Potential of community capacity building for ecotourism purposes in Tg.Piai, Johore

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine Tg. Piai as a potential site for community capacity building for ecotourism development. The research is done by reviewing and comparing, literatures on the ecological and sociological aspect of tourism in the area. Also through on-ground observations and experience from a past research done for “Final Report on Habitat and Ecological Research After Wavebreaker Project at Tg. Piai”. Referring to the existing natural tourism, cultural tourism attractions, and an encouraging number of local participations in the tourism industry, there are already positive signs of potential for ecotourism development. Assessment of data gathered, further strengthens the viability, with results of positive attitudes projected by the locals toward tourism development in the area. However, upon further review, the research found that there has been problem with past top-down governance style of the tourism development in the area and it shows on the ground as well. There is a need for a more sustainable development for ecotourism that focuses on the participation of the local community. As a conclusion however, it is proven in many ecotourism development with local community, the involvement of the locals is a crucial part of creating a working ecotourism destination. Fortunately, there are indicators that show willingness of the locals to support a community capacity building project to develop ecotourism in the area. Thus, the research suggests that the stakeholder take this opportunity to create a new cooperation with the local, through community capacity building, using the bottom-up approach to develop ecotourism products that can sustainably benefit both the stakeholder and the local community. This review paper is a continuation from the “Final Report on Habitat and Ecological Research After Wavebreaker Project at Tg. Piai”. Authored by the Centre of Research-Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources (COR-SUNR), UTHM.