The Role of Ecotourism for Sustainable Development in East Coast Economic Region (ECER), Malaysia
8 Pages Posted: 7 Apr 2012
Date Written: April 6, 2012
Abstract
Sustainable development is high potential for any community within economic, social, cultural, ecologic and physical constraints. Tourism can be sustainable if development meets the needs of tourists and local residents while protecting future opportunities. Ecotourism offers benefits for local residents, conservation, development and educational experiences. The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) holds over 51% of forest areas in the Peninsular Malaysia and a high proportion of environmentally sensitive areas. The present study discusses the potentialities of sustainable development in ECER through ecotourism. The aim of the study is identified the strengths and weakness of sustainable development in this region as well as ecotourism. Secondary data have used to address the objectives in this study. The study reveals that the main potentialities of sustainable development in ECER through ecotourism are increase per capita income, ecological and conservational benefit, improve the life condition, reduce poverty, respectful to local culture, positive attitude of local community, employment opportunity and regional growth. There are some obstacles also remaining in ECER for sustainable development. These are lack of integrated planning, improper entrepreneurship, inadequate infrastructure, poor community participation and inequitable development. The study has given emphasize on human development, social cohesion, environmental benefit, technological change, proper planning, infrastructure development and proper community involvement for sustainable development through ecotourism in ECER. Finally, if collective efforts can be taken for ecotourism activities in ECER, it will ensure the sustainable development in this region.
Keywords: ECER, Ecotourism, Regional development, Sustainable development
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