What does eco tourism really mean? Im pretty sure an environmentalist
and a nature lover will be very familiar with this particular term. My classmates
and I have been coming across this term almost every single day this semester.
But how does the public respond to this term.. Well that's something to ponder
on.. So yah buckle up people..Im gonna enlighten you with the nitty grittty
details on eco tourism.. I promise you that no scientific terms will be involved
;).. But forgive me if there is one or two geeky science terms.. Blame me for
being a science student...
Lets start with the
basics.. Ecotourism simply means responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment and at the same time improves the well being of the
local people. It is mainly environmental friendly tourism. But don't get
mistaken as not all nature based tourism is ecotourism. Nature based tourism is
associated with travel to places with authentic natural setting and beauty
without much attention focused on conserving the environment. There are several
criterias that can be used to distinguish tourism from eco tourism.
Ecotourism
promotes conservation and awareness; meanwhile nature based tourism is based on
the natural setting of the particular area. Ecotourism prioritizes the welfare
of local communities by improvising the socio-economic status of these local
communities who are often neglected in chase of development. Eco tourism also
provides direct financial benefits for conservation and provides positive experience
for both hosts and visitors. National Parks and protected areas are examples of
highly visited eco tourism spots.The picture below clearly depicts the target of eco tourism.
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Another
exclusive component of eco tourism are our friends from kingdom animalia.
Wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife reserves are categorized under eco tourism as
well. This is due to their countless effort of educating public and conserving
the endangered species out there. Also not forgetting marine parks and and some
waterfalls.
So since we know
what ecotourism is really about, let's have a look at some of the ecotourism
destination in Malaysia.
Peninsular Malaysia
- National Park, Pahang
- Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Pahang
- Kenong Rimba Park, Pahang
- Sungai Chilling Waterfall, Kuala Selangor, Selangor
- Royal Belum Forest Reserve, Perak
- Gua Tempurung, Perak
- Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, Perak
- Penang National Heritage Park, Penang
- Kilim Geopark, Langkawi Island
- Rantau Abang Turtle Hatchery, Terengganu
- Redang Island, Perhentian Island, Gemia Island,
Terengganu
Sarawak
- Bako National Park
- Mulu National Park
- Niah National Park
- Batang Ai National Park
- Lampir Hill National Park
Sabah
- Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary
- Kinabalu National Park
- Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
- Danum Valley
- Maliau Basin
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve
- Kinabatangan Floodplain, Sukau
- Turtle Island
- Gua Gomantong, Kinabatangan, Sabah
*source : Malaysian
Tourism Promotion Board
However awareness level among society on ecotourism is still low as not everyone knows what ecotourism is.. We simply assume its just another term of traveling and tour. So nature lovers lets work hard to educate and enlighten our friends out there. Lets get everyone to appreciate mother nature in a sustainable way.. :)
