Measurement of Carbon Di-Oxide Emissions for Ecotourism in Malaysia

Abstract

12 Abstract: Tourism sector is one of the main sources of carbon emission. The transportation uses in tourism is the major contributor for energy consumption and carbon emission. Malaysia gives emphasize on ecotourism for tourism development. There are 42 recreational forest areas situated in East Coast Economic Region (ECER) of Malaysia. The aim of this study is to measure the carbon di-oxide emissions from Sekayu recreational forest in Terengganu by tourists. The study highlights the considerable issues and policies of carbon emissions in the forest by ecotourism activities. The study considers only the carbon emissions from transportation sector. The used vehicles of the local tourists have been used to measure the carbon emissions. The study shows that carbon emissions from bus and motorcycles are lower than small car and big car. The study suggests that some initiatives can be taken for low carbon emissions in this ecotourism destination. Those are low carbon technologies, sustainable tourism, Low carbon tourism consumption, paid carbon taxes, government and tour operator initiatives, institutional facilities development and tourism friendly traffic system. The ecotourism destinations, government, tour operator and tourist are trying to reduce carbon emission by improving and changing their transportations use and other service system. Finally, Malaysian government should develop linkage with international organizations for developing low carbon ecotourism in ECER.