional tourism industry, by involving tourism associations, in particular PATA. If mechanisms such as the PATA Green Leaf award are considered for incorporation as part of an accreditation system, they must be accompanied by monitoring. In order to phase out or prevent unnecessary promotion of areas which are experiencing or may in the future experience excessive tourism use, tourism promotion agencies should promote ¢hemes (e.g, mountain ranges), activities (e.g.. diving) and species (e.g., proboscis monkeys) in preference to specific sites.184 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Management Planning for Ecotourism The following material is based upon guidelines developed by WTO (1992). Ideally, every park used for ecotourism should have a management plan, which guides all developments within the park and defines the objectives of the park in terms of the wider region. Planning for specifically touristic uses in a park is one part of the overall park management planning process. A park management plan typically addresses four main elements that make up management: resource management and protection; human use (including tourism); research and monitoring; and administration. Within the context of the total management planning process, the human use or tourism. component would address a mumber of specific concerns, as outlined below. The steps in preparing the tourism part of the plan are summarised as follows: Step 1. Collect and Analyse Data To ensure that decisions are based on a thorough understanding of local resources, social and economic factors, and other considerations, data on a wide range of relevant topics should be collected and analysed systematically by the park authority. Tourism is people management, and it is thus necessary to be familiar with the human side of the equation. It is important to gather information on an area's visitors, just as it is important to monitor natural resources. Visitor information is required for (a) budgeting and setting fees, (b) allocating personnel, (c) scheduling maintenance, (4) understanding the users, (e) detecting trends in use, and (f) planning. The sorts of tourism data which should be collected by park managers include: + Basic entry figures should be collected to indicate the number of visitors, by entry point and method of arrival (boat, bus, car, etc.) + Travel pattems and visitor activities within the park (viewing, camping, picnicking, walking, fishing, education, etc.). +. Periods of use, so shat peak periods can be accommodated.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 185 + Visitors’ places of origin, to clarify the market arca and the staff language requirements. + Visitors’ length of stay. + Levels of visitor satisfaction and suggestions for improvements. A suitable format for such surveys can be a modified version of the questionnaire for international ecotourists (given in an Annexe to Part 6 of the National Ecotourism Plan). Step 2. Identify Resource Conflicts. On the basis of resource inventories and other data collected, the management authority should identify resource conflicts and define options for solving such conflicts (including costs and benefits for each option). Conflicts between resource use for tourism and for the livelihood of local inhabitants need to be anticipated. The parks authority should create mechanisms to harmonise the development of resources and, wherever possible, blend tourist development with the local culture and way of life. For tourism developments in coastal and island habitats, the following potential resource conflicts are indicative of the type of issue that a tourism planner will face: + Fishing, Fishing at a subsistence or modest market level in a specific locality may have evolved a balance between supply and off-take over the years. With the greatly increased demand that may be stimulated by major tourist developments, the traditional fishery may be forced out of balance with the available resource. This can quickly lead to over-fishing, rising prices, and a reduced protein supply for the local population. Therefore, as part of every relevant tourism development plan, improved fisheries management procedures should be implemented, These would include steps such as a system for reporting catch data to determine stock Jevels; protection of nursery areas by preventing habitat destruction, and by prohibiting fishing where necessary; establishment and enforcement of standards for net or seine mesh size adequate to protect juvenile and non-selected small fish; and establishment of specific “replenishment! zones where no fishing is permitted (such a zone to include, for example, the best coral reefs available, perhaps combined with development for fish observation by tourists using glass-bottomed boats or snorkels). Malaysian examples: All Marine Parks186 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Mangroves. Mangrove ecosystems play a key role as. feeding and spawning areas for a great number of commercially important fish and other marine animals. They help regulate the movement of fresh and salt water in the intertidal zone and provide a habitat for a wide range of species. Their protection is essential for the maintenance of the productivity of coastal waters. Appropriate national policies on environment, management and conservation of mangroves have been established and should be followed by the tourism development plan. ‘Malaysian examples: Kuala Selangor Matang Mangroves, Perak Kisap, Langkawi Unique sites. Management of unique sites is urgent where facilities for tourists and accompanying local settlement endanger the natural site. Privately financed development often actively seeks hotel locations as near as possible to outstandingly beautiful and unique coastal landscapes and beaches, Therefore, development should be preceded by an inventory and a zoning/management plan to ensure preservation and public use of valuable natural sites, especially where there may be a high demand on coastal lands for recreational vse, or where outstanding attractions are found close to existing high-density tourist facilities. Malaysian examples: Rantau Abang, Terengganu Kuala Setiu, Terengganu ‘Tanjung Ara, Sabah Sites of outstanding natural values. Some arcas of naturally high primary productivity -- such as wetlands, seagrass beds, coral reefs and mature rainforests ~- should receive high priority for preservation or protective management. Wherever serious alteration is contemplated, benefits and costs should be carefully assessed. Features with unusual aesthetic value may be important to an existing or potential tourist industry, so developments in a tourist zone may well help to support the establishment or improved management of a nearby park. In coastal habitats, most such habitats are designated as Marine Parks, with supervision and \aw enforcement provided. Malaysian examples: Pulau Sipadan, SabahECOTOURISM Pt. 187 Step 3. Determine Objectives. ‘The parks authority should determine, through discussion and negotiation with those most directly concemed, detailed and appropriate objectives for each tourist zone, Deciding objectives is the most important step in determining what sort of tourism facilities are appropriate to a tourist zone, All else follows from the decisions made on objectives. When objectives are only implicit, their full implications may not be appreciated and different parties may have different perceptions of the objectives. Therefore, objectives must be made explicitly, and since such decisions will almost always involve value judgments, they should be finally decided at an appropriately high level after having been thoroughly discussed by a wide range of interest groups. At least the following categories of objectives should be considered: + Beneficiaries. Who are to be the primary beneficiaries? Options may include: (1) the local people, (2) foreign investors, (3) tourist agencies, (4) major national investors from outside the immediate area, and (5) the general public. The sort of development to be promoted will vary widely with the intended beneficiary or beneficiaries, but the primary beneficiaries’ may also become the most dependent on the tourism resource, + Dependency. To what extent should the area become dependent on tourism, realising that the supply of tourists is uncertain and dependent on a wide range of factors over which the park managers have no control? Options may include: (1) tourism should become the mainstay of the local economy, and involve the local people to the maximum extent; (2) tourism should be a useful supplement to the local people, but they should be primarily dependent on their traditional livelihood (e.g., agriculture); (3) local people should be minimally involved in the development, instead bringing labour from distant urban centres (for example, in cases where it has been determined that local culture would be significantly damaged by contact with tourists). The social, economic and environmental consequences of these three sorts of options will vary widely. + Scale, Based partly on questions of beneficiaries and dependency, what scale of tourism should be promoted? There should be an explicit statement, included as an integral feature of the plan for the Tourist Zone, of the level at which further growth of tourism would be limited and how this would be done. This cross- refers directly to the setting of carrying capacity and limits of acceptable change described in Guidelines, Part 3, # 2. Maintenance of the quality of life will require the fixing of carrying capacity limits. These will vary with the fragility of the area concerned and the nature of the tourist activity contemplated.188 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 In striking the balance among beneficiaries, dependency and scale, full weight should always be given to the effect on the social fabric of local communities brought about by the promotion of mass tourism. Action Plan # 10.11, and Guideline, Part 3, # 20, are relevant. These include impacts associated with a change in the consumption and behaviour pattems of local people through exposure to the ideas and lifestyles of tourists. Local people should be protected from decisions made by certain developers who may have a short-term vested interest in rapid expansion and increase in land values through speculation, and may not be overly concerned by the possibility that the tourism engendered may be ephemeral, © Source. What sources of tourism should be given priority? Options may include: (1) primarily domestic (with one implication being that while the economic scale may be somewhat less, the supply is likely to be more dependable and the cultural impacts less); (2) primarily foreign (with the implication that while economic benefits - especially in terms of foreign exchange - may be higher, there is more uncertainty in supply). If the intention is to address primarily the foreign market, then the specific sector of that market needs to be decided and developments designed to address the interests of that sector. International tourism, by definition, draws people from diverse cultures. Regional resource inventories and evaluations for the development of tourism should therefore attempt to take into account diverse recreational preferences. The travel preferences of tourists from different cultures (or groups within cultures, such as age groups) should also be considered in the layout and design of tourist facilites. Depending on the area, it may be appropriate to manage tourism for only one or a few activities or interest groups, or to cater for many. For large tourist zones, a wide range of differing interests can be met by different sorts of lodging and other facilities. For long-term security the bottom line is the development of local support and therefore benefits to the immediate region of all tourism projects should be ‘maximised. Step 4. Fit Tourism Into Regional Context. Because of its interaction with other land use activities pursued, under development or planned, the planning and promotion of tourism should be undertaken at the highest government levels and viewed as a component part of an integrated, comprehensive resource management plan, founded on sound ecological principles. Alll parks should be integrated with the general land use plan for the region, and vice versa. Similarly, plans for specific tourism developments within a given park should be co- ordinated with other land use plans, both locally and regionally. The overall land use planECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 189 for a region should consider the economic benefits that will accrue to the region from tourism developments in the tourist zone, These benefits should be balanced against possible developments outside the zone which could have deleterious effects on the attractiveness of the tourist zone. Where expansion of the tourist sector is planned, a commensurate expansion of public services should be mandatory; this will usually require collaboration among a wide range of government and private institutions, Step 5. Prepare the Management Plan. ‘The authority concerned should formulate a plan for each park. Each plan should include a component about each tourist zone, prepared in co-ordination with other government agencies and local authorities, covering specifically those aspects pertaining to tourism, The tourism component of the management plan is to be fully co-ordinated and integrated with other sectoral plans for the area. The plan should include a zoning plan and specify the sorts of activities which are permissible in each zone, based on the objectives agreed following Step 3. ‘The infrastructure of, and required by, the tourism industry, can eventually destroy the balance of natural resources. The precise type of tourism desired and the strategy to be employed in fostering its growth must therefore be carefully considered and decided in advance, based on the environmental values and on alternative resource development, ‘The Management Plan should establish standards for physical tourism developments, covering (amongst others) the style and location of structures, treatment of sewage and control of litter, extent to which encroachment upon natural resources is permitted, and preservation of open spaces and natural areas. The Management Plan should also specify the measures for overcoming the resource conflicts identified in Step 2. Step 6. Guide Construction Procedures. Construction methods and materials should be designed to minimise impacts on the environment. Guidelines, Part 3, # 11 and # 13 of the national Ecotourism Plan are relevant. Action Plan # 10.12 should develop pilot ecotourism projects that act as demonstrations of best practice, ‘As the scale of tourism increases, the supply of local materials may be over-taxed, requiring inappropriate exploitation of local resources. For example, living coral may be harvested to build roads, at the expense of destroying fisheries breeding grounds and a major tourist attraction, Sand for construction may be dredged from in-shore waters, thereby causing turbidity and erosion which can have serious effects on lagoon or bay waters.190 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 With the development of tourism facilities, an increase in pollutants from within the tourist zone can be expected. The volume of solid wastes often multiplies as personal incomes rise and more goods are imported from outside the zone. Adoption of outside constmer preferences further contributes to the process, rapidly overwhelming traditional methods of disposal. Sources of pollution from within the zone include: ‘+ Sewage. The parks authority should design procedures to ensure that sewage is properly treated, and residual effluents are not directed to beaches, rivers, swimming areas, wetlands or the ground water. + Pesticides and weedkillers. The parks authority should avoid or minimise the use of chemicals, and collaborate with the Ministries of Agriculture and Health to design procedures ensuring that pesticides (¢.g., to control mosquitoes) do not drain into surface water or ground water. + Refuse, The parks authority should design procedures to ensure that refuse is systematically collected. This will involve a preliminary inventory of solid waste generation, including long-term projections; investigation of public and private disposal practices; definition of criteria for disposal sites and their selection; and a strategy for charging the waste producer for costs of collection, handling and disposal. + Noise. Most tourist zones within parks are based on aesthetic values which are greatly enhanced by tranquillity. Procedures should be designed to ensure that noise is kept unobtrusive, Examples include ensuring that airports are avoided or sited sufficiently far from the area, discotheques and karaokes are kept under control, loud motorcycles are discouraged, electric buggies are used instead of diesel vans, etc. Step 7. Monitor Progress. ‘As planning is far from an exact science, every tourism development in a park should have a built-in monitoring system for each of the major parameters: impact on the natural environment, resolution of conflicts over resources, implementation of master plan, regional co-operation, water supply and quality, impact and quality of construction activities, and control of pollution. For each of the parameters to be monitored, the park authority should design a specific procedure and schedule for monitoring. Annual reports, for example, might be required for each parameter. The results within these reports could then be matched against previously determined limits of acceptable change.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 191 Examples Of Framework For Area Management Plans 1. INTRODUCTION PartI : STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT 2. - MANAGEMENT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES 2.1 Purpose of the Park 2.2 Significance of Park Resources 2.3 Influences on Management Historical Background Legislative Framework Regional Influences National and International Influences 2.4 Management Objectives General Objectives Resource Management Visitor Use Administration and Staff Part I: THE MANAGEMENT PLAN 3. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 3.1 Boundary Considerations 3.2 Boundary Adjustments 3.3. Area Zoning Strict Natural Area Wildemess Recreation Area Managed Natural Area Intensive Use Area Buffer Zones192 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 3.4 Resource Protection 3.4.1 Guard Posts 3.4.2 Ranger Patrols 3.43 Boundary Marking 3.5 Wildlife Management 3.5.1 Plants 3.5.2. Animals 3.5.3 Specially Vulnerable Species 3.6 Fishery Resource 3.7 Rehabilitation of Disturbed Areas 4. VISITOR USE 4l General Development Guidelines 4.2 Park Headquarters Site Selection 43 Visitor Use Development 43.1 Park Headquarters 43.2. Visitor Centre 43.3 Trail System 4.3.4 Observation Hides 4.4 Interpretation 5. ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF 5.1 Administrative Development 5.1.1 Guard Post System 1.2. Park Headquarters 5.13 Staff Compound 5.2 Road System 5.3 Boat System 5.4 — Communications System 55 Park StaffECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 6. 10. RESEARCH 6.1 General Resource Inventory 6.2 Ecology of Sensitive Species 63 Wildlife Habitat Improvement 64 — Research Stations MONITORING AND EVALUATION SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS, REFERENCES APPENDICES 193Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 SUMMARY PARTI GENERAL INFORMATION Ll Location 1.2 History of establishment and legal status 13. Present boundary 14 Recommended boundary alterations 1.5. Description in brief 1.6 Access and communications 1.7 Regulations 1.8 | Administration DESCRIPTION OF THE PARK 2.1 Climate 22 Geology 2.3 Geomorphology 2.4 — Hydrology 25 Soils 2.6 — Vegetation formations 2.7 Significance of the flora 2.8 Significance of the vertebrate fauna 2.9 Significance of the invertebrate fauna PRESENT UTILIZATION OF THE PARK 3.1 Local people holding privileges within the park 3.2 Visitors PRESENT UTILIZATION AROUND THE PARK 4.1 Forests and forestry 4.2 Hunting, fishing and gathering products 43 FarmingECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 195 PARTIL 5. PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE, 5.1 Roads 5.2 Airstrips 5.3 Significant effects on the park 6. PROPOSED EXTENSIONS TO THE PARK, 6.1 Proposal 62 Iustification 63 Boundary 64 — Content 6.5 — Constitution PARTI 7. | MANAGEMENT CONSTRAINTS AND OBJECTIVES 7.1. Period of the Plan 7.2 Objectives of Management 8. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION 8.1 Zonation 8.2 Boundaries and buffer zones 83 Habitat Management 84 — Wildlife Management 8.5 Regulation of Privileges 8.6 Law Enforcement &7 Patrolling196 10. iL 12. Action Plans RECREATION AND TOURISM 9.1 Scope 9.2 Access and Permits 9.3. Transport 9.4 Accommodation 9.5 Trails 9.6 Picnic Sites 9.7 Natural history enjoyment 9.8 Sport fishing 9.9 Rivers 9.10 Caves 9.11 Supporting literature INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION 10.1 Policy 10.2 _Interpretative/visitor centre 10,3 Nature trails 10.4 Literature, guidebooks and maps RESEARCH 11.1 Research value of the Park 11.2 Past Research 11.3. Future Research Priorities DEVELOPMENT 12.1 General 122 Buildings 12.3 Camps 124 Trails 12.5 Transport 12.6 Communications ECOTOURISM Pt. 1ECOTOURISM Pt. Action Plans 197 13, ADMINISTRATION 13.1 rae: 133 13.4 Staff Organisation Administration Responsibility Staff duties Staff training 14, PROSCRIPTIONS UPON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT 15. | MONITORING AND EVALUATION 16. | REFERENCES AND APPENDICES.198 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.11 Implement Ecotourism Guidelines and Integrate Them with Planning, Applications and Management Plans Short-term Objective: ‘To ensure that the Guidelines available come into use. Long-term Objective: To revise and strengthen Guidelines, and integrate them with the planning process, application and approval process, and with the management plans for ecotourism areas. Co-ordinating Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Implementing Agencies: _All_agencies listed in the matrix of agencies/ guidelines in Action Steps the Executive Summary and in Appendix 1 of Part 1 of the National Ecotourism Plan. Guidelines from the National Ecotourism Plan should be implemented, by: @ @ publishing and disseminating them Each of the Guidelines should be available separately as an attractively produced pamphlet, The whole compilation of Guidelines should also be available cheaply, from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and offices of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, ‘Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, and other such bodies, Copies should be liberally distributed to sectoral resource management and area management agencies, and to the private sector. revising and adding to them Guidelines are not static. Members of the Eco- and Agrotourism Implementation Committee may take the responsibility for revising and adding to the Guidelines, adding more technical specifications, and producing guidelines on additional topics. Where necessary the work may be contracted out.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 199 @) @ using them as a basis for standards for accreditation (# 10.18) Terms for any future accreditation scheme, and the contents of the guidelines, should be mutually compatible. Furthermore, each should aim to strengthen the other. incorporating relevant Guidelines and parts of Guidelines into construction, maintenance, management and concessionaires’ contracts ‘A trend should be established towards the stricter enforcement of guidelines with time, This may require that the guidelines move through the continuum of measures of environmental performance (sce table in # 10.18), towards accreditation, quality standards, and certification, Not all guidelines would become mandatory, and the rate of strengthening enforcement would differ from guideline to guideline, The most important guidelines (those concerned with the most sensitive areas, and the potentially most damaging activities), should be incorporated into contracts, as appendices or as integral parts of the contracts, so that they become legally enforceable conditions, LIST OF GUIDELINES (PART 3, #1 - #28) Guidelines for Categorising Sites and Activities Carrying Capacity and Limits of Acceptable Change Guidelines for Marine Parks and Islands Guidelines for National Parks, Reserves and other Forests Guidelines for Mangrove Sites Guidelines for Recreational Forest Reserves Guidelines for Limestone Hill and Cave Sites Guidelines for River, Waterfalls and Lakes Guidelines for Beach Sites Guidelines for Montane Areas Guidelines for Zoning, Site Plans and Architecture Guidelines for Use of Local Accomodation Guidelines for Minimising Negative Environmental and Cultural Impacts Guidelines for Interpretation, Education and Guide Traini ‘Guidelines for Accreditation Codes of Ethics within the Profession Visitors’ Roles and Responsibilities Guidelines for Health and Safety Guidelines for Waste Disposal Guidelines for Ensuring Local Community Participation Guidelines for Economic Structuring Guidelines Assessing Tenders and Bids Guidelines for Marketing and Promotion Guidelines for Contributing to Conservation Programmes Guidelines for Monitoring Programmes200 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.12 Establish a Series of Pilot Ecotourism Projects Short-term Objectives: Long-term Objectives: Co-ordinating Agency: Implementing Agency: To provide on-the-job training in plaming and architecture of ecotourism lodges. To provide working examples as models of proper ecotourism development in varied ecosystems. Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism State Economic Planning Units of the relevant States, the relevant site management authorities in each case, local communities and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. (1) Pilot ecotourism projects can and should play a crucial role in the development of ecotourism in Malaysia. They will be demonstration models of best practice, in all stages of ecotourism conceptual / product development, from planning to implementation. They will be status symbols and promotional tools for State Governments, ‘These pilot projects should ideally be placed in different ecosystems. It is recommended that the specific sites chosen, and the types of project, should be a matter of discussion in workshops and meetings, during and after the adoption process for the National Ecotourism Plan. Amongst various possible sites are: Belun/Temenggor, Perak (lowland forest); with Kenong, Pahang, as an alternative; Perak State Economic Planning Unit; Perak State Forestry Department; District Office; Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism + Sempoma Islands, Sabah (marine/island), ‘Sabah State Development Department; Sabah Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development; ‘Sabah Parks; District Office; Sabah Fisheries Department; Ministry of Culture, Arts and TourismECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 201 + cither Bario, Sarawak (montane) or Maludam, Sarawak (peat swamp) Sarawak State Development Department; Sarawak Forestry Department; District Office; Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism These may be added to or changed in discussions, as may the types of project e.g, interpretation and education; architecture). (2) Draft terms of reference for such pilot projects are given on the next page, Each pilot praject should be for @ facility of about ten rooms expanding up to 20 rooms. Proposal for ecotourism pilot projects in Malaysia Preliminary terms of reference 1. Objectives As a follow-up to the work carried out for the National Ecotourism Plan, it is deemed convenient to carry out specific ecotourism pilot projects in selected sites in Malaysia, that will cover the entire process, i.c., site selection, regional analysis and planning, site plan, architectural design, building systems, operational phase, administrative set-up, involvement of local communities, promoting and marketing, monitoring and evaluation. The idea of this proposal is to materialise appropriate working models that will serve as paradigms at a national and perhaps South East Asian level. Through the monitoring and evaluation phase, appropriate feed-back and required modifications would be carried out. It is advisable to carry out at least three separate pilot projects, related to very different natural ecosystems and perhaps social contexts, e.g., highland forest, lowland forest, island/marine. Ideally these would be spread out geographically between the three main regions of Malaysia, i., Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, The need for this type of work is owing to the lack of appropriate examples presently in existence which can be used as models for subsequent ecotourism developments. The pilot projects would represent a form of infrastructural investment provided by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism on behalf of the Federal government, in order to stimulate further activity in this fleld from the private sector including local communities and non- governmental organisations.202 Phasel 10 ul 12 13 Phase II ecifi Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Survey of the different key ecotourism destinations in Malaysia Selection of three sites for carrying out the pilot projects Regional analysis and diagnosis of the selected sites, Acquisition of land in the three sites Regional development plan for each of the selected sites Architectural programme: description of the spaces and facilities required, and their inter-relationships Site plans Preliminary architectural designs Approval of preliminary architectural designs Working drawings Approval of working drawings Tendering process for construction Report Identification of management and human resource framework Training and development of mechanisms for pro-active involvement of Jocal commun Initiation of promotion and marketing for specific target groups (e.g. private sector involvement) Construction phase of the three pilot projects ‘Tendering process for management and operation of facilities after constructionECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 203 Operational phase Broadening of promotion and marketing activities to reach wider audience ‘Monitoring and evaluation of entire process Feedback mechanisms to enhance project operation and carry out any required modifications Report Project co-ordinator (Phase I: 5 man-months; Phase H: 8 man-months) International consultant in field of low-impact architecture and ecotourism, planning (Phase I: $ man-months [4 months at half-time and 1 month full-time in Malaysia}; Phase II: 8 man-months [7 months half-time and 1 month full-time in Malaysia)) Local counterpart in architectural design and construction systems (Phase I: 5 man-months; Phase Il: 8 man-months) including structural engineer, draughting, installations and fixtures, eco-techniques (solar energy, recycling, ete.) Three site co-ordinators (Phase I: 2 man-months x 3 persons; Phase II: 8 man- months x 3 persons) Social dynamics facilitator (Phase I: man-months; Phase II: 8 man-months) ‘Tourism marketing specialist (Phase Il: 8 man-months half-time) Associated entities; Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism: advisory role from sclected staff members; management of (endering process; periodical review and approvals, participation in monitoring and evaluation process, ete Involvement of specific personnel from associated agencies, e.g, parks personnel, District and Land Office, institutions of higher education (staff and students) Sub-contractors selected by construction tendering process, local at each site Firms selected by management and operation tendering process, local at cach site Involvement of a local non-governmental organisation with experience in conservation and ecotourism204 4. Budget Project Co-ordinator International consultant (architecture/ecotourism planning) (@ half-time @ US$3500 pm (©) full-time @US$10,000 pm Local architectural studio Estimate RM15,000 per mo. 3 Site co-ordinators Estimate RMS,000 per mo. Social dynamics facilitator Estimate RM6,000 per mo. Tourism marketing specialist Estimate RM7,000 per mo. Sub-total Per diems and accommodation M300 x 60 days Local per diems Travel: Air fares KL-Mexico-KL x2@RM2,500 Local air fares KL - project sites: estimate Action Plans Phase I 5 months RM32,500 4 months: RM35,000 1 months RM25,000 S months RM75,000 2 months RM30,000 5 months RM30,000 227,500 9,000 9,000 2,500 5,000 ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 8 months RMS2,000 7 months RM61,250 1 months RM25,000 8 months RM120,000 8 months RM120,000 8 months RM48,000 4 months RM28,000 454,250 9,000 9,000 2,500 10,000ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Pla 205 Other local travel: estimate 5,000 10,000 Estimated construction cost 1,800,000 at RM600,000 per site Total 258,000 2,294,750 Grand Total 2,552,750 5. Timetable Starting date 1 May 1996 End of Phase I 30 September 1996 End of Phase II 31 May 1997206 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.13 Establish Additional Products and Management at Taman Negara Short-term Objectives: To create a more attractive tourism experience that promotes conservation and enhances the involvement of local communities. Long-term Objectives: To ensure that ecotourism in Taman Negara is sustainable and brings long-term socio-economic and conservation benefits. Co-ordinating Agency: Department of Wildlife and National Parks Background For many years after its establishment in 1938-1939, Taman Negara received few visitors. However, after privatisation in 1990 visitor numbers increased rapidly and the type of tourism began to change. Development at Kuala Tahan, Pahang, is hotel- led. Additional visitor centres have been identified in Kelantan and Terengganu, About 40,000 visitors to the park may be expected in 1995, These changes make necessary the refinement of previous management planning documents, Revised management plans will help to guide sustainable tourism development. Action Steps (1) The Technical Advisory Committee on Taman Negara should modify its terms of reference so as to expand its geographical scope to adjacent areas, in conjunction with the State Economic Planning Units of Pahang and other States, and Ketengah. Implementing Agency: Taman Negara Advisory Committee Cost: None ‘Time Frame: Immediately 2) The committee should conduct, or commission, a study which sets out the zoning, carrying capacity, and details of activities allowed within each zone of Taman Negara, and which makes recommendations for similar zoning, carrying capacity and use of adjacent areas.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 207 )) @) The study should result in a development and management plan in which tourism is a strong component within a philosophy led by the priority of natural resource conservation. The plan should make firm commitments to the preservation of the southwestem and westem areas of Taman Negara, identifying buffer zones and business opportunities where appropriate. These may include significant opportunities for the involvement of villagers in domestic tourism. Opportunities and scope for private sector involvement in tourism and other developments in Taman Negara, and in adjacent areas outside the park, should be specified. Limits of acceptable change to the park itself, from activities within and adjacent to it, should be specified. Implementing Agency: Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks Cost: In the region of RM350,000 ‘Time Frame: By 1998 Developments outside the park, within a park buffer zone, may include an aerial tramway. This should be a major opportunity for the private sector. Experiences in Costa Rica may form a basis for this development. Implementing Agency: Private sector, subject to recommendations of the Taman Negara management plan concerning activities in adjacent land. Cost: To be determined ‘Time Frame: By the end of the Seventh Malaysia Plan period. A wildlife ‘park’ (including deer, wild boar, and other relatively common animals of the Malaysian forest) may be considered for development at Kuala Tahan, on the east side of Sungai Tembeling outside Taman Negara, Approval for such a scheme should be contingent upon a plan which makes minimum use of live animals, but which combines the use of video, models, sound recordings and artwork into a sophisticated interactive presentation. ‘The presentation should demonstrate key aspects of forest biology, showing the importance of Taman Negara to conservation in Malaysia. This should be a major opportunity for the private sector.208 6) Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Implementing Agency: Private sector, subject to recommendations of the ‘Taman Negara management plan concerning activities in adjacent land, Cost: To be determined ‘Time Frame: By the end of the Seventh Malaysia Plan period. Additional village business opportunities should be identified and defined, for implementation at Kuala Tahan and other settlements around Taman Negara. These opportunities should be consistent with the demands of the development and management plan. The local community should be given preference in such businesses. Training and business opportunities for Orang Asli should be identified, These should be similar to the opportunities identified for other local businesses, but have available a greater range and depth of training opportunities, and access to continuing business advice. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Public Enterprise, subject to recommendations of the Taman Negara management plan concerning activities on adjacent land, in co-operation with Dept. of Aboriginal Welfare and District Offices. Cost: Estimated to be in the region of RM20,000 - RM50,000 Time Frame: By 1998 A cultural centre may be considered for development at Kuala Tahan, on the east side of Sungai Tembeling outside Taman Negara. Such a centre might combine modem culture, proto-history and prehistory of the various ethnic and cultural groups along Sungai Tembeling into a living cultural village. ‘This should be an opportunity for the private sector. Implementing Agency: Private sector, subject to recommendations of the ‘Taman Negara management plan concerning activities in adjacent land. Cost: To be determined. Time Frame: By the end of the Seventh Malaysia Plan period.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 209 The Department of Wildlife and National Parks together with the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, should request for extension land between the northeastem boundary of Taman Negara and the waterline of Kenyir lake. This should be a buffer zone for the development of future ecotourism opportunities combining lake and forest activities. There must be co- ordination of park zoning, and activities in this area, with the plans of KETENGAH. Implementing Agency: Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks, in co- operation with Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, State government of Terengganu, and KETENGAH. Cost: To be determined. Time Frame: As soon as possible,210 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.14 Establish and Promote a Consistent Marketing Strategy Short-term Objective: To increase ecotourist numbers and to spread them more ‘equitably at low impact across a range of sites and activities. Long-term Objective: To sustain the growth and development of ecotourism in the long term, so as to ensure that the economic, social and environmental benefits of ecotourism are fully realised. Co-ordinating Agency: Malaysia Tourism Promotions Board (MIPB) Implementing Agency: Malaysia Tourism Promotions Board (MTPB) 10.141, Background (Market Overview Recession and financial instability have continued in traditional MTPB ‘markets such as Australia, the United Kingdom and Japan, and extended to the United States, The resulting changes in spending habits, and the decline in the ability of these markets to supply tourists, has been buffered by a greater interest in niche markets, Tourism Malaysia has begun to target niche markets some years ago, and in ecotourism evidence of this is the promotion of Taman Negara, Kinabalu and Sarawak, and specific marketing support such as the sponsorship of specialised advertising supplements overseas. Ecotourism will continue to be one of the more favourable niche markets. This trend fits in with the increasing environmental consciousness amongst the people making up the tourism market overseas, and amongst Malaysians, Malaysian actions to protect and conserve the environment can form a basis for good marketing strategy, so long as specific tourism destinations are clearly developed in line with ecotourism principles. In marketing ecotourism, Malaysia will face increasing competition from Indonesia in particular, and other South-east Asian countries in general. In competing for the American ecotourism market, Malaysia will face competition from well-known and well-established ecotourism destinations in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Information for small groups of independent travellers will become more important, requiring Malaysia to make full use of information technology.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 2u1 Q) @) @ Government Directives Ecotourism has been identified by the Malaysia Tourism Policy study as one of the specialised forms of tourism to be developed. The promotion of ecotourism and agrotourism was identified in the MTPB 1994 Marketing Plan as an area to be given emphasis in public relations promotions and trade presentations. This is in line with the rise in environmental consciousness mentioned above. Ecotourism can be one tool to help combat tourism declines due to financial difficulties in traditional market countries. It can also be a tool to develop newer markets and new tours. If this is to be done successfully, a clear understanding will be needed of the aims of ecotourism, and its principles, not only by the tourism product developers but also by the marketers. Agrotourism and ecotourism must be distinguished, and developed in different ways. Tourist Arrival Targets The tourism target of seven million arrivals in 1994 was successfully achieved. Tourism development scenarios include targets ranging from 12.5 to 20 million arrivals by the year 2000. Strict ecotourism will continue to be a specialist, niche market that makes up a small percentage of all tourism, perhaps 7% to 10% of arrivals. ‘The wider range of tourists who include visits to natural destinations within a more general holiday will make up a more substantial part of total arrivals. If overall tourism targets are to be achieved, each of the niche markets will need continuing attention. These niche markets will include ecotourism, as well as sports tourism, shopping, special events, golf, etc. Markets Within the field of ecotourism, evidence is accumulating for a geographical bias in the specialised interests of target groups. Thus, for example, Japan responds well to opportunities in diving and marine parks, and the European market to birdwatching and rain forest. Markets such as Taiwan and Hong Kong also need to be explored to discover their preferences.212 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Although Singapore accounts for about 64% of visitors to Malaysia, only about 14% of ecotourists in Malaysia are from Singapore. The relatively short stay (averaging 3.3 nights) by Singaporeans, combined with their large numbers, identify this as a target group for which special promotional techniques are needed. A significant proportion of visitors to national parks and other nature areas are Malaysian domestic tourists or Malaysians enjoying recreation at ‘weekends, This market has been relatively neglected, and marketing to this group will require its own specialised approach. 1014.2 Collecting Information Methods are needed for monitoring and analysing ecotourists' opinions, needs and comments. Some surveys have been carried out at protected areas by the arca ‘management authorities, though not on a regular basis. Surveys should be carried out overseas and amongst special interest groups, by overseas offices and agents of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board. They should construct matket profiles, including a specific component on nature and ecotourism demand, interests, requirements, and availability of information. In addition to using the Intemet as a marketing tool, Malaysia should also use it as a tool to obtain information about ecotourism, for example by sending out onto the network a questionnaire available to all tour operators, and an invitation to anyone who has visited Malaysia before as a tourist to submit suggestions and comments. Overseas ecotourism organisations such as The Ecotourism Society (USA), the Ecotourism Association of Australia, and the Ecotourism Institute of Thailand should be utilised for their expertise in ecotourism requirements. Successful ecotour operators in Malaysia are a rich source of information about the requirements of ecotourists. They should be brought into dialogues specifically to describe such requirements, for use in developing tourism products adapted to ecotourist needs, A national body (# 7.1, # 10.3) should spread such knowledge amongst the various stakeholders including local residents near ecotourism sites. Methods of determining the number and characteristics of visitors, especially foreign visitors, travelling onwards from Peninsular Malaysia through to Sabah and Sarawak need to be strengthened. If this cannot be done from immigration statistics, it can be achieved by observation and counting by the staff of other government agencies standing at airport immigration desks.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 213 Surveys of tourists and ecotourists need to be conducted in parks, and of departing visitors in airports, and buses, on a continuing basis. Sample questionnaires are given in Annexe’ of Part 6 of this report. Additional questions, and more refined versions, may be developed with experience. Further data are needed on the domestic tourism market, statistics at Recreational Forests, and at previously unrecorded sites for camping, etc. These may be collected at such sites, and will require a strengthening of the existing efforts by institutions of higher learning and research. Contractual work for the Ministry of Culture, Arts and ~ Tourism, or Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, may be required. (1) To achieve targetted growth Ecotourism promotions should aim to mainitain a consistent or increasing share of the total tourist arrivals, which are themselves increasing. This will require: a) More specialised marketing, aimed at clearly identified target soups Which may span countries, e.g. special-interest groups; ») The identification of creatively packaged ecotourism holidays; ©) Production of more specialised promotional materials for distribution to retail outlets; 4) The use of information technology such as Intemnet, World Wide ‘Web, for marketing to independent travellers; ©) The marketing of themes (¢.., rainforest, orang utans, Rafflesia, diving, caves, architecture, nature photography) as much or more than specific locations.214 @ @) a Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 To promote a consistent ecotourism image that is compatible with the overall Malaysian Tourism image The overall Malaysian tourism image which is being cultivaied is that of Malaysians as a peaceful, friendly, happy people with a unique culture. The rainforest and reef image (suggested below for ecotourism, # 10.14.4 a) is consistent with this. To increase the distributorship of Malaysian ecotourism products More travel retail outlets should be targetted with promotional materials specifically on ecotourism products, indicating the type of product and its expected market appeal. Themes should be promoted more strongly than specific areas, giving the theme as the first line of attraction, to be followed by suggestions of various altemative destinations under the theme. This should be done through regular communications, sales incentives for those areas which are under-utilised and de-marketing of areas which are over- utilised, and regular educational updates. To increase revenue carned from ecotourism by emphasis on quality ecotourists defined through information It has been found that ecotourists spend no less than the majority of other tourists. Quality of ecotourists must therefore be defined by means additional to spending power. Degree of specialisation is one such measure, as specialised ecotourists who desire to experience one aspect of the environment such as birds, big mammals, orchids or culture, will be highly motivated. They will care for the environment they are in, pay for a good experience, and be keen to build on ancillary expenditure such as purchase of books, maps and photographs dealing with their particular interest. Quality of ecotourists can be enhanced by Malaysia, by separating out different specialist forms of tourism between different sites. Thus, whilst business travellers and incentive travellers may represent quality within the tourist profile as a whole, they do not represent quality within ecotourism. Marketing strategies for incentive and conference travel can include a component on sustainability, nature and the environment; nevertheless, incentive travel is more likely to be to mass tourism sites not ecotourism sites. Conventioners can represent very high quality ecotourists, if the given convention theme is appropriate to this niche. Post-conference tours for any conference theme can include visits to sce nature and culture, and these can be added attractions within the marketing of the conference package,ECOTOURISM. Action Plans 215 (5) Toinerease the participation by domestic tourists in ecotourism Marketing of ecotourism for domestic tourists should distinguish clearly between mass tourism in relatively natural areas, and specialised niche tourism sites. Activities and promotions should be appropriate to the site. Educational and awareness materials should be made a part of domestic ecotourism promotions. The involvement of youth groups and other social organisations in domestic ecotourism can help to foster social integration. (©) Toinerease the length of stay of ecotourists For ecotourists, special events will be of less importance as a method of lengthening stay than will concentration upon particular markets. Ecotourists already stay significantly longer than most other tourists. Therefore the promotion of ecotourism amongst those tourism markets which stay noticeably shorter than others can be a tool to extend stays. Singapore should be a prime target for ecotourism promotions. 10144 Image Ideally there should be a single ecotourism image for the whole country, which Malaysia should adhere to. The overall impression to be conveyed should be that Malaysia is a pioneer in setting new and better standards and procedures for ecotourism. If this is accepted, it must be backed up by actual practice, visible to the tourist. This overall impression should be conveyed throughout the ecotourist’s stay. Ecotourism holidays, however, should be marketed using a single marketing image. This could be: (@) Rainforest and Reef All three regions of the country have rainforests and coral reefs. This image would allow Malaysia to demonstrate species diversity in wildlife on land and in the water. A very strong point in its favour is that rainforest is the natural feature most in demand amongst ecotourists. A very high percentage of all tourists have heard of rainforest, because of several years of high profile publicity. On this topic, Malaysian forestry and conservation practices can benefit tourism, and tourism can also benefit the long-term market image of forestry. A relatively small negative point is that a travel agency in the United States is named ‘Reef and Rainforest’.216 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘An interesting rainforest experience can be virtually guaranteed, if guiding standards are high. Marketing should therefore be linked to guiding standards, and guide training should be designed to ensure that visitor satisfaction is maximised, because this will help future marketing. Similarly, coral reefs can be seen almost “on demand’, and high guiding standards are also a necessity. ‘The rural cultures of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak are all consistent between Malaysia's overall tourism image of a peaceful, friendly, happy people, and the more specific ecotourism image of rainforest and reef. More generally, Malaysians can be projected as living in harmony with nature. The overall tourism image can be incorporated into every specific ecotourism promotional material, (b) The Primeval Rainforest, or The Equatorial Rainforest Realm This would apply to all three regions, and allow concentration on Malaysia's single biggest ecotourism attraction. The South American countries are generally using the expression ‘Amazon’ in their promotions of rain forest, © — Rafflesia This would apply to all three regions. However, sightings of Rafilesia in full bloom cannot be guaranteed. (@ Primate Haven, or Land of the Orang Utan While this image would work well for some segments of the tourisin market, it would have negative connotations for others. The attraction of monkeys and gibbons would apply to all parts of Malaysia, but orang utans are only found in Sabah and Sarawak. If a separate but complementary image is to be adopied for ecotourism, in addition to Malaysia's general tourism images, then the image of Rainforest and Reef is the one recommended, All four of the above images are more specific than Malaysia's other marketing images (Fascinating Malaysia, Beautiful Malaysia, Naturally Malaysia), which is an advantage, They would refer specifically to ecotourism, and be used in the appropriate contexts, not to cover all forms of tourism,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 27 10.145 General Promotional Strategy The bulk of promotions should be done by the travel trade, but the trade will require ‘guidance on methods, on the image Malaysia should convey, and on specialist markets. Malaysia's marketing strategy should sim to maintain the diversity of all tourism products, so that ecotourism, mass tourism, shopping, sport, and other forms of tourism, occur at different sites, each attracting a different market sector. A major marketing problem can develop through the heavy promotion of sensitive sites that actually need no promotion (for example, a small coral island which might already exceed visitor capacity). Yet operators in less popular areas may not receive help because their product is not seen as bringing in money. Therefore a way to disperse tourism is to promote themes, regions, or species rather than (of course, as well as) specific sites), For example, in Sabah orang utans should be promoted rather than Sepilok; proboscis monkeys rather than Kinabatangan; in Peninsular Malaysia forests rather than just Taman Negara, Malaysia should therefore promote ecotourism themes (forest, bird-watching, diving, etc.), and then assign bookings according to availability of sites providing the given theme. This is the reverse of promoting sites (such as Taman Negara) and them trying to identify and expand the range of activities to be done there. Malaysia should market the broadest of ecotourism themes amongst retail outlets, and the more narrowly specialised themes amongst specialised outlets such as societies and special-interest magazines, and Internet. ‘When running an eco-lodge, or specialised ecotour destinations, the advertising and promotional methods are: through specialist societies; through special-interest magazines; on Intemet under specialised topics; through ecotourism symposia and workshops; When running an hotel, or other accommodation in a general nature site, the advertising and promotional methods are: through retail outlets; through general tourism trade magazines; through tourism fairs; on Internet under general holiday topics;218 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Based on information from 10.14.2, Malaysia should assess the relevance of trends within tourism, such as (a) the growing importance of the independent traveller, (b) travellers’ growing access to new booking methods such as the Intemet, and (c) competition from other ecotourism destinations, and the markets where they will be challenging Malaysia. Ecotourism requires accuracy of information, creating realistic expectations of what can be seen where. Promotional material must be available through the new information technology of Internet, World Wide Web, etc., which permits nat only access to the information itself but even printing out of brochures at the overseas end. Identify the niche markets. These should be clear from the preceding #8.14 and # 8.30. They include, but are not limited to: rain forest; orchids; plant life; butterflies; birdwatching; history; fishin, archaeology; nature photography; palms; African violets; anthropology; handicrafts; music and instruments; outdoor adventure (rock-climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, mountain-climbing, etc.) In developing a wider range of ecotourism sites, the main theme and flagship assets of each site should be determined (Guidelines # 1), so that target audiences and activities for each site can be decided and the relevant promotional outlets used. Establish the image which Malaysia wishes to portray. At best, this should be the pioneering of new standards and procedures for ecotourism. A. second, poorer option, is to rely on the photogenic appeal of its parks and wildlife.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 219 ‘Identify the marketing support services required by ecotourism operators. These may differ from the support services needed by other tourism operators. They could include: designation of a special ecotourism section within MTPB, with a naturalist experienced in ecotourism; an up-to-date market information base as described in 10.14.2, covering visitor numbers, type of trips, expenditure, visitor surveys, market profiles, and other information; a computerised register of inbound tour operators, giving the number of qualified guides, destinations visited, ecotourism expertise; a computerised register of overseas outbound operators bringing groups to Malaysia, with details (most recent visit, numbers of elients, places visited, local agents and guides used, ete.); a computerised register of specialised societies and their publications, and commercial publications independent of societies, with addresses, topics, advertising rates, circulation figures, etc. Specialist magazines are a highly targetted channel for promotions and should be used much more. Themes to be targetted include examples such as: birdwatching magazines: Dutch Birding, British Birds, Bird Study, Auk, Condor, Ibis, Wilson Bulletin, Alauda, Birds, Ardea, American Birds, Birding World, Oriental Bird Club Bulletin, World Birdwatch = mammals: Mammal Review, Primate Bye, Journal of Mammalogy, Zeitsherift fur Saugetierekund, Mammalia, = dive magazines: Asian Diver220 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 photography: Amateur Photographer, Camera, Popular Photography general nature magazines: BBC Wildlife, Natural History, Forest and Bird palms: Principes, the magazine of the American-based Palm Society African violets (despite the common name of these plants, they have important horticultural relatives in Malaysia): Internet group orchids, begonias and other plant groups: magazines of the Royal Horticultural Society, Amateur Gardening, Popular Gardening, caving: American Speleological Society publications, Cave Science history, anthropology, archaeology and culture: Bomeo Bulletin, Sarawak Gazette, publications of the Smithsonian Institution general and regional sports magazines: Action Asia.;COTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 221 = computer magazines: pe World (in relation to use of the Internet) ¢ targetting of potential tour operation wholesalers in key overseas markets; special ecotourism sales missions. ‘+ Integration of ecotourism products into other MTPB activities, especially: = familiarisation visits for overseas ecotour operators to well-managed destinations, especially those for which camying capacity and a management plan have been determined; = media trips; regular, expert updating of printed material; = the commissioning of good writers to produce specific ecotourism literature for promotional purposes; sponsorship of special issues of specialist magazines overseas; = Tiaison with guidebook authors (as guidebooks are a key source of information for ecotourists), preferably with different approaches to the upper and lower ends of the market. Ecotourists require good guidebooks, maps, checklists, identification guides, and other interpretative material. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board should strengthen its support for authors and publishers of such material, Sales of this material will bring extra revenue, increasing the value of ecotourism to the country.222 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Every year, a Malaysian ecotourism project should be entered for overseas travel award schemes such as Tourism for Tomorrow (British Airways), Aga Khan award, Minamata Prize. It is advised to select a potential location two or three years in advance, and “groom’ it in preparation, using a combination of site rehabilitation, management improvements for low environmental impact, ensuring all legal and administrative steps have been initiated, and ensuring that all the winning characteristics have been put in place. Regular meetings should be held between Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, nature tour operators, and natural resource managers (with different composition of such meetings in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, and/or nationwide meetings), on issues such as over-promotion; over-development; zoning; visitor ‘management; training. There is scope for involvement by Malaysia in international marketing campaigns for environmentally sustainable tourism, such as Green Globe, Green Flag and Green Leaf. Whenever such schemes are used, there must be close correspondence between what is promoted and what is actually experienced by the visiting tourist, Consideration should also be given to the delivery mechanism for the marketing strategy, namely who is going to produce it, feel ownership for it, co-ordinate its implementation, and monitor its impact. This should probably be carried out by MTPB in liaison with the expanded Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee. Marketing in relation to sites Ideally, once the potential for development, recommended activities, and the visitor. numbers best suited to each site have been determined, the target audience should then be decided and the appropriate marketing outlets chosen, MITPB should promote those sites for which: (@) there is a management plan incorporating tourism considerations; (b) carrying capacity has been specified, and is adhered to, Each year, a list of over-used sites should be compiled, and these should be exempt from marketing for a given number of years, to be determined in consultation with the land management authority responsible for the area.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 223 ‘Travel agents should be manipulated in controlling a good spread of tourists across destinations, so that a few well-known sites are not severely impacted. Agents should have a variety of brochures available, giving several alternative destinations for any given activity. The same principle should apply to tour operators. They can be the gatekeepers at each site ‘At any one site, there will be a carrying capacity specified for the level of all visitor numbers, Within this, there should be a breakdown giving each operator who is allowed to use that site a quota of visitors. Part of this quota should be reserved for Malaysians, and the remainder should be for other tourists who would pay more. Such mechanisms, quotas and fees must be area specific. If the marketing of ecotourism is to succeed in its object, there should be mechanisms for returning revenue from ecotourism to the site visited. MTPB should make use of such funding mechanisms as a positive marketing point. For example, the knowledge that a percentage of revenue from a visit to Taman Negara goes to a Trust Fund which is used to conserve Taman Negara itself would be an asset to ‘marketing in European and North American countries. Ecotourism activities and circuits should be further elaborated at intemational, national and local/State level. Initial recommendations are given above in # 8.14. Good packages and itineraries, well marketed, will attract a greater variety of special interest groups, and help to spread the benefits of ecotourism through the various States. State goverment agencies should be brought more into the marketing of ecotourism products. If, in future, an island development board is set up, it should play a role in spreading tourism across destinations, and in assigning specific types of tourism (mass tourism, ecotourism) to different destinations. 10.14.6 Domestic Tourism Strategy The promotional strategy for domestic tourism for 1994 is appropriate to ecotourism, with only minor modification. This comprises the following: a) Its timely that Malaysians be made aware of the attractive natural environment and touristic assets of their own country as well as the variety and quality of tour products available. Awareness building is needed so that domestic tourism helps to maintain the distinction between ecotourism and mass tourism, and does not result in demands for television, karaoke and air conditioning in ecotourism sites;224 b) ° 8) h) id Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Create greater awareness of domestic ecotourism attractions and products through documents, information packs, articles, contests in the mass media, billboard campaigns, consumer fairs, exhibitions and talk/audio visual presentotions, each using methods and themes appropriate to nature and the visitor carrying capacity of sites; Introduce ecotourism as a concept and topic within the syllabus of any educational institution that currently deals with tourism, and promote educational trips in schoo! curriculum activities; Activate ongoing consultative groups with tourism bodies, activities, transportation sector and the travel trade to develop and promote a range of tour programmes for the ecotourism market segment in particular; Position Malaysia as a competitive and desirable holiday destination in the region through attractively priced ecotour packages and tactical advertising campaign; Encourage the private and public sectors to prioritize local destinations and venues for their meetings, seminars and conventions; Upgrade the professionalism in the tourism industry by rewarding the achievement of excellence in services and products; Encourage Malaysians to plan holidays within the country, especially during the off-peak and low season, thereby fostering the growth of a domestic tourism culture; Reinforce awareness of the domestic tourism product by intensifying promotional programmes using an appropriate promotional mix; Initiate networking and develop joint marketing activities with local tour operators and State authorities to assess, package and promote their facilities, attractions, festivals and events;ECOTOURISM Pt. Action Plans 225 k) Increase intra-regional travel between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah/Sarawak, (i) by developing a variety of attractive and affordable tour programmes, (ii) by providing easily available pre- tour information so as to create realistic expectations and to guide setivities and behaviour appropriate to ecotourism sites, and (iii) by increasing the number of airline flights; 1) Sustain networking and promotional activities with private sector and State authorities to develop and promote innovative and specialist tour programmes in ecotourism, as in other niche markets, to cater to an increasingly sophisticated domestic market. 0.14.7 Promotional Mix Each of the elements within the existing promotional mix should be adapted and used for the promotion of ecotourism. They are: Sales missions; Consumer promotions; Attending trade and consumer fairs; Seminars and workshops; Advertising strategy; Agents education and familiarisation; Public relations and publicity; Direct mail; Information dissemination; Events promotions; Production of promotional materials; Trade support; Sales calls; and Competitions in the mass media, Some specific aspects are further elaborated above. Marketing Outlets for Domestic Ecotourism ‘An Ecotourism Shop could be set up in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, either by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, by PATA Malaysia, or by a grouping of companies. If such a shop were set up, it must adhere to Malaysia's definition, aims and objectives in the promotion of ecotourism.226 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Additional documentaries on television, commissioned from the private sector and adhering to the philosophy of promoting themes rather than sites. Television overseas can be used as a promotional tool, linking documentaries to advertisements. Youth groups such as Rakan Muda, recreational clubs, outdoor and nature clubs at national and State ievel. Billboards advertising themes, rather than sites. Information packs on ecotourism, available over the counter at MAS offices, and in travel agents, and by mail from MTPB. Additional Publicity Outlets There could be a Wings of Gold (Malaysia Airline System inflight magazine) monthly Ecotourism Diary. This would be limited to one page, in every issue, with a couple of high quality colour photographs and a description of what itis best to do each month, For example, a July issue might highlight turtles, durians, and the east coast, whereas a January issue might highlight Perlis, Kedah, birds and butterflies. Once 12 monthly articles have been produced, they can be recycled annually, with only minor modifications and different photographs. Annual awards for tourism should include a category specifically on best ecotourism practice, and on best local participation. Make them prestigious. Based on information collected, as suggested in # 10.14.2, Malaysia should have increasingly specific targets for each country, as well as having general targets for each country. As an example, Japan is considered to be a developed tourism market, and general tourism promotions should be continued for the Japanese market; however, it is now clear that Japan is one of the markets which responds well to promotions on diving and islands, Singapore should be treated as a special case, in order to combat the current short average stay in Malaysia, and to expand their percentage representation amongst ecotourists. This may concentrate upon medium adventure activities such as ‘mountain climbing or forest trekking, more than upon highly specialised activities such as birdwatching. These activities can be spread beyond the traditional destinations used by Singapore ecotourists, which are mainly Taman Negara, Endau-Rompin, Gunung Ledang, and islands off Johor. In the long term, the use of Malaysian areas by Singapore's educational authorities for school curriculum activitics related to nature should be encouraged, so as to foster a tradition of familiarity with Malaysian nature.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 227 Malaysia should be prepared to offer incentives to ecotourists. For example: + Give a ‘passport’ to all protected areas; + Give a discount on travel, entrance fees, ete. for visiting more areas or for staying longer. E.g., visit Taman Negara and Kinabalu for 14 days, get a fiee flight to Sabah; or discount rates on tickets, encouraging package groups or a package of destinations; + Give extra information, ¢.g., copies of guidebooks, souvenir books, ‘maps, for long stayers, or those who visit a package of destinations;228 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.15 Identify and Promote Fiscal Measures to Encourage Ecotourism Short-term Objective: To finance the development of ecotourism in ways that help to benefit the areas and local communities concerned. Long-term Objective: To minimise the long term financial burden of maintaining ecotourism sites so far as is consistent with sustainability and the maintenance of the natural resources which ecotourism requires for success. Co-ordinating Agency: Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee Background Ecotourism is not-the only way of financing protected areas. Fiscal spending must be continued so as to maintain areas and. develop tourism, just as there is government expenditure on housing, education. Self-financing of areas should be a supplement to goverment funding; not a replacement for it. For example, there should always be a budget for maintaining and creating totally protected areas, and for tourism policy, planning and’ promotion including ecotourism. These items should be high on the government priorities not only because tourism eams revenue in varied service sectors of the economy outside the area concemed, but also because they are in public interest. Government should place relatively more emphasis on funds for tourism project planning and management, and training programmes, and relatively less on funds for infrastructure and buildings. Government should continue providing seed funds for ecotourism following the planning process; locally based companies which can fulfill criteria given under Guidelines, Part 3, # 22 should be given preference. Funding sources can include the Ministry of Public Enterprise, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development, not just the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Action Steps. (1) The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, in consultation with the management agencies responsible for major protected areas, should commission a suitably-qualified consultant to study briefly the existing fiscal arrangements directly and indirectly related to tourism and ecotourism, and to suggest a new and modified framework which will encourage the move towards sustainability. The terms of reference of the study shouldECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 229 make clear that the aim of the study is fo seek a framework which will result in equitable sharing of profits from tourism, and which will ensure long- term sustainability of all the resources upon which ecotourism depends. Adequate consultation must be ensured with all stakeholders, including resource management agencies and local communities, as well as relevant experts outside Malaysia. The recommendations of the study should be reviewed by a group of relevant government experts under the Ministry, and the necessary steps taken for implementation, Amongst the main considerations are: advice on the implementation of differential entrance fees at particular parks, and their level; criteria for awarding of concessions on accommodation; charges or concession arrangements for public facilities such as ‘TV/radio relay stations, power stations and other "squatters" on protected lands; taxation procedures to be used in the maintenance of protected areas for ecotourism; existing taxation procedures and other fiscal measures which currently hinder or prevent the establishment or proper maintenance of ecotourism areas; donations as a potential source of revenue from foreign tourists, the concept and practice of supporters’ groups for particular areas, or causes; ‘Trust funds, such as exist for Sepilok and Gomantong in Sabah; mechanisms for adequate financial involvement of local communities; village co-operatives, as a way to distribute benefits amongst the community; subsidies for small well-qualified operators to attend trade fairs, promotions, seminars, and receive on-the-job training;230 Q) )) Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 © better marketing and advertising assistance from MTPB, Sarawak Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, available to small well-qualified operators; + methods of favouring small, locally based operators in the tendering of concessions to run facilities in parks and other protected areas. Implementing Agency: A consultant appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Cost: Estimate RM75,000 ‘Time Frame: Six months’ consultancy, during 1996 Out of the current RM40 airport tax, RM2 should be a tourism tax. Half of this should be spent on direct support of protected/ecotourism areas (for parks staff employment, for training, and rehabilitation). The other half should be for support of the strengthened Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee, collection of statistics, supporting management plans and carrying capacity studies, and all other aspects of information collection. Continuing efforts should be made to incorporate airport tax into ticket purchase, so that the umber of tourists paying separately at airport check- ins is cut to the unavoidable minimum. Implementing Agency: To be determined. Cost: To be determined. Time Erame: To be determined. Financial mechanisms which directly or indirectly favour environmental damage at tourism sites should be reviewed and where possible altered. This includes the granting of tax relief on the purchase of capital equipment for projects on hill land and islands, Implementing Agency: To be determined. Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: To be determined.ECOTOURISM Pt. t Action PI @ 6) Ss 231 The concept of differential fees for entry to/services in protected areas should be encouraged, This may be according to a two-tier or three-tier system: ‘Two-tier: international tourists (higher charge); Malaysians (lower charge). Three-tier: international tourists (higher charge), Malaysian tourists (lower charge), local residents (cheap or free of charge). Differential fees must not be introduced indiscriminately, but on a case-by- case basis. The best cases are those areas at which the increment from the higher fec can be used to support a specific, visible construction, activity or conservation programme. The supported feature must be in line with the requirements of the ecotourism definition. Differential fees should generally not be introduced at areas where identical services are provided to all visitors and where the increment cannot be used directly at the area concemed, and where activities conflicting with ecotourism are carried out. A strong case should be made (o the Malaysian Cabinet for revenue from Parks to flow directly to park management agencies, rather than to central ‘Treasury or State treasuries (Guidelines, Part 3, # 21.4, # 21.5). This must be additional to current fiscal mechanisms, such as annual development and operational budgets, not a replacement of them. In this way management and staffing can be more closely linked to visitor pressures; rising visitor numbers should lead to increased revenue, part-financing the needed increases in management. The structure of Sabah Parks (# 3.2.4.2 and # 5.2) provides a model for this, with income accruing from various sources (#7.2). ‘A working paper should be written, based on existing cases, Implementing Agency: Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee. Cost: This will represent a diversion of existing finances equivalent to the amounts now collected at parks, which would in future accrue to the account of those parks rather than to central funds. ‘Time Frame: As soon as possible after completion of a general study of fiscal measures (see (1) above), and in any case not later than the end of 1997.232. © Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Tour operators should recognise an obligation to retum benefits to a local community and to the protected area; this has-been done at Batang Ai, Sarawak by at least one company, at Pulau Sipadan, and a Philippines example is given in Guidelines # 24, The concept, ana successful examples, should be demonstrated through seminars as well as familiarisation tips. Implementing Agency: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Pacific Asia Travel Association, regional and local tour operators’ associations. Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: Periodically over the long term.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 233 10.16 Establish a Human Resource Development (HRD) Plan Short-term Objective: To provide more specific training opportunities to target ‘groups within the field of ecotourism. Long-term Objective: To improve the capacity of all relevant sectors to contribute towards sustainable tourism. Background Manpower availability and training will be an obstacle to the smooth and orderly development of ecotourism. First, unemployment levels in Malaysia are very low, at about 3%. However, areas with good ecotourism potential are typically located in rural areas where there may be pockets of unemployment and hard core poverty. This is a very positive reason to stress the employment of local people where possible, as solving the problems of local poverty and manpower availability with a single measure, Second, the number of highly qualified Malaysian nature guides is very small. It will be important to capitalise upon the skills of individuals, local nature societies, and existing nature guides, in combination with a strengthening of the certification process to include site guide certification as well as tour guide certification. Tour operators, hotel staff, government officials, tourism writers, specialist guidebook writers, photographers and publishers are all groups who would find training and information about ecotourism useful. Action Steps: (1) HRD for MOCAT officers. Staff at all levels must be provided with the opportunity 10 broaden their knowledge and appreciation of ‘on the ground’ issues and problems. This may be achieved by ensuring that work programmes always include the opportunity to engage frequently in both formal and informal dialogues with management authority staff (e.g., officers of Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks, Fisheries Department, etc.), ecotourism site managers and staff, local people in areas affected by tourism, ecotour operators, tour guides working out of town, non- governmental organisations and others involved with nature conservation. A proportion of formal dialogues with interested parties should be held within ecotourism sites.234 @ @) Action ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Cost: Additional budget allowances for out-of-town visits and dialogues. ‘Time Frame: To start immediately. ERD for officers of State government tourism authorities. Staff at all levels must be provided with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and appreciation of “on the ground’ issues and problems. This may be achieved by ensuring that work programmes always include the opportunity to engage frequently in both formal and informal dialogues with management authority staff (e.g., officers of Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks, Fisheries Department, ete.), ecotourism site managers and staff, local people in areas afiécted by tourism, ecotour operators, tour guides working out of town, non-governmental organisations and others involved with nature conservation. Implementing Agency: All State government tourism bodies. Cost: Additional allowances for out-of-town visits. ‘Time Frame: To start immediately. HRD for ecotourism site / area planners (government). As far as possible planners, and at minimum the leader of a team of planners, should already have adequate professional experience, so that little additional training may be needed. Where skilled professionals are not available, the following steps should be taken to help trainee planners. (a) Acquire the services of a skilled professional planner (e.g, from a consultancy company, international agency or qualified NGO) to lead and train a small team of trainees on a specific project. (b) Send trainees on short-term courses. (See Appendix 2.) Implementing Agency: State and Federal government agencies involved in planning ecotourism areas, Cost: Variable. The cost of obtaining the services of a skilled professional may be bome largely by aid agencies. Costs of short courses vary from around RM5,000 to RM15,000. ‘Time Frame: Case-by-case, starting immediately.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 235 @) 6) HIRD for ecotourism site / area managers (government). As far as possible, site / area managers should already have adequate professional experience, so that training will not be necessary. Where skilled professionals are not available, the following steps may be taken to help new and trainee managers. (a) Acquire the services of a skilled professional manager to manage a specific area for a period of at least two years, whilst training an officer of the area management authority to take over. (b) ‘Arrange for new managers to spend at least one month observing and ‘working with the management staff at one or more existing ecotourism areas which are known to be well-managed. Arrangements should be made on a case-by-case basis with the relevant management authority. (c) Send trainees on short-term courses (see Appendix 2). (c) Consider intemational exchanges to view and work upon examples of environmentally best tourism practice, Implementing Agency: State and Federal government agencies involved in ‘management of ecotourism areas. Cost: Variable. The cost of obtaining the services of a skilled professional may be bome largely by aid agencies. Costs of attachment for one month or more to the management staff at ecotourism areas elsewhere are likely to vary from around RMS5,000 to RM15,000. Costs of short courses also vary from around RM5,000 to RM15,000. Time Frame: Case-by-case, starting immediately. HRD for ecotourism site / area operations staff (government, eg., rangers). Site / area managers should play the most important role in training operations staff, both directly and in arranging for appropriate training programmes. Thus, selection and acquisition of capable managers is the key element of HRD for operations staff. There may be two situations where special atiention needs to be given to training of operations staff: where capable managers are not available, and where specialist training is needed. In these situations, the following options should be explored: (a) Acquire the services of a skilled professional trainer, to train on site. (b) Arrange for selected operations staff to spend at least one month observing and working with the trained staff at one or more existing ecotourism areas which are known to be well managed. Arrangements should be made on a case-by-case basis with the relevant management authority. (c) Send staff on short-term courses. (d) Encourage international exchanges. Implementing Agency: State and Federal government agencies involved in ‘management of ecotourism areas.236 © (o) @) Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Cost: Variable, The cost of obtaining the services of a skilled professional trainer may be bome largely by aid agencies. Costs of attachment for one month or more are likely to vary from around RM5,000 to RM15,000. Costs of short courses also vary from around RM5,000 to RM15,000. ‘Time Frame: To be determined. HRD for ecotour operators / managers (private sector). Ecotour operators / managers may benefit from two forms of training: general management, and management of natural areas for biological conservation. Short courses on management are available periodically within Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. It is suggested that MOCAT organise annual one-week courses on management of natural areas for tourism and conservation, specifically for ecotour managers. Personnel to provide lectures, demonstrations, efc., may be sourced from government natural resource management agencies, research organisations (e.g, FRIM), universities, non-goveramental organisations, and private environmental consultancy companies. The courses should be held at sites out-of-town in natural areas, and at a different area each year. Costs may be partly subsidised by government. Intemational exchanges should be encouraged between private companies. Implementing Agencies: Companies running ecotours, and Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Cost: Variable, Likely to be a few thousands of ringgit per participant per course. ‘Time Frame: General management courses, on a case-by-case basis, starting immediately. Courses on management of natural areas for tourism and conservation should be annual, starting in mid 1996. HRD for tour guides. Implement Action Plan # 10.20. In addition, the concept of international exchanges, for example between ASEAN countries, should be encouraged. HRD for infrastructure planners (architects, water supply and sewerage engineers, etc.). (@ MOCAT, with the aid of area management authorities, to draw up a list of sites throughout Malaysia where the design and operation of existing infrastructure is deemed appropriate as models for natural areas elsewhereECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 237 @) (eg., Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Tanjung Ara, and Rantau Abang Chalets for architecture; Pulau Payar for visitors' viewing facilities; Burau Bay for sewerage). (b) MOCAT, with the aid of area management authorities, to draw up a counter list of sites where the design is deemed inappropriate (e.g., Kuala Selangor Nature Park for sewerage; Kenyir and Kinabatangan for water supply). (©) MOCAT to inform professional membership organisations (e.g., Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia; ENSEARCH; Institut Jurutera Malaysia; Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, etc.) of the existence of the lists, and to encourage members to refer to the lists and visit the areas given as examples. (@) The professional membership organisations to become involved in the development of pilot ecotourism projects, through the implementation of Action Plan # 10.16. Implementing Agency: professional organisations. istry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and various Cost: Minimal. Time Frame: Lists to be prepared and distributed during 1996. The lists to be amended/ updated, and redistributed annually with the assistance of the professional organisations. HRD for local communities (including rural villagers, Orang Asli, etc.) (@ All national and State level tourism agencies to liaise with government agencies involved in rural development, in order to seek opportunities to incorporate ecotourism components into ongoing and planned rural development programmes. (b) Provision of grants to competent local groups and non-governmental organisations to run training courses in rural areas. Courses may be on an ad hoc basis, and will need to be approved by MOCAT. Courses may cover matters such as basic business practice, registration of businesses, registration of tourism businesses, accounting, book-keeping and documentation, requirements and expectations of foreign tourists and domestic tourists, tourist guide licencing, interpretation of nature for tourists, etc.238 (10) Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 (© Those State Economic Development Corporations which currently offer courses in entrepreneurial subjects to develop and sponsor courses on the same lines as the above. (@ Currently existing organisations and mechanisms should be used as ‘opportunities in the development of entrepreneurial skills, skills in servicing of tourists and related business skills amongst villagers, including the existing mechanisms for setting up co-operatives; Farmers’ Associations and Fishermens' Associations; opportunities through the Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development; and any others. (©) MOCAT and State level government tourism agencies to encourage tour ‘operators to employ village elders with traditional knowledge and skills, as consultants and supplementary guides. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; State level government tourism authorities; State Economie Development Corporations, Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development; Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM). Cost: Variable. ‘Time Erame: To start in 1996, ongoing thereafter. HRD for non-governmental organisations (NGOs). NGOs are uniquely able to organise their own HRD programmes, because they are not bound by the strict conditions imposed within government, and they tend not to have profit-making as their goal. MOCAT and other tourism authorities should provide funds or help locate sources of funds for NGOs to conduct in-house training in fields related to ecotourism. The relevant NGOs would include those within mandates related to rural development, social issues, nature and tourism, Such NGOs should receive encouragement to view ecotourism as a worthwhile field of endeavour. Implementing Agency: NGOs in association with MOCAT, Sarawak ‘Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Council. Cost: Variable. Time Frame: Case-by-case, starting 1996.ECOTOURISM Pt. | Action Plans 239 ay (12) HRD for ecotourism writers / journalists. Implement Action Plan # 10.21 (3), (4) and (5). Additional training possibilities which may need further discussion are: Proposal for an ecotourism training ‘institution’. A specific, new unit could be set up in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, which would act in the role of promoter / co-ordinator / organiser for all the types of training related to ecotourism mentioned in the National Ecotourism Plan. This is because there is no ideal site for nationwide ecotourism training in which to set up an institution. Apparently, from experience of the Biro Pembangunan Sumber Manusia (Sabah), which runs training for hotel work (cg, room cleaning, restaurants), youngsters who undergo these courses expect to get jobs supervising these sorts of work, not actually having to do it themselves. So there is still a shortage of workers. There is potential value in training older people in ecotourism as well, ¢.g., those with low school qualifications, anyone on early retirement, The National Productivity Council runs an hotel in Petaling Jaya for traditional hotel training. A tourism company could be set up in conjunction with this hotel, offering short ecotourism trips to locations close to Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, For example, model trips could be introduced to Batu Caves (Dark Caves), Templer’s Park, Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Kampung Kuantan Fireflies, etc. With help from existing businesses such as Asian Overland Services, trade organisations such as PATA Malaysia Environment Committee) and NGOs with skills in caving, nature education (€g. Malaysian Nature Society), the company could become a training ground for nature tour guides as well as nature tour operators and future ‘managers.240 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.17 Ensure Local Community Participation in Ecotourism Short-term Objective: To forestall a trend whereby urban-based businesses seem to benefit from ecotourism more than, or at the expense of, local communities. Long-term Objectives: ‘To ensure that ecotourism plays its roles in (a) providing economic benefits to rural people, and (b) promoting rural support for the conservation of nature, Co-ordinating Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Action Steps: (1) There have been many complaints that rural communities affected by Q) tourism projects have not been adequately informed or invited to participate in the project planning process. Therefore, the government agency which has authority over the land where an ecotourism project is proposed should be responsible, at the earliest possible stage, for informing any existing community likely to be affected by the proposed project. That government agency should arrange and oversee dialogues between the project proposers and local communities, and ensure that local views are incorporated into the tourism project from the earliest possible stage. Implementing Agencies: Local Authorities, District Offices, Regional Development Authorities, State Economic Development Corporations, forest/land/conservation authorities (Forest Departments, Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Parks, National Parks & Wildlife Office, etc.), Fisheries Departments. Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: To be determined. In practice, rural people and tourism project developers may find it difficult to plan and work co-operatively over long periods. Where this problem is predicted to arise, the relevant government authority should take one or more of the following steps: cither (a) arrange for a competent officer to organise and chair regular dialogues between the local community and the developer, from the project planning stage until well after implementation has commenced; or (b) explore the possibility of seeking assistance from the Co-operative Development Department to establish and assist a local co-ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 241 (3) @ operative or an existing local organisation such as a Farmers’ or Fishermens' “Association; or (c) establish an “Integrated Conservation and Development Project’ (this may be done as a project run by a non-governmental organisation or a technical aid agency; considerable time may be needed to arrange funding and competent personnel; the project at Batang Ai National Park, Sarawak, may be used as a Malaysian example). Implementing Agencies: Local Authorities, District Offices, Regional Development Authorities, State Economic Development Corporations, forest/land/conservation authorities (Forest Departments, Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Parks, National Parks & Wildlife Office, etc.) Fisheries Departments. Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: To be determined. When assessing tourism development proposals, the decision-making government authority should place special importance on the proposet’s plans for local community participation. Proposals which are likely to involve negative impacts on local people and which do not provide any benefits to local people should normally be rejected. Proposals which incorporate specific plans for local community participation should normally be preferred over proposals which contain only vague comments on local communities. The government authority should be satisfied that plans for local community involvement have been drawn up in consultation with the Jocal community, before making a decision. ‘Implementing Agencies: Local Authorities, District Offices, Regional Development Authorities, State Economic Development Corporations, forest/land/conservation authorities (Forest Departments, Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Parks, National Parks & Wildlife Office, etc.), Fisheries Departments. Cost: To be determined. Time Frame: To be determined. Private sector operators should make efforts to provide access to training courses, for their own staff including staff drawn from the local community, and to members of the local community who may be interested in becoming staff at various levels of responsibility, not merely at the lower end of the staffing structure, Professional and trade associations, and government social242 6) Acti Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 welfare agencies, should be able to provide examples of successful Malaysian training schemes for local community participation, as a service to their members and to the private sector. Implementing Agencies: MATTA, PATA Malaysia, Hotels Association of Malaysia, Malaysian Intemational Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, etc, Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: To be determined. Action Plan # 10.16 Human Resources Development (HRD) Plan, section (9) HRD for Local Communities, should be implemented: (@) All national and State level tourism agencies to liaise with government agencies involved in rural development, in order to seek ‘opportunities to incorporate ecotourism components into ongoing and planned rural development programmes. (©) Provision of grants to competent local groups and non- governmental organisations to run training courses in rural areas, Courses may be on an ad hoc basis, and will need to be approved by MOCAT. Courses may cover matters such as basic business practice, registration of businesses, registration of tourism businesses, accounting, book-keeping and documentation, requirements and expectations of foreign tourists and domestic tourists, tourist guide licencing, interpretation of nature for tourists, etc. (©) Those State Economic Development Corporations which currently offer courses in entrepreneurial subjects to develop and sponsor courses on the same lines as the above. (@ Currently existing organisations and mechanisms should be used as opportunities in the development of entrepreneurial skills, skills in servicing of tourists and related business skills amongst villagers, including the existing mechanisms for setting up co-operatives; Farmers’ Associations and Fishermens’ Associations; opportunities through the Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development; and any others.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 243 (©) There should be a policy to allow and encourage ecotour operators to employ local people in rural areas as ‘assistant guides’ for on-the-job training, This will in effect be a testing ground to identify potential tour guides from within rural communities. (O There should be a policy to encourage ecotour operators to employ knowledgeable elders from rural communities to accompany ‘tours and impart traditional knowledge simultaneously to tour guides and tourists. In practice this will help to give credibility to traditional knowledge and to elderly people amongst rural youth; it will help in the general objective of local community participation; it will help to supplement the taught knowledge of tour guides with informally acquired information; and it will to improve greatly the attractiveness of tours for tourists. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; State level government tourism authorities; State Economic Development Corporations; Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development; Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (KIM). Cost: Variable. ‘Time Frame: To start in 1996, ongoing thereafter.244 10.18 Investigate Feasi Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ity of an Accreditation Scheme Short-term Objectives: Supply consumers with information upon which to make comparative assessments of different enterprises _and activities; Long-term Objectives: Encourage the implementation of ecologically sustainable development principles within the tourism industry; enhance the reputation of Malaysian ecotourism in both domestic and intemational markets by providing a recognised quality standard; Co-ordinating Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Implementing Agency: ‘To be determined, based on studies and business plan Background It seems inevitable that the future will see calls for the accreditation or certification of tourism products in general and ecotourism products in particular. There are already calls from individual Malaysian ecotourism companies for an accreditation system. There may also be increasing pressures in future from tourists calling for such a system. An accreditation scheme need not be introduced immediately, but Malaysia must be ready with a framework of proposals ready to approach the issue of accreditation. This is provided in the following pages. ‘There are also international mechanisms for either accreditation of tourism products, or the recognition of quality of natural and cultural features. They include schemes such as Green Globe, Green Flag, Green Leaf, and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention listing of World Heritage Sites. Malaysia is already testing a pilot system for the star rating of hotels, using a voluntary scheme within the Klang Valley. Travel businesses and environmental protection organisations have long been looking for a classification or award system for environmentally compatible and socially responsible tourism. Although such a *green seal of approval’ would be welcomed by many, the main stumbling block has been the sheer variety of the tourism products, including individual hotels, whole resorts, transport services, national parks, and tour operators. A key point is that accreditation should not force facilities into classifications leading to unnecessary standardisation and uniformity. Tourism products, and especially ecotourism produets, thrive on diversity. An accreditation scheme should aim to enhance this diversity, and act in many ways as a descriptive mechanism.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 245 International Schemes and Awards Already Available a) @) Some details of the three international accreditation schemes, Green Globe, Green Flag and Green Leaf, are given in Annexe of Part 6 of the National Ecotourism Plan, There is also an Environmental Action Pack for Hotels, produced by the International Hotels Environment Initiative. These can only be meaningful if they are awarded on a large scale, administered by a recognisably impartial body, and monitored and enforced effectively. These schemes and awards are not sufficiently known amongst Malaysian tourism businesses. The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism should compile a package of information about the schemes, with 2 cover sheet listing the merits and disadvantages of each scheme. The information pack should be distributed to tourism businesses and hotels. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Cos.. Probably below Ringgit 10,000, ‘Time Frame: 1996 Malaysia is a signatory to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Under this convention, sites within the country may be nominated by the signatory government as World Heritage Sites. These may be sites rich in natural or cultural heritage, or both. The naming of such sites is somewhat analogous to ratification of the Convention, conferring full membership upon the country concerned. Once sites have been named, there are powerful advantages to be exploited in publicity, status, and funding opportunities, These advantages would accrue to the States concemed, as well as to the country. Malaysia has not yet named any sites. Malaysia should nominate the following sites, because of their natural heritage: * Taman Negara ‘© Gunung Mulu National Park Kinabalu Park Belum / Temenggor should also be considered as a prime site for nomination.246 @) Action Plans ECOTOURISM Each of the above sites also has a cultural component. It is therefore not essential to name additional sites for their cultural heritage, but it would be an advantage to do so. The three bodies, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Sarawak Ministry of ‘Tourism, and Sabah Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development, should liaise to determine whether one to three potential cultural heritage sites can be identified. Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, together with the following partners: Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks, and Pahang State Government, for Taman Negara; National Parks and Wildlife Office and Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, for Gueung Mulu; Sabah Parks and Sabah Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development, for Kinabalu Park. Cost: To be determined, thought to be minimal, ‘Time Frame: 1996-1997. Ina table given below, some examples of certifying and accrediting schemes are given, Amongst these, IS09000 and 18014000 on environmental management standards are potentially applicable to ecotourism businesses, site management and related practices. There is as yet no observable pressure upon Malaysia to apply these ISO standards to ecotourism. The most profitable way of viewing ISO standards is as an opportunity for aggressive promotions and marketing of key sites. ISO standards can be exploited by Malaysia as a positive benefit bringing in cash. ‘With the corporatisation of the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) from Ist January, 1996, consultation should begin between SIRIM and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism as to positive ways of exploiting ISO standards. If opportunities can be identified, the private sector should then rapidly be brought into the discussion, Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and SIRIM. Cost: Minimal, ‘Time Frame: 1996 onwards.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 247 Futured ian S The Meani ae The process of accreditation is part of a continuum of measures to improve standards in the service sector. Different parts of the tourism profession stand at different points on this continuum: Codes of Practice | Industry-wide; PATA; Guides to behaviour; New Zealand Tourism and No requirement for participation Association; Ecotourism Association of Guidelines Australia Compliance Informal; WTEC Green Globe); ‘Complying with codes; PATA (Green Leaf) Voluntary by organisation; May involve use of logo Accreditation Formal; Victoria Tour Operators’ Voluntary; Association; By industry or other body; Savannah Guides Involves standards of skills, experience or activity; May involve audit Quality System Formal; BS7750 Voluntary; AS3902 Externally driven; 1809000 Series Progressive; 18014000 Series Conformity with external standard or best practice; Involves audit, Organisation based Certification Formal; Institute of Architects Compulsory; Institute of Surveyors Externally approved standard; _| Institute of Engineers May be regulatory; Involves audit; Withdrawal for non-compliance; Penalties248 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Objectives of Accreditation The objectives of an accreditation scheme should include some or all of the followin; . Supply consumers with information upon which to make comparative assessments of different enterprises and activities; . Encourage industry self-regulation; . Encowrage the implementation of ecologically sustainable development principles within the tourism industry; . Encourage the delivery of high quality, ecologically sustainable tourism products; . Incorporate the provision of accurate interpretative services; . Provide a nationwide recognition system for ecotourism operators; . Enhance the reputation of Malaysian ecotourism in both domestic and intemational markets by providing a recognised quality standard; . Provide a means of identifying ecotourism products; . Encourage and acknowledge the use of ecologically sustainable practices by ecotourism operators, which will provide a marketing advantage; and . Allow natural resource managers to better monitor ecotourism operators and better protect the nation’s valued natural and cultural assets.ECOTOURISM Pt. Action Plans 249 Desired Features An accreditation scheme should aim to be: . Desired by members of the profession; . Voluntary; or voluntary at first with subsequent consideration for a mandatory scheme; . Comprehensive, ultimately covering all forms of nature-based ecotourism experiences; . Manageable and controllable; . Cost-effective to the operators, who should receive demonstrable benefits from accreditation; . Consistent with guidelines of equity and faimess; . Legally supportable; . Recognisable by the market, including consumers and sellers; . Capable of practical and effective implementation, with sanctions for non-compliance; : Flexible, to ensure it can be linked with, or complementary to, international accreditation schemes; and : Self funding, The development of an accreditation scheme is a process of feedback and modification. A scheme would have to be revised regularly as standards evolve, as scope and coverage are more closely defined, and as customer feedback is obtained. An accreditation scheme, and the standards proposed, should not be seen as threatening or discouraging to operators of whatever size. It should provide ecotourism operators with basic standards which they can use to continue to strive towards minimal environmental impacts and ecologically sustainable development.250 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Suggested Administrative Structure Eco- and Agro-tourism Implementation Committee to become NATIONAL ECOTOURISM COUNCIL Accreditation Board Secretariat Sarawak Tourism Board Sabah Tourism Council MOCAT Sarawak Ecotourism Sabah Ecotourism Peninsular Malaysia Committee Committee Ecotourism Committee Accreditation Panel Accreditation Panel Accreditation Panel ‘An Ecotourism Product Accreditation Board should be established. This could be a subsidiary of a national ecotourism body such as a strengthened Eco- and Agrotourism Implementation Committee. ‘The Board should include representatives of all the sectors directly concerned with, affected by, and interested in ecotourism. ‘The Board should be able to: ‘© establish policy; ‘© design a logo; © commission advisors to critically review and revise standards;ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 251 © grant/withdraw/withhold/renew/review accreditation; ‘* set/make decisions on the granting/denial of accreditation for difficult and doubtful cases; ‘* participate in the development of competency and standards for ecotourism guides; ‘© initiate and run the awards system; © promote accreditation; © initiate an awareness campaign; and © delegate the above powers to regional or State Accreditation Panels. ‘Who or What to Accredit Ecotourism accreditation should be granted to the operating entity (a business, a natural resource management agency, and so on) for products or locations meeting specified criteria. Such products may then be labelled and marketed as accredited ecotourism products by the operating entity. The operating entity would be given the discretion to determine which of its products or locations should be nominated for accreditation. An operating entity itself could only be labelled and marketed as an accredited ecotourism operation if all its products and locations would be eligible for accreditation under the criteria. The entity could not be labelled or marketed as an aceredited ecotourism entity if it has other products and locations which are not cligible. This will avoid the scenario of operators who offer a range of products and locations, some of which might qualify for accreditation, others of which would not qualify, from seeking to promote their entire operation as being ecotourism accredited. Appropriate determination of nominated products and locations would be reviewed before accreditation was renewed. Eligibility Companies and organisations whose activities conform to the definition of ecotourism (from the Malaysian National Ecotourism Plan) would be eligible to apply. The company or organisation can be a registered business, sole trader, not- for-profit group, or a government entity. Where the operating entity is a registered252 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 company, ownership of the company (Malaysian or foreign) should not be an issue so long as the company is operating a tourism business or service within Malaysia ina manner that maximises benefits for the local community. Ecotourism operations mun by trusts, government agencies (e.g., Sabah Parks, Forestry Departments), non- governmental organisations, etc., should also be encouraged to apply. ‘The eligible entities should have been operating for a minimum of six months, and must fall under one or more of the following categories of environmental and culturally appropriate activities: * Bodies, involved in nature based tourism operation, which meet high environmental standards and whose principal operating purpose is to interpret or educate visitors on the natural and/or cultural environment of Malaysia, using qualified guides; ‘© Accommodation in natural areas that meets high environmental standards and provides interpretation or education on demand to guests (either through its own cperations or in conjunction with a natural resource agency or other body) through a qualified guide; ‘© Natural attractions relating to the regional environment that contain an interpretation and/or educational dimension during the majority of the visitors’ experience, and whose presence causes no degradation to the surrounding ecosystem; interpretation and education must focus on the natural environment, and may be facilitated by a qualified guide. ‘How to Obtain Accreditation Accreditation would apply to each of the three categories above: © Tour operation; * Accommodation; © Attraction. Applications would be submitted to the Secretariat, which would be responsible for processing. ‘An entity that runs operations in more than one of the three categories would need to apply separately for accreditation in each category.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 253 ‘Accreditation, once granted, could last for three years, but be subject to an annual fee, Payment of the annual fee would be accompanied by a statement indicating no significant change, and a selection of past marketing materials, Draft Standards Draft standards should be developed according to each of the three distinct categories of accreditation ((our operation, accommodation, attraction). Each category should contain company and ecotour standards upon which an application for accreditation would be assesses, granted and renewed. Although standards ‘would have to vary according to the type of business operation, the level of quality demanded across the three categories should not differ. All categories would have to meet minimum standards, It is most important that, in developing standards, high quality existing businesses and operations should be used as a benchmark. Individual components within the standards should be drawn from the definition of ecotourism, and include: ‘© nature appreciation, through education and interpretation; ‘* low visitor impact, indicating prevention of damage and ecological sustainability; © promotion of conservation, indicating repair of residual damage, active measures; ‘© cultural component; ‘* socio-economic benefits to local communities; Standards may also be drawn up for operating practices including energy and water conservation, waste management, methods of transportation, appropriate marketing, building materials, and sustainable design. In addition to minimum standards, possible-performance indicators and description of the desired condition may be developed for each issue. Possible indicators would help the administering body assess whether or not an operator is meeting the minimum standards, while desired conditions would give the sector something to strive for.254 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Examples of draft mandatory standards (related to a definition of ecotourism), standards on operating practices,, possible-performance indicators, and descriptions of desired conditions are obtainable from The Director, Nature Based & Indigenous Tourism, Commonwealth Department of Tourism, GPO Box 1545, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Levels of Accreditation Logo To minimise complexity of the scheme, accreditation should initially have oniy one level (pass or fail). After the first three years, additional levels may be incorporated into the scheme at the discretion of the Accreditation Board. Additionally, standards need to take into account the differences between the highly qualified established ‘operators from the newly established ones. This difference can perhaps only be recognised by elaboration of the accreditation scheme at a later stage. The main initial objective should be to get the scheme set up and working, then to introduce refinements including grading of standards and achievements. The scheme should be identified by a professionally designed logo, which would have conditions of use defined by the Accreditation Board. It would be used in promoting the scheme and in encouraging visitors to select accredited ecotourism products, Fee structure Fees would be used to meet administration costs and to assist with the promotion of the scheme. The fee structure for accreditation would have two elements: - Application fee, to cover the cost of processing; - Annual accreditation fee, based on tumover. ‘The application fee should be nominal, and non-returnable. The annual accreditation fee would be based on the previous year's tumover as certified by the entity's financial officer or accountant. The tumover meant is the ‘entire turnover of the entity, not the tumover for the specific ecotourism product. In the cases where an entity has been operating for over six months but less than a year, a calculation of a yearly turnover would be based on the previous months.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 255 A possible fee structure could be: Application Fee RM 100 Annual Accreditation Fee - Under RM 250,000 RM 300 = RM 250,000 - RM 1,000,000 RM 500 - RM 1,000,000 and over RM 1,000 At the end of each year a renewal notice would be sent to accredited operators. The fee structure eventually chosen should be based on the estimated cost to manage the system. Benefits to Accredited Entities The scheme should aim for strong market acceptance, i.e., eagemess to join the scheme amongst companies, and therefore willingness to pay a reasonable fee. Acceptance will depend upon several factors, the chief ones being (a) fairness, objectivity and transparency in the assessment and accreditation process, and (b) access to perceived benefits from accreditation. The benefits could include any or all of the following: ‘Tax exemption for the application and accreditation fees; Rights to employ the accreditation logo in marketing and promotions material, specifically in association with material on the product accredited, or on the material in general in those cases where an entire organisation is accredited; Rights to employ an appropriately worded endorsement, in association with the logo; Inclusion of all accredited products in an annual publication by the ‘Accreditation Board, distributed through all Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board outlets in Malaysia and overseas; Favoured access to other marketing opportunities;256 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘© Free advertising space in certain MTPB publications; ‘© Free listing in an attractive section of Visitors’ Guide to Malaysia; © Favoured access to staff training opportunities; Reduced fees for tourism guide training courses; etc. Chief Steps to Implementation = Preparation of Business Plan Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Timing: _ Following adoption of National Ecotourism Plan => Research on attitudes of all sectors Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism/ Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Method: —_by questionnaire, comment, workshop Timing: Concurrent with or following preparation of business plan = Preparation of Draft Standards = Strengthening of Eco- and Agrotourism Implementation Committee See Action Plan 10.3 = Formation of Accreditation BoardECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 257 Business Plan A business plan should be prepared which further details the steps in implementing the scheme and potential revenues under different scenarios. The costs to develop the scheme would inctude: «extensive consultation (with the private sector, conservation interests, national and indigenous communities, resource managers); «© drafting and finalising standards; ‘+ initial marketing of the scheme. Thereafter, annual operating costs would be incurred. Under a good case scenario, of strong market acceptance and reasonable fees, the scheme could provide an operating surplus for promotion. Under a more conservative scenario, ongoing support would be required. Consultation would involve research into acceptance of the scheme, and pilot testing. The scheme would be sensitive to levels of fees, acceptance by the private sector, and subsequently ensuring that the potential benefits to accredited entities are realised through effective marketing. ‘The plan should envisage a comprehensive review of the scheme in the third year of operation, to determine the future scope and operation of the scheme. EXAMPLES =A Tour Operation Company A operates a nature-based tour to Area T. The tour satisfies all the requirements of the standards (based on the definition of ecotourism), with good interpretative services, trained local guides, and a scheme for returning a percentage of profits back to conservation of the area. The company applies to the Board for accreditation. The Secretariat to the Board reviews the application, if necessary sending an audit team to view the operation. On finding that the product does indeed meet the criteria for a tour operation, the Secretariat makes a recommendation to the Board, and the Board awards accreditation for three years. The company immediately makes full use of the258 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 marketing opportunities provided by the Board, and makes a substantial extra profit in the following year. = Accommodation Company B operates six chalets in a protected area. The chalets are basic but well built, and meet various standards on energy use, and the company provides interpretation through qualified ecotourism guides. However, cess pit drainage has not been properly maintained, and untreated waste leaks into the adjacent river. The company applies to the Board for accreditation. The Secretariat to the Board reviews the application, and enquiry reveals that the problem with the cess pit drainage has been a subject of complaint both by visitors and by local people living downstream. The Secretariat decides to send an audit team, which discovers that the complaints are justified. In addition, it is found that staff of the company are surreptitiously disposing of rubbish into the river. Accreditation is refused. The company invests in construction of bioseptic tanks for hygenic sewage treatment, Following staff training funded by the company with the assistance of the Human Resource Development Fund, a recycling scheme is introduced for other forms of waste disposal (paper, bottles and metals), which becomes a model for educating visitors. Revenue from recycling is invested in a small welfare fund for the villagers downstream. ‘Two years later, the company re-applies for accreditation, which is granted. = Attraction Company C has created an environmental education exhibit. This is on land purchased by the company, close to a National Park. The exhibit is based on photographs, audio-visual displays and interactive displays for young people to learn about wildlife and the environment in the Park, It includes a section on how local people and the country benefit from the Park. As there is no mains electricity supply, the exhibits are worked off power from a combination of solar panels and a small turbine on a nearby stream. These environmentally compatible methods have themselves been incorporated as part of the exhibit. The company applies for accreditation, which is awarded. The exhibit is subsequently featured in Wings of Gold, and later wins a prize for architectural design.ECOTOURISM Pt. Action Plans 259 Over time, however, the exhibit deteriorates, The turbine breaks down and is not replaced; instead mains electricity is brought in by cutting a swathe of forest as a route for the powerlines. Pressure is brought to bear so that the powerlines follow the cheapest route, through the Park. The exhibit is purchased by a different company, which introduces a Ferris Wheel and Haunted House. When the company re-applies for accreditation at the end of the three-year period, accreditation is refused,260 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 10.19 Establish and Promote an Ecotourism Product Development Programme Short-term Objectives: To increase the number and variety of ecotourism products available in Malaysia. Long-term Objectives: To ensure that product development ‘is in line with ecotourism area carrying capacities. Co-ordinating Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Action Steps (1) Government agencies which have management control over natural habitats should appoint experienced staff or consultants to identify potential, specific ecotourism products which utilise areas under their control. This may be done in consultation and parinership with a range of private sector bodies. If potential products are identified, the agency should take appropriate ‘measures to offer them for adoption by a capable tour operator. Measures will vary with local circumstances. Where local communities will form part of the product, the agency might hold dialogues with the community, explaining the various issues involved, and encouraging community representatives to establish links with tour operators of proven expertise in this specialised field. Examples may be taken from Batang Ai (Part 4, # 11.6) and other such projects. The government agency may suggest that the product be worked out between the community and operator, with the agency acting as advisor or facilitator. In regions where there are no local ‘communities and only one existing ecotour operator with proven capability, the government agency may encourage that operator to explore the proposed new product, and negotiate a suitable agreement. In regions where more than ‘one operator might be interested to adopt the proposed product, the government agency may have to work out details of the product, including ‘an agreement between the agency and an operator to lease a specific site, and tender out rights to operate the product. In this latter case, adopting points from Action Plan # 10.8, the decision on choice of operator should be based on the overall calibre of the operator (including evidence of environmental conservation awareness, staff capacity building plans, and the setting up of schemes within the product development plan which retum benefits to the area concemed), and not primarily on the quantum of rent that the operator is willing to pay. Implementing Agencies: All State Forestry Departments, National Parks & Wildlife Office, Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Parks; Federal and State Fisheries Departments.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Pl Q) @) 261 Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: With immediate effect. The Ministry should publicise existing grants and awards, and methods of applying for them. These include the range of options for government funding, such as grants or loans available for small businesses from State Economic Planning Units, State Development Departments and some State Economic Development Corporations. There are also non-government sourees. For example, ecotourism ventures may apply for small scale funds to the PATA Foundation (17 Reed Branch Road, P.O. Box 102, Tiburon, CA 94920-0102, USA; fax 007-1-415-3831-5705). The Minamata Prize is a Japanese environmental award with a scope including ecotourism projects. The Aga Khan Award is available for projects with architectural merit. Green Globe, Green Flag, and the British Airways' Tourism for Tomorrow awards are also potential sources of small finance, and their value can be multiplied by linking successful awards to marketing and publicity (Action Plan # 10.14). Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Cost: Minimal. ‘Time Frame: With immediate effect. Since the high cost of researching, developing and running ecotours has been identified by operators as a major constraint to widening the array of products, it is suggested that the overall cost of ecotour packages may be reduced by promoting the use of tented camps, to be developed and managed by government agencies and by private landowners. The idea is that tour operators will be able to provide packages based on one or two nights in hotels/lodges, interspersed with one or two nights in camp, where the price of a bed will be significantly lower. Sites suitable for camps may be identified on State land, in Forest Reserves, Parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other government reserves, and on private land. Details of how camp sites will be run will vary from site to site, and with the area management agency. Ideally, sites will be next to a river or stream for water supply, and camps will be constructed of local hardwoods not taken from the surrounding forest, with canvas stretcher beds and waterproof green canvas roofs, Attention must be paid to ensure that garbage is always removed and carried back to approved disposal sites outside the ecotourism area, that lavatory facilities (typically pit latrines) are properly constructed and managed, above the groundwater table and away from the water supply, and262 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 @ () © that cooking/heating fuel is not obtained from nearby forest. Where a range of suitable sites for camps is available within one area (e.g., along the edge of a Forest Reserve, or along a river), it may be beneficial to move camp sites annually, subject to management and carrying capacity considerations. Responsibility for management of each aspect of the camp (e.g., pit latrine management; care and security of canvas, beds, etc.) must be clearly defined in written agreements between the management authority and the tour operator. Implementing Agencies: Area management authorities in consultation with private companies. Costs: To be bore by the private sector as part of product development. ‘Time Frame: As soon as possible. Tour operators should be encouraged to build links between different but compatible tourism products, for example ecotourism products and homestay products. These may be links between different tourism products offered by the same tour operator, or between compatible, non-competing ‘operators. Implementation of other Action Plans, notably # 10.16 Human Resource Development, and # 10.12 Pilot Ecotourism Projects, will contribute towards ecotourism product development. Suitable organisations should be able to apply for grants, for small projects, or for components of large projects, that encourage and facilitate ecotourism development in natural areas throughout the country. The grants should be available to land management agencies, regional tourism associations, local government authorities, local community associations, academic institutions and non-profit organisations such as conservation and community groups. The grants should not be available to commercial businesses, but projects funded by grants may lead to the creation of such businesses. Specific examples might be: the costs involved in setting up a local co-operative; building a jetty; setting up a floating buoy for mooring in marine parks; human resource development for specific members of the local community, e.g, in scuba diving, safety and rescue, so that local youths could then qualify for employment in luxury coastal hotels.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 263 o ‘The maximum grant should be in the region of RM 75,000, with typical grants of less than RM 50,000. Grant applications should be considered and awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, but the process may be delegated by the Ministry. The source of funding should initially be through a Federal government grant to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. In the long term, the source of funds could be drawn from airport taxes (see Action Plan ¥ 10,15) Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Cost: To be limited to a specified annual total, e.g., RM 100,000 or RM 150,000 per year. ‘Time Frame: To begin before the end of the Seventh Malaysia Plan. The following list of existing and potential themes, areas and products is provided as a user resource. It is not exhaustive, but can be drawn on by the private sector for product development. International level: + Rain forest types of Southeast Asia, using Malaysia as hub; ‘© South China Sea experience, travelling around ASEAN; + Follow the Mon-Khmer culture from Cambodia to the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia; «Follow the footsteps of the 19th century naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace; * Northem, Southern and Eastem Growth triangles as ‘opportunities to develop ecotourism packages; + Follow the spread of Islam, Buddhism and/or Hinduism and their cultural and environmental influences; + Follow the migrating waders/birds along the shorelines of Southeast Asia; ‘+ Birds of Southeast Asia, using Malaysia as hub;264 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 * Orchids, palms and other plant groups; + The spice trade of Asia, with opportunities for foreign tourist to "follow your ancestor on the spice route", addressed to Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English + Traditional architecture in the region (compare traditional wooden house design, siting, culture related to it, construction methods); ‘+ Visit the ethnic diversity and richness of Southeast Asia; foreign tourists could make up their own tour package, eg., by choosing any three groups out of 20; + Man and the environment, the relationships and interactions such as fishermen, honey-collectors; National level: + Follow the entire cycle of rattan, from biology in forest to collection, processing, furniture making; ‘© Walk the spine of Malaysia (Main Range}; © Tropical fruits, e.g., wild relatives and cultivated varieties; + Boatbuilding, techniques of traditional navigation; * Birds: hombills, barbets, pigeons, woodpeckers, and others as flagship groups; + Promotion of bird-races, bird study tours, link birdwatching holidays to local academic institutions; + Monkeys and gibbons (amongst the easier of mammals to see); + Animal tracks (elephant, tiger, tapir), with the possibility of sightings, and salt-lick tours; + Nature by night; + Stargazing, with star constellations not visible from northern countries;ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 265 + Rafilesia and pitcher plants: see the various species around the country; * Orchids of Malaysia; begonias, palms, rhododendrons, and other plant groups; + Handicrafts and folklore; musical instruments, dress; + Caves of Malaysia, ‘© Coral reefs tour of best Malaysian sites; Wrecks (diving); + Malaysian lakes (oxbow, swamps, dams), + Traditional architecture (longhouses versus individual dwellings, versus historical buildings); + Traditional architecture (varied village houses in different Peninsular states); + Archaeological tour (Niah, Bujang valley, Lenggong, Tambun); Local level: + Kuala Selangor: Taman Alam (nature) and pottery making (culture); + Kedah: honey collection in forest, lake for fishing/water sports/relaxing, Pulau Langkawi for nature and scenery, Lembah ‘Bujang for culture; + Perak: geology and archaeology of Perak river valley, especially Gerik-K. Kangsar area + Swiftlets (Gomantong, Niah, and other caves) cradle-to-grave (€eg to stomach); © Matang mangroves: making charcoal, etc., with Taiping and Kuala Sepetang, Kota Ngah Ibrahim and Kuala Gula; + Proboscis monkeys of Kinabatangan, Lower Segama, Sugut River, and Bukau River;266 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Orang utan tour: Sepilok, Semenggoh, Gomantong; Kota Kinabalu-Kudat-Poring-Kinabalu Park-Kota Kinabalu; Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan (Rafflesia_ centre) - Tenom agricultural centre-Beaufort (train or raft) -Kota Kinabalu; Kota Kinabalu-Sepilok, Turtle _Islands-Gomantong- Kinabatangan-Danum Valley-Sipadan-Kota Kinabalu; with optional extensions (e.g., Bukit Silam, Sempomna Islands); Kuching-Bako-Kubah-Skrang river; including a range of different longhouse cultures; Miri-Lambir Hills-Niah Caves-Mulu-Mit ‘Miri-Marudi-Mulu-Loagan Bunut-Miri; Rajang upriver tour, Elephants in the wild: e.g. a site in Kelantan (Gunung Stong, or Pergau), in Pahang (c.g., Kenong), Hulu Perak, or eastem Sabah; Rivers and waterfalls tour; Whitewater rafting (e.g. Padas river, Nenggiri iver); Mountain biking on unpaved roads, with development of bike tracks round perimeter of protected areas; Follow the footsteps of Hugh Low from Kota Belud to Mount Kinabalu; Fireflies; Butterfly watching e.g. Rajah Brooke Birdwing and other species; Reptiles and amphibians; ‘Wild Yam tour.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Pl Ss 267 10.20 Establish Training and Promote Certification for Ecotourism Guides Short-term Objectives: Long-term Objectives: Co-ordinating Agency: Implementing Agencies: To create a pool of guides who provide both domestic and overseas tourists with high quality information about nature and the environment. To form a self-sustaining professional career structure ‘and manpower. Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; national and regional tour guides associations; private sector 10.201 Background (@ Guide training ‘The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, under the powers provided by the Tourism Industry Act 1992, is responsible for the licensing of tour guides. Basic tour guide courses are conducted, lasting one month. They are typically conducted by outside agencies which adhere to the Ministry's curriculum, and which submit a proposal with budget for approval to hold such a course, The providers of courses include tour operators such as Reliance, and tour guide associations such as in Sabah, ‘The standard curriculum covers: Introduction to Tourism Travel Trade Knowledge Geography and History of Malaysia System of Government Culture National Economy Art of Tourist Guiding Practical Work This is followed by an examination, a year's probation for the successful graduates, and a confirmation test. After obtaining the guiding licence, it is up to the individuals initiative to obtain further knowledge or training once268 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 he or she has entered the job market, Further training is also dependent upon the opportunities which may be provided by the tour operators who employ the guides. A ‘specialist’ guide training course is also available. This docs not train guides in a specialist skill, but is an abbreviated version of the general course which is available for those individuals who are already considered to have a skill such as diving instruction, or bitd-watching. This is the nearest approach to a site guide licence available in Malaysia, because specialist guides of this sort sometimes operate only in one place. Others, however, range widely. Several initiatives have been taken to train nature tourism guides independently of the official certification system, and as a supplement to it. For example, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks together with the Agricultural University of Malaysia have run guide training courses for the Department's employees, and a few private sector guides have been able to participate in these courses. Employees of the National Parks and Wildlife Office in Sarawak have access to training opportunities, for instance highly advanced caving training at Gunung Mulu National Park, and some motivated individuals have supplemented this with knowledge obtained from a variety of sources to produce an impressive guiding system. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Malaysia Environment Committee fhas organised an informal course, in association with the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. The Malaysian Tourist Guides’ Council has introduced ecotourism as a topic covered in a guides' refresher course. In the private sector the large tour operating company Reliance, which already runs standard guide courses under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, has begun to offer training on ecotourism at its tourism training school. Courses specialising in nature or adventure tourism are clearly becoming commoner, but are still informal and outside the government licencing system. Recently a two-week course of this type was conducted by a private tour operator in Sabah, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development. The objective of such courses is to train guides in one specialised field, e.g., nature tours, mountain trekking, etc. Certain specialised courses will encourage local participation, especially any courses which do not require a minimim Malaysian Certificate of Education educational standard, and courses applicable to a particular site. While individually commendable, the variety of these efforts is in itself worrying, in that there is so far little co-ordination or central control of standards of nature guiding.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Q) 269 Shortcomings Course frequency differs between regions. At present courses are held quite often in Peninsular Malaysia, but only once every year or two years in Sabah, and Sarawak. It would seem that the shortcomings of the current system include: © an emphasis on tour guides rather than site guides. Tour guides accompany visitors for the duration of their trip, but site guides are specific to particular sites, which may require special skills or knowledge (e.g., of caving, forests or diving), and a mach deeper and more detailed knowledge than general tour guides. Although licences are given to site guides, the sort of training given is not specific to the site; rather it covers general points which are taught to guides at a given site. «lack of content about nature in the standard syllabus. + the specialist guiding licence is not the strict equivalent of a site guiding licence; + the specialist guiding licence has no method of checking whether the supposed specialist actually has the professed skills. This could be a danger, for example, if an individual claims to have diving skills, obtains a supplementary licence from the Ministry, and if his badge is then interpreted by tourists to be an endorsement of his diving skills, + the one month course is only sufficient for basic knowledge, Participants are not strictly screened; ¢.g., organisations may send their staff for a course against their wishes, or the staff has no interest, and this can disrupt the morale of a class by spreading an indifferent attitude. + infrequent timing of courses (¢.g., in Sabah and Sarawak), and uncertain quality of the course. + delays in issuing licences. At present it can take between three and six months before graduates of the tourist guide course receive their licences, which for a one-month course is a very long delay. ‘© relatively little enforcement. There is evidence of a number of operators and sites using unlicenced guides, although at specific sites they may be very well trained in specific skills.270 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 © further training opportunities are seldom offered by employees. When they ave offered, they typically include contractual ties to the employer. © The entry requirement is either SPM or STPM. This tends to exclude locals with low academic qualifications but who possess skills in other trekking and traditional medicine, which can be of, Of particular significance is the role of freelarice guides. At present the effect of the certification system is to discourage fieelancing, partly because of the difficulty faced by tour operators in getting full-time guides. ‘The key need is for a training system which respects and enhances the inherent diversity of products within ecotourism, The ecotourist, whether in the special interest or general interest categories, requires a good level of interpretation to enhance his or her experience. This has been recognised by the World Tourism Organisation which refers to the characteristics of ecotourism as: "small scale and does not require high capital investment, but must be carefully controlled and fit well into the environment. Qualified guide services are essential, and strict conservation measures should be applied to both the areas visited and visitor use of the areas". Any guide training system must also reflect the fact that there are basically two types of guide involved in ecotourism, with different implications for involving the local communities. These are: ‘Tour Guides: those accompanying visitors for the duration of their trip; and Site Guides: guides to specific sites, which may require special skills or knowledge, eg, in caves, forests, or diving. The former are characteristically young, often recent school or college Teavers, and often have a short period of employment of two to three years because of the long periods away from home and consequent disruption of social life. The needs of the latter are not so disruptive of home life and therefore careers tend to be longer, and the average age of guides is higher. However, because of the location of many natural or cultural sites, language problems and finance, it is often more difficult for them to gain access to licenced courses. The different needs of the two groups are partly recognised by the current system of guide certification, However, this system can be further improved to meet the needs of the two types of guides.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 271 10.202. a) Q) @) re A guide training and certification system should be implemented that caters adequately for doth tour and site guides, and full time and freelance guides. ‘The primary means of implementing this should be by providing training courses at sites which contain taught material specific to the sites concerned (eg, flowers to be seen at Taman Negara; pitcher plants and rhododendrons at Kinabalu). The private sector may develop such courses, and should be encouraged to do so. Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; Malaysian Tourist Guides Council; regional, State and local guides’ associations; private companies. Costs: A typical course might charge a fee of between RM300 and RMS500 per trainee for a week's course. Overall costs may be calculated accordingly. ‘Time Frame: Determined by private sector demand. Site training courses should cover a greater range of interests (such as botany, diving, caving, mammals, photography, safety and rescue) and grades (such as catered for within the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) system which offers dive instructors and dive masters grades). Implementing Agencies: As above. Costs: As above. ‘Time Frame: As above. Relevant authorities, which will include Village Security and Development Committees KKK) and village heads, should be consulted during the organisation of specialist and site-specific training courses. Implementing Agency: Training course organisers. Costs: None envisaged. ‘Time Frame: With immediate effect.272 ® () © Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Following introduction of a more graded series of guide categories (see # 10,20.3, below), there should be greater involvement of senior guides themselves in the training process, rather than a reliance on college staff or other teachers without guiding experience. Senior guides should be able to command higher fees for teaching, and the Ministry may in future determine that site guide courses may only be taught by senior guides as defined by the categories of licencing. Implementing Agencies: As above. Costs: To be determined, but covered fully by the fees charged. ‘Time Frame: Following adoption of a graded series of guide categories. There should be more flexible delivery mechanisms for delivering courses. These mechanisms may include distance learning, and modular techniques. Guide associations and the private sector should collaborate in the development of the concept, methods and materials. Implementing Agencies: Malaysian Tourist Guides Council; regional, State and local guides’ associations; private companies. Costs: To be determined, but covered fully by the fees charged. ‘Time Frame: To be determined by private sector demand. ‘The monitoring and enforcement of standards must be made relevant to the requirements of tourists. Le,, the standards tested should specifically cover a guide's knowledge of nature and culture relevant to the given site. Once specialised courses have been taken by a guide (e.g., botany, diving, caving, photography, safety and rescue, as described in (2), above), then the standards tested should specifically cover the material from such courses. Implementing Agencies: Specialists contracted by Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, specifically senior guides who have been involved in guide training. Costs: Variable, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. ‘Time Frame: Following implementation of points (1) to (4).ECOTOURISM Pt. Action Plans 273 (7) There should be a policy to attract capable retired foresters and teachers as guides. There should be a policy to allow and encourage ecotour operators to employ local people in rural areas as ‘assistant guides’ for on-the-job training. This will in effect be a testing ground to identify potential tour guides from within rural communities. There should be a policy to encourage ecotour operators to employ knowledgeable elders from rural communities to accompany tours and impart traditional knowledge simultaneously to tour guides and tourists. In elderly people amongst rural youth; it will help in the general objective of local community participation; it will help to supplement the taught knowledge of tour guides with informally acquired information; and it will to improve greatly the attractiveness of tours for tourists. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Costs: None envisaged. ‘Time Frame: Immediately. Recommended Structure For Guide Training And Career Structure The diagram on the following page shows a two-stream approach which caters for both tour guides and site guides, and builds in a tiered status of Guide, Senior Guide and Guide Instructor. It therefore aims to help provide a career structure for guides. Al guides, whether tour guides or site guides, would be required to sit for a general course including the material now covered in the ‘specialised’ guiding course syllabus, ie., the course covering general topics which is currently used as a “topping up’ of knowledge for specialists. An extra course component would be available on customer care and safety. This would result in a Basic Guiding qualification, From this point on, tour guides and site guides would follow separate training. Tour guides would be able to take one or more specialised courses out of a selection including (a) the remaining ‘heavier’ material from the present general tour guide syllabus; (b) specialisms by region; and (c) specialisms by culture,274 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Site guides would be able to take one or more specialised courses out of a selection including (a) particular activities such as caving, mountain climbing or diving; (b) particular aspects of nature such as birds, plants, forest; and (c) particular sites such as Taman Negara, Bako National Park or Pulau Sipadan. Language courses would also be available to any guides. The successfull completion of a specialised course, by either a tour guide or a site guide, would qualify them as a Senior Guide. The sy\labus for the Basic Guide level should be revised. A list of courses for the Senior Guide qualification should be prepared. This will include: Tour Guide: Site Guide: ‘Advanced tour guiding Caving Peninsular Malaysia Mountain climbing Sabah Diving Sarawak Forest Music and dance Plants Arts and crafts Birds Particular parks Language Japanese ' French German etc. The lists should be extended as required. A syllabus should be developed for each specialised course, with criteria for success, For those specialisms for which there is an existing recognised qualification (cg., diving), that certificate should be accepted as fit evidence of skills. For other specialisms, suitable criteria must be developed. As an example, a bird-watching course could require the successful candidate to identify 25 species correctly, at least five of them by sound, at a given site.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 275 pe Tour Guide Site Guide General Course = Geography = History + Culture = Tourist Information Customer Care including Safety Guide Level Specilisms Specialisms = byregion - trekking/climbing = byculture = bird watching - animal watching - diving = caving Language Training Senior Guide Level Instructor Training, Guide Instructor Status276 Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 A syllabus should be designed to train qualified Senior Guides in guide instruction, together with criteria for success. A guide holding a given number of specialism passes, plus a guide instruction pass, should be appointed a Guide Instructor. Short basic tourist guide courses should also be available to another important source of manpower: teachers, lecturers, researchers and university students. They have in depth knowledge in their chosen fields which can be useful in promoting nature tourism, Equipped with basic knowledge in handling tourists, and having long breaks, would make them an asset in increasing manpower during peak tourist season, At such a time they can be freelance or part-time guides; this should be recognised and encouraged. The existing short course available from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism for ‘topping up' the knowledge of specialist guides may be appropriate fer this group, or it may need modification. The question of course content should therefore be examined; once this has been done and any necessary action taken, short courses should be available more frequently in the various parts of the country. Particular topics, or groups of people, will continue to require unusual teaching and certification methods, Examples might be the training of Orang Asli, or training rural villagers in homestay requirements of tourists. Some of these topics might require only teaching, not certification, and others might require certification without teachingECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Action Plans 277 10.21. Upgrade Standards of Tourist Information Literature Short-term Objectives: To provide informative printed materials about nature so as to improve visitor satisfaction and enhance revenue. Long-term Objectives: To acquire and maintain a reputation for high quality presentation and interpretation of the ecotourism experience. Co-ordinating Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Background Guidebooks, maps and general information have been recommended by tourists themselves as the area for greatest improvement (see Part 4 of this report, Current ‘Status of Ecotourism in Malaysia, # 8). As ecotourism numbers increase, more specific information materials of high accuracy will be needed to cater for the target audiences of promotions and marketing of specialist themes (e-g., longhouse cultures, archaeology, and particular parks and reserves). For this the commissioning of specialist writers would be necessary. Action Steps (1) The accuracy and usefulness of existing materials should be reviewed in consultation with tour operators, and by consultation with tourists (e.g., using survey techniques at ecotourism sites to discover if they found the information provided to be sufficient, useful or easy to obtain). This should become a part of increasingly varied information-gathering activities by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, or be taken over by the Eco- and Agro- tourism Implementation Committee whenever that body is able to set up a secretariat. Implementing Agency: Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board/Eco- and Agro- tourism Implementation Committee Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: Long-term, beginning as soon as possible.278 Q) @) Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 To set up a revolving publications fund, managed by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Companies, individuals and organisations would be eligible to apply for funds to produce beoks (guidebooks, photographic guides, map guides, etc.) relating to ecotourism. Criteria should be developed so as to encourage applications from highly qualified writers and photographers, and reputable publishers, to ensure quality of product and business viability. The fund would be replenished by royalties or other returns from the published products. Corporate sponsorship may be sought to raise funds for specific products. Design and preparation of material suitable for publication may be contracted to non-governmental organisations, as well as companies and individuals. ‘The same fund could be employed for the development of interpretation displays at ecotourism sites throughout Malaysia, although it would be preferable to use direct parks revenue (entry fees, etc.) for this purpose (see below). Implementing Agency: Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Cost: Lump sum of RM250,000 ‘Time Frame: As soon as possible An ecotourism and nature writing course or series of seminars should be organised, so as to guide writers in the types of message which Malaysia wishes to convey to both the domestic and the intemational tourism market. The course/seminars spould draw upon the experience of local journalists and other writers as well as the private sector and non-governmental organisations. Implementing Agency: Non-governmental organisations, in association with Malaysia Tourism Promotions Board, Malaysian Association of Environmental Journalists. Cost: Variable. ‘Time Frame: Case-by-case, starting in 1996,ECOTOURISM. @) (6) © 1 Action Plans 279 Commission the writing of a series of guide-books: one at the budget level, one for real adventurers, one for high income luxury travellers, the books to say what Malaysia wants said. These materials should be balanced in approach, treating controversial issues fairly and even-handedly, be informative, and tell tourists about the subjects they most wish to know about (ideally, based on market surveys as well as known preferences). Implementing Agencies: National and State government tourism agencies and promotion boards. Cost: Currently between RMS0,000 and RM200,000 per title (from cheap black-and-white guide to colour photo book). Time Frame: To begin during Seventh Malaysia Plan. A system of prizes should be instituted for nature tourism writing. The prizes should be few in number, prestigious, giving recognition to writers in different categories. Part of the reward could be in book marketing opportunities, e.g, adoption of a prize-winning ecotourism book for intemational marketing in conjunction with Malaysia's tourism promotions around the world. Implementing Agency: Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board. Cost: To be determined. ‘Time Frame: Before the end of the Seventh Malaysia Plan period. The current policy which restricts the availability of maps useful in parks and other rural areas must be reviewed. Discussions should be held between the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, the police and army, so as to determine whether restrictions may be relaxed on which maps, at what scale, may be exempted from security restrictions. Up-to-date maps showing rivers, topography, rural roads, location and boundaries of protected areas, etc., are urgently needed. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Cost: Minimal. ‘Time Frame: With immediate effect.280 a Action Plans ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Park management authorities should be enabled to use tourist revenues directly for publication or re-publication of brochures, maps and other materials, to avoid situations in which stocks are exhausted whilst budget allocations for future years are considered. Tourism revenues at parks should also be available for establishing and improving information centres, displays, videos and other interpretative materials and services. Operators of tourist facilities in or adjacent to parks may enter into partnership with parks management authorities in producing booklets, etc., for sale, and have profit-sharing agreements, Implementing Agency: Parks management authorities including Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks, National Parks and Wildlife Office, Sabah Parks, Fisheries Departments. Cost: To be determined ‘Time Frame: As soon as possible.APPENDIX 1 MATRIX OF AGENCIES, ACTION PLANS, GUIDELINES AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR ACTIONECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Matrix 281 MATRIX SHOWING ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY EACH AGENCY AND SECTOR IN PROMOTING ECOTOURISM List Of Agencies Action Plans Part = Guidelines (Part 2) Pee Site Development Proposals @art5) Ministry of Culture, | 10.1; 10.2; 10.3; 10.4 | 1,2,3, 4,5, 6,7, 8,9, Artsand Tourism —_ | (ii), (iv), (¥)s 10.5; | 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 10.6; 10.7 Gi); 10.8; | 20, 21, 22, 23 10.105 10.11; 10.12; 10.14; 10.155 10.16 (, (vi), (i), (iti), (69), (9), (xi); 10.18; (MOCAT) | 10.19; 10.20; 10,21 Malaysia Tourism — | 10.11 1,2, 11, 15, 18, 20, Promotion Board —_| (i), ( 2B (MTPB) | 10.20; 10.21 Ministry of Tourism | 10.1; 10.2; 10.4 (ii); 1,2,3,4,5, 6,7, 8,9, and Environmental | 10.9; 10.10; 10.11; | 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, Development (Sabah) | 10.18 21, 22, 23, 25 (MTED) Sabah Tourism 10.14; 10.16 (x); 1,2, 11, 18, 23 Promotion 10.18 Corporation (sTPC) Sabah Tourism Council (sTC) 10.3; 10.11; 10.18 1,2, 11, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, Ministry of Tourism (Sarawak) own) 10.1: 510.2; 10.4 (i); 10.10; 10.11; 10.18 1,2,3,4,5, 6, 7,89, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21, 22, 23, 25 L Sarawak Tourism 10.1 1; 10.14; 10.16 1,2, UL, 15, 18, 23 Board (STB) | (9); 10.18 Chief Ministers? 10.4 (i); 10.7; 10.8 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, Offices 10, 21, 22 (CM's Offices) State Legislative 10.4, 10.4 (ii); 10.7 | 1,2,3,4, 5,6, 7,89, Assemblies Gi; 10.9 10, 20, 21, 22282 Matri ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 List Of Agencies Action Plans Guidelines Site Development art) (Part 2) Proposals (Part 5) ‘Other Members of 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, State EXCO 10, 11, 20, 21, 22 Economic Planning Unit 10.2; 10.8; 10.15 1,2,3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9, 10, 11, 13, 20, 21, 22, (EPU) 25 State Economic 10.2; 10.4 (iii), 10.7; | 1, 2,3, 4, 5,6, 7,89, Planning Units 10.8; 10.9; 10.13; 10, 11, 13, 20, 21, 22, (UPENS) | 10.15; 10.16 (ii), Git) | 25 State Planning 10.7 Gii) 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7,89, Committees 10, 11, 13, 21, 22, 25 State Financial 10.15 21,22 Officers Attorney-General’s | 10.4 10 Chambers (AG's Chambers) ‘National Tourism 1,2,3,4, 5,6, 7,89, Council (NTC) 10, 15, 23, 25 Eco- and Agro- 10.3; 10.4 (ii); 10.7, | 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7, 8,9, tourism Gill; 10.8; 10.16 (vi), | 10, 11, 13, 14, 15,20, Implementation (vii), (Wit), (ix), (xi); | 21, 23, 25 Commitee 10.14; 10.15; 10.6; alc) 10.18; 10.20; 10.21; Brunei, Indonesia, 1,2,3,4,5, 67,8 Malaysia and 9, 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, Philippines East 2B Asian Growth Association (BIMP-EAGA) Indonesia, Malaysia, 1,2,3,4,5, 67,8 ‘Thailand Growth 9,10, 11, 15, 20, 21, Triangle _ (IMTGT) 2BECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Matrix 283 en List Of Agencies Action Plans Guidelines Site Development (Part (art 2) Proposals (Part 5) Environment (DOE) Southern Growth 1,2,3,4,5, 67,8 Triangle 9, 10, 11, 15,20, 21, 2B State Level Tourism 14, 15,23 Agencies and Information Centres (SLTAIC) Natural Resource +2.3,4,5, 67,8, Office, Sabah (NRO) 10, 11, 21, 22 ‘Natural Resources 1,2,3,4,8, 67,8 and Environment 9, 10, 11, 13, 22, 2: Board, Sarawak (NREB) Department of 1,2,3,4,5, 67,8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 19, 25 Peninsular Malaysia 10.15; 10.16 (i), Gi (iy), (Ws 10.17 District Officers/ 10.4 (i), (il 10.8; 1,2,3,4,5, 67,8, Land Administrators | 10.9; 10.13; 10.16 9, 10, 11, 13, 19, 20, @O/LA) | Gi), Gi) 21,22 Land and Survey 1,2,3,4,5, 67,8 Department _ (LSD) 9,10, 11, 21,22 Fisheries Dept. 10.4 (i), iis 10.7 | 1,2,3,6,8,9, 11, 13, (Federal and State), | (i); 10.8; 10.9; 10.10; | 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 Dept. Sabah Fisheries Dept. | As Above 1,2, 3,6, 8,9, 11, 22, 25 Sarawak Fisheries | As Above 1,2,3,6,8,9, 11,22,284 Matrix ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 List Of Agencies Action Plans Guidelines Site Development Part) (Part 2) Proposals @art 5) Marine Parks Branch, 1,2, 3, 6,9, 11, 13, Fisheries Dept. 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, (Federal) 25 Port Authorities (e.g 1,2,3,6,8,9 Port Klang) Forestry Dept. 10.4 Gi), Git); 10.7 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, (Federal and State), | (1); 10.8; 10.9; 10.105 | 10, 11, 13, 19, 20, 21, Peninsular Malaysia | 10.15; 10.16 (i), 22, 23, 25 (iv), (9); 10.17 Johor State Forestry | As Above JOHOR: 11, 15, 22, Dept. 48-52, 56, 86, 93, 95, 97, 102, 109 Kedah State Forestry | As Above KEDAH: 14, 15, 18, Dept. 19, 20, 26, 28, 30, 33, 38, 50-61, 99, 111, 116, 121, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127 Kelantan State ‘As Above KELANTAN: 10, 11, Forestry Dept. 12, 17, 19, 25,27, 42, 43, 48, 67, 71, 78, 80, 81 Melaka State ‘As Above MELAKA: 4, 9, 10, Forestry Dept. 11,24 Negeri Sembilan ‘As Above NEGERI State Forestry Dept SEMBILAN: 11, 12, 16, 17, 20, 28, 35-41, 52, 53, 60 Pahang State Forestry | As Above PAHANG: 10, 20, Dept. 22, 28, 41, 57, 59, 60, 74, 85-96, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 10 5, 200, 204, 207, 208, 211, 212ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Matrix 285 List Of Agencies Action Plans Guidelines Site Development art 1) art 2) Proposals (Part 5) Perak State Forestry | 10.4 (ii), (iii); 10.7 PERAK: 5, 8, 15, 22, Dept. D; 10.8; 10.9; 10.10; 28, 30, 31, 35, 39, 40, 10.15; 10.16 (i), (ii), 45, 46, 50, 55, 61, 66, (iv), (W); 10.17 80-88, 162, 168, 187, 188, 190, 199, 200 Perlis State Forestry | As Above PERLIS: 1, 2,3, 4,6, Dept. 43, 47, 50. Pulau As Above PENANG: 4, 9, 13, Pinang(Penang) State 15, 16, 19-22, 33, 34 Forestry Dept. Selangor State As Above SELANGOR: |, 2, Forestry Dept. UL, 15, 17, 19, 27, 28, 33, 35, 36, 37, 46-53, 54, 61, 95, 97, 99, 102, 104 Terengganu State | As Above TERENGGANU: 5, Forestry Dept. 10, 16, 26, 28, 38-44, 52, 72, 78, 80 Sabah Forest Dept. | As Above 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, | SABAH: 1,3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 20, 21, 22, 23, | 10, 17, 21, 26, 27, 36, 25 37, 38, 43, 44, 45, 47, 54, 65, 66, 68, 73, 80-90, 91, 93, 96, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, 107, 108, 111, 112, 118, 121, 127, 130, 131, 139, 141, 143, 145, 149, 151, 153, 157, 160, 204, 211, 212, 221, 222, 229, 242, 247, 250, 253286 Matrix ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 List Of Agencies Guidelines Site Development art 2) Proposals (art 5) Sarawak Forest Dept. | 10.4 (ii), (iii); 10.7 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, | SARAWAK: 14, 15, ; 10.8; 10.9; 10.10; | 10, 11, 20, 21, 22, 23, | 18, 45, 57, 61, 68, 84, 10.15; 10.16 (i, (ii), | 25 160, 162, 178, 183, Giv), (9); 10.17 184-192, 219, 220, 224, 227, 228, 230, 233, 242-247, 251, 254, 258 Forest Research 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, Institute of Malaysia 10, 11, 13, 14 (ERIM) Dept. of Wildlife and 1,2,3,4, 5, 6,7, 8 National Parks ; 10.8; 10.9; 10.13; | 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, Federal and State), | 10.15; 10.16 Gi, (itd), | 21, 22, 23, 25 Peninsular Malaysia _| (iv), (v); 10.17 (@wnp) DWNP Johor As Above JOHOR: 17, 24, 56, 57, 88, 89 DWNP Kedah As Above KEDAH: 26, 38, 116, 121, 122, 123, 124, 126,127 DWNP Melaka As Above MELAKA: 4, 25, 26, 28-31 DWNP Negeri As Above NEGERI Sembilan SEMBILAN: LI, 51, 52 DWNP Pahang As Above PAHANG: 22,41,57, 60, 74, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 200, 207, 211, 212 DWNP Perak As Above PERAK: 5, 8, 15, 22,30, 31, 35, 45, 46, 50, 55, 66, 89, 162, 179, 188, 190ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Matrix 287 an List Of Agencies Action Plans jie Site Development art (Part 2) Proposals (Part 5) DWNP Perlis PERLIS: 1, 2, 48, 49, 33 10.15; 10.16 @), Av), (W)5 10.17, DWNP Penang As Above PENANG: 33, 34 DWNP Selangor —_| As Above SELANGOR: 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 104 DWNP Terengganu | As Above TERENGGANU: 52, 87 Muzium Negara U1 Ni State Museums 114 Turtle Sanctuary 109 1,2,3,6,9, IL, 19, Advisory Council, 22,25 Terengganu Marine Parks Council 1,2,3,6,9, 11, 19, 22,28 Taman Negara 10.9; 10.13 1,2,4,5,7,8, 10, 11, Advisory Council 13, 14, 19, 20, 22, 25 (TNAC) Endau Rompin 1,2,4,5,8, 10, 11, Management 13, 14, 19, 20, 22, 25 Commitee (ERMC) Johor National Parks | 10.10; 10.15 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9, | JOHOR: 11, 15, 17, Corporation 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, } 22, 24, 55, 56, 86, 88, 21, 22, 23, 25 89, 95, 97, 98, 102, @NPC) 108, 109 Fraser’s Hill 10.9; 10.12 1,2,4,5,8, 10, 11, Development 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, Corporation (FHDC) 5288 Mats ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 List Of Agencies Action Plans Guidelines Development (art (Part 2) ‘Proposals (Part 5) Veterinary Dept. 1,2, 23, 25 KOTANI 1,2, 3,6, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20, 23, 25 Dept. of Irrigation | 10.9 1,2, 3,4, 5,6, 7,8, 9, and Drainage (DID) 1, 13, 19, 22, 23, 25 Public Works Dept. (PWD) 1,2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9, 10, 11, 13, 22, 25 Orang Asli Welfare Dept. __ GHEOA) 10.16 (ix); 10.17 1, 2, 14, 20, 21, 22, 25 National Productivity Council (NPC) 14 State Economic 10.16 (ix); 10.17 1,2,3,4, 5,5, 7,89, Development 10, 11, 21, 22, 24 Corporation (SEDCs) KEJORA 10.17 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, (RDA) 2, 24, 25 KESEDAR 10.17 1,2,3,4,5, 6,7, 8 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, (RDA) 22, 24, 25 KETENGAH 10.17 1,2,3,4, 5, 6,7, 8 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, (RDA) 22, 24, 25 DARA 10.17 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 8 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, (RDA) 2, 24, 25 SALCRA, 10.17 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, (RDA) 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25.ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Matrix 289 List Of Agencies Action Plans (art) SAFODA Guidelines (Part 2) 1,2,3,4,5, 6, 7, 8 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, Site Development Proposals (art 5) (RDA) 22, 24, 25, Other Sabah and 10.17 1,2,3,4, 5,6, 7,8 Sarawak Land 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, Agencies 22, 24, 25 (RDA) Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development (MED) 1,2, 11, 12, 14,20, 21, 22, 24 Malaysian Tourist | 10.4 (iv); 10.7 Guides’Couneil 10.16 (vi), (vii); (MTGC) | 10.20 1, 2, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 Kuala Lumpur 10.4 (iv); 10.7 Tourist Guides’ 10.16 (vi), (vi Council 10.20 1,2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 Association of Tour | 10.16 (vi), (ix); 10.17 and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Tourist 10.4 (iv); 10.7 ii), | 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, Guides’ Council 10.16 (vi), (wii), 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 10.20 Malaysian 10.4 (iv); 10.7 Git), | 1,2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23, 24, 25 Pacific Asia Travel| 10.17 Association Malaysia (PATA) 1,2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23, 24, 25 Specific Tour 10.15; 10.16 (vi), Operators (e.g. Asian | (viii); Overland, Borneo Adventure, Taman Negara Resort, etc.) 1,2,3,4,5, 6, 7,89, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24,25290 Matrix ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 List Of Agencies Action Plans Guidelines Site Development (Part D) Part 2) Proposals Cart 5) Prospective 10.12; 10.13; 10.18; | 1,2,3, 4,5, 6,7, 8,9 Developers 10.21 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18,19 Malaysian 10.17 International Chamber of Commerce and Industry _(MICCI) Housing Developers’ | 10.16 (viii) 1,2,3, 4, 5,67, 8,9, Association 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, (HDA) 17,18, 19 Malaysian Institute | 10.16 (viii) 1,253, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, of Architects 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, (MIA) 17,18, 19 Malaysian Institute 1,2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7,89, of Engineers 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, (MIE) 17,18, 19 Hotel Operators 1,2,3,4,5,8,9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, (HOA) 18, 19, 20, 23, 24 Malaysia Airlines 16, 17, 23, 24 (MAS) Private Airline 16, 17, 23, 24 ‘Company (eg, Pelangi Air, etc.) KIM Berhad 16, 17,23, 24ECOTOURISM Pt. | Matrix 291 List Of Agencies Action Plans Guidelines Site Development (art, (Part 2) Proposal Malayan Nature 1,2,3,4,5, 6, 7,89, Society, WWF 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 24, Malaysia and Other 25 Non-Governmental Organisations Contre for Orang Asli 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Concerns and other 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, Orang Asli Groups 20, 24, 25 (COAC) Peninsular Malaysia 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Orang Asli 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, Association 20, 24, 25 (PMOAA) KEMAS. 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24 Proposed Island 1,2, 3,4, 5, 6, 8,9, Management Board 11, 13, 19, 20 (MHLG) Environmental 10.16 (xi) 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7,89, Journalists? 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 23, Association 24 Members of the 3,4,5, 6,7, 8,9, 10, Public 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, WMatrix ECOTOURISM Pt.APPENDIX 2 PARTIAL LIST OF ORGANISATIONS RUNNING COURSES RELEVANT TO ECOTOURISM AND RELATED ECOTOURISM SERVICESECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Org: ations and Training 293 PARTIAL LIST OF ORGANISATIONS RUNNING COURSES RELEVANT TO ECOTOURISM AND RELATED ECOTOURISM SERVICES [No endorsement of products or services is implied} Ecotourism Adelaide College of TAFE (Training and Further Education), Centre for Tourism Studies, GPO Box 1872, Adelaide, South Australia SA 5001 Certificate in Environmental and Cultural Tourism: 12 month full time certificate, ‘with modular components available (field or site based, coastal, arid lands, etc.) Contact: Jane James Aboriginal tourism: contact J. Binnion Australian College for Seniors, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia Bellingen Enterprise Support Team, P.O. Box 125, Bellingen, NSW 2454 Tel: 066-552083 Australia Fax: 066-552270 Introductory training course, § to 8 weeks. Contact: Ute Garrad, Kathryn Wood, Stephen Abell294 Organisations and Training ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Centralian College, POBox 795, Alice Springs, Norther Territory NT 0871 Australia Contact: Linda Parkinson Charles Sturt University, P.O, Box 789, Albury, NSW 2640 Tel: 060-418833 Australia Fax: 060-418897 Bachelor of Applied Science (Ecotourism). Contact: Frances Baker or Neil Lipscombe Johnstone Centre of Parks, Recreation and Heritage. Contact: Terry De Lacy, 060- 418850 Council of Adult Education, ‘Tours Unit c/- Liberal Studies, 256 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia Contact: Bronwen Grutzner Deakin University, ‘School of Aquatic Science & Natural Resources Management, 662, Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Tel: 03-2447218 Australia Fax: 03-2447480 Contact: Helen RevisECOTOURISM Pt. | itions and Training 295 Russ Grayson, 71, Hollywood Street, Monterey, NSW 2217 Australia Tel: 02-5886931 Bushcraft courses offered via adult education colleges Griffith University, International Centre for Ecotourism Research, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Gold Coast Campus, PMB 50, Gold Coast Mall Centre, ‘Queensland 4217 Tel: 617-3594-8698 Australia Fax: 617-594-8679 Contact: Prof. Ralf Buckley, Director Griffith University, School of Leisure Studies, ‘Nathan, Queensland 4111 Tel: 07-8755873 Australia Fax: 07-8755661 Bachelor of Arts in Leisure Management; Graduate Diploma and Masters degrees in Leisure Management and Outdoor Education, Contact: N. McIntyre ot Terry Brown ‘New England Institute of TAFE. School of Biological Studies, Beardy Street, Armidale, NSW 2350 Australia Contact: Wes Davis296 Organisations and Training ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Results Management Australia 433 Logan Road, Stones Comer, Queensland QLD 4120 Tel: 07-3948350 ‘Australia Fax: 07-3944080 Contact: Susan Hartwig. Communication skills training for ecotourism operators and employees University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350 Australia Contact: Tessa Lock The University of Notre Dame, PO Box 1225, Fremantle, West Australia WA 6160 Tel: 09-3360615 Australia Fax: 09-4304228 Contact: Dr Ross Dowling University of Queensland, Department of Management Studies, Gatton College, Lawes, QLD 4343 ‘Australia Tel: 07-4601111 Contact: Mark Hockings The Ecotourism Association of Australia, School Road, Yorketown, South Australia SA 5576 Australia,ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Organisations and Training The Ecotourism Association of Australia, GPO Box 1122, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia ‘Nature-Based and Indigenous Tourism, Australian Department of Tourism, GPO Box 1545, Canberra, ACT 2601, ‘Australia SENAC-CEATEL ‘Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1249 - Agua Branca, Sao Paulo - SP 05001-150 Brazil Contact: Jose Ruy Veloso Campos Sir Sandford Fleming College, Box 839, Haliburton, Ontario KOM 180 Canada Contact Barb Bolin (Principal); Allen MacPherson Pacific Rim Institute of Tourism, 930-555 West Hastings St., Vancouver, British Columbia, BC V6B 4N6 Canada Contact: Nancy Brenner 297 Tel: 07-3221-1811 Fax: 07-3221-3270 Fax: 61-6-279-7211 Tel: 55-11-2632511 Fax: 55-11-8644597 Tel: 705-457-1680 Fax: 705-457-2255 Tel: 604-682-8000 Fax: 604-688-2554298 Organisations and Training ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Simon Frazer University, School of Resource & Environmental Management, Center for Tourism Policy & Research, Bumaby, British Columbia BC Tel: 604-291-5778 Canada VSA 186 Fax: 604-291-4968 Contact: Pamela Wright, Peter Williams Westviking College, P.O. Box 5400, Stephenville, ‘Newfoundland Tel: 709-643-7709 A2N 2Z6 Canada Fax: 709-643-6182 Contact: J. Bennett FUNDEVI-PROAMBI, Escuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Tel: 506-253-4838 Costa Rica Fax: 506-224-3823 Contact Jorge Campos Centre de Recherche sur la Politique, I' Administration et le Territoire, St. Mahrin d'Heres, France Agrotourism in Europe INDECON, Indonesian Ecotourism Network, Jalan H. Samali No. 15, Pejaten Barat, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta 12510 Indonesia Tel/Fax: 621-799-3955 E-mail: ci-indonesia@conservation.orgECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Organisations and Training 299 Institut Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Some coursework within general tourism courses is relevant to ecotourism, but no specialty is yet offered. Kolej Bandar Utama, No. 1, Pesiaran Utama, Bandar Utama Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Elements within BTEC HND Environmental Design ate relevant to reducing environmental impacts through building design Waiariki Polytechnic, Management Development Centre, Private Bag RO3028 Rotorua, Tel: 64-7346-8684 ‘New Zealand Fax: 64-7346-8680 Contact: Roger Gordon, Alan Peace Dept. of Economics & Sociology, Universidas de Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal Agrotourism. Contact: Gianfrenco Rossetto300 Organisations and Training ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 ‘The Panorama Group Limited, = Ecosystem Conservation Support Foundation = Panorama Marketing and Management = Panorama Tourism Wholesalers P.O. Box; CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland Tel: 41-61-421-9223 Fax: 41-61-421-9289 {NB. There is no P.O. box number.] Contact: Zadok Lempert Institute of Ecotourism, Srinakharinwirot University, Patumwan Campus, Henri-Dunant Road, Bangkok 10330, ‘Thailand Fax: 662-254-4599 Bogazici University, Tourism Information Retrieval & Dissemination, Hispar Campus, Bebek 80815 Istanbul, Tel: 90-232-2659773 Turkey Fax: 90-212-2659813 Contact: Ditek Unalan Durell Institute of Conservation & Ecology, University of Kent, ‘Canterbury, Kent CT2 7PD I: United Kingdom Fax: 44-227-475481 ‘Tourism and Conservation specialism within M.Sc. programme. Contact: Dr Harald GoodwinECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, King Street, 521, Aberdeen AB9 1FX United Kingdom Agrotourism. Contact: Dr William Slee Clemson University, Recreation Travel & Tourism Institute, 263 Lehotsky Hall, Box 341058, Clemson, South Carolina, SC 29634-1055 USA. Contact: Dr Lawrence Allen International Institute of Tourism Studies, George Washington University, 817, 23rd Street NW, Bldg. K, ‘Washington, DC 20016 US.A. Contact: Donald Hawkins Pacific Islands Institute, P.O. Box 1926, Kailua, Hawaii, HI 96734 USA. Contact: Diana Lockwood, President 301 Tel: 44-224-480291 Fax: 44-224-273731 Tel:803-656-3400 Fax: 803-656-2226 Tel: 808-262-8942 Fax: 808-263-0178302 Organisations and Training ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Touch of Nature, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois IL 62901 USA. Contact: Jerry Culen Integrated Conservation Research, 1414 West Seventh Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA. Contact: Dr Illar Muul World Parks Associates, Inc., 200 West 21st Street, Suite 2A, New York, NY 10011 USA. Integrated Conservation and Development Projects Asian Institute for Technology, 104 Outreach Building, P.O. Box 2754, Bangkok 10301, ‘Thailand, International Centre for Protected Landscapes, Science Park, Aberystwyth, Dyfed, Wales SY23 3AH United Kingdom. Tel: 618-453-1121 Tel: 301-663-6455 / 301-695-5936 Fax::301-620-9013 Tel: 1-212-242-2980 Fax: 1-212-749-2663ECOTOURISM Pt. 1 Organisations and Training Rural Development Intemational Institute of Rural Reconstruction, Silang, Cavite 4118 Philippines. Coastal Zone Coastal Resources Center (The Training Coordinator), Narragansett Bay Campus, The University of Rhode Island, ‘Narragansett, RI 02882 USA. 303NATIONAL ECOTOURISM PLAN, INDEX Part 1: The National Ecotourism Plan Accessibility 1:51 Accreditation 1:98, 137, 244-259 Action Plans 1:123-280 Implementation of 1:125, 127 Summary 1:124-125 Synopsis of agencies’ roles 1:125-137 Agency responsibilities 1:125-137 Agrotourism 1:41 Ancillary tourism development Application procedures 1:128, 172-176 Architecture 7 Area management 1s 1:66, 91-92, 103-104, 129-131, 154 See Park management, Management plans ASEAN Assessment of proposals Awards Benefits conservation economic environmental socio-economic Bumiputra role Capacity building Carrying Capacity Categorising attractions Certification (guides) 1:40 1:81, 97 1:98 1:55, 104-106, 112-113, 134, 233-239, 240-243, 293-303 1:53, 74-75, 88 1:8 1:137, 267-276see Accreditation Charter for Sustainable Tourism Circuits Complementary attractions Constitution, Federal Controls Corporatisation Criteria land use project approval Data collection Data, technical Definitions Degradation of sites Department of Wildlife & National Parks Design Developers unsuitable Domestic tourism Eco- & Agro-tourism Implementation Committee Economic feasibility Economic impacts of tourism Economics of protected areas Ecotourism definition examples policy relationship with other economic activities Education and awareness Entrepreneurs Environmental impacts Environmental Impact Assessment Order 1987 Evaluation Expectations of ecotourists Expenditure, recurrent 1:56 1:53, 263-266 1:8 1:19, 20 1:84, 98, 107 1:173 1:83 1:81-82, 1:11, 46, 77-78, 212 1:90-91 1:1, 125, 138-139 1:95 1:22, 35, 90 1:54 1:98 1:60, 215 1:47, 98, 125, 144-147, 1:54, 119 1:21 1:54, 127, 160 1:76 1:35Fees, differential Finance Fiscal measures Fisheries Act 1985 Fisheries Department Five Year Plans Flagship attractions Forest Importance to ecotourism Master Plan Forestry Act see National Forestry Act Forestry Department Golf Government roles Growth scenarios Guidelines implementation summary Guides and guiding Handicrafts Historical background Hotel classification scheme Hotel supply Human resources Image of ecotourism Impacts Implementation Incentives Information Centres improvement shortage of Infrastructure 1:231 1:10, 33, 53, 88 1:88, 116-118, 133, 228-232 1:23, 1:23, 90 1:10, 29, 34, 167 1:8 4:42 1:83 1:24, 42 1:8 1:79, 125-137, 281-291 1:59-66 1:56-58, 107, 132, 1:198-199 1:199 41:267-276 134-136, 233-239, 240-243, 293-303 1:91 1:137, 277-280 1:86Institutional strengthening Intersectoral participation Investment Issues in ecotourism development Itineraries Jetskiing Land tenure Land use Laws, legislation Legal changes Limits of Acceptable Change Local Authorities Local residents, local communities Main strategies for ecotourism Summarised Malaysian Constitution see Constitution, Federal Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board ‘Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992 Management, new areas Management plans ‘Management planning, ecotourism Management, private sector Manpower training Market segmentation Marketing Mass tourism MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents) Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Ministry of Tourism, Sarawak Ministry of Tourism & Environmental Development, Sabah Monitoring Monuments 1:134 1:46 1:9, 38, 52 1:71-121 1:263-266 1:8 1:52, 71, 142-143 1:83 1:9, 15-27, 48-49 1:55, 107-109, 148-155 1:53, 88 1:90 1:13, 33, 113-114, 136, 237, 240-243, 1:45-58 1:45 1:9 1:16 1:17 1:95, 131, 170, 180-197 1:160-167 1:173 1:55, 104-106, 112-113, 233-239, 240-243, 293-303 1:100 4:54, 101, 110-112, 133, 210-227 1:100-101 1:47, 145 1:9 1:97 1:97 1:54, 127, 160 1:39National Conservation Strategy National ecotourism council, concept National Forestry Act 1984 National Parks Act 1980 National Parks & Wildlife Office, Sarawak National Parks (Johor) Corporation New areas Niche markets Objectives of ecotourism Operators Park management PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Permanent Forest Estate Pilot ecotourism projects Planning short-term Planning horizons Policy guidebook State parks agencies Private land, use of Private sector management Privatisation Product Development Product suitability Promotion of Investment Act 1986 Promotions Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 Public awareness Questionnaires Regionalisation approach Revenue Loss of 1:31 1:46, 144-147, 250 222 1: 26, 35, 90 1:22, 49 1:48, 154, 177 1:218-221, 263-266 1:80 1:12, 118, 120 1:91-92, 103-104, 177-179 1:39, 47, 96, 145 1:42 1:132, 200-205 1:127, 168-171 1:59-70 1:29, 37-43, 125, 140-143 1:141 1:141 1:83, 94 1:173 1:173 1:38, 137, 206-209, 260-266 01 4:54, 217 1:22 1:41, 55 1:49 1:49, 59, 62-64, 214 1:119Sabah Fauna Conservation Ordinance 1963 Sabah Forest Enactment 1968 ‘Sabah Land Ordinance 1930 Sabah Parks Sabah Parks Enactment 1984 Sabah Tourism Council Sabah Tourism Master Plan Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation Enactment 1981 Sabah Wildlife Department Safety Sarawak Forest Ordinance 1954 Sarawak Green Spaces & Public Parks Enactment 1993 Sarawak National Parks & Nature Reserves Ordinance 1990 Sarawak Natural Resources & Environment Ordinance 1993 Sarawak Tourism Board Ordinance 1994 Sarawak Second Tourism Masterplan Sarawak Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1990 Seminars Shopping Site selection Small and Medium Industries Socio-economic impacts Special Tourism Fund State legislation State Parks agencies Stateland, use of Statistics (see also Data collection, Questionnaires) Strategies for ecotourism Structure Plans Suitability of products ‘Support attractions Sustainability Taman Negara Tour agents ‘Tour guides Tourism Adventure Environmentally Responsible Mass 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:35, 90 1:25 1:17 1:30 4:17 1:35 1:52, 115 1:26 1:27 1:26 1:27 1:18 1:30 1:26 £12 1:40 1:50, 89-90 1:67-70 1:33, 51 1:10 1:148-155 4:141, 149-150 1:83, 93 1:9, 10, 12, 13, 34, 77 1:45-58 1:83 1:101-102 1:8 1:118, 19 1:132, 206-209 1:12 1:12, 267-276 ul 1:43 1:100Nature Nature-based Sustainable Tourism Industry Act 1992 Tourism Policy Study, Malaysia Tourist arrivals Tourist expectations Tourist expenditure ‘Training Water and ecotourism 1 1:3 1:1, 56 1:15 1:12, 30, 37-43 1:59 1:76, 277-280 1:59 1:99, 293-303 1:42 1:8