Strengthening the Links between Ecotourism and Conservation in Malaysia

The potential for ecotourism to make a positive and sustainable contribution to conservation in Malaysia has always been undeniable. However, the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic has severely challenged both sectors. The Habitat Foundation, in keeping with our Conservation and Sustainability pillars, has teamed up with Society of Conservation Biology Malaysia Chapter to organize a two-part web forum in which we take a critical look at how we can all play a role in rebuilding and drawing on nature-based tourism as a force for positive change.

Guided by Prof Dr Amran Hamzah who specialises in tourism planning and the interface between conservation and tourism, we revisit Malaysia’s National Ecotourism Plan 2016-2025 to extract strategies and approaches that continue to be relevant and provide guidance in these unprecedented times. With invited panelists, Alex Lee of Terrapuri Heritage Village in Setiu Wetlands and Dr Chen Pelf Nyok from the Turtle Conservation Society in Kemaman we learn how an ecotourism business and a conservation NGO are exploring ways to weather the storm.

Meet our panelists

Be part of this timely conversation. You might certainly be part of the solution. Find more details from our FB event page and our website. Watch the livestreamed event from this link and participate in the livechat!

On Malaysia Day we celebrate all who are working in some capacity to preserve the natural heritage of our country because conservationists are patriots.

We know what it means to love this nation so intensely that we will endure untold hardships and time away from loved ones to complete our mission because our work is the tangible expression of our commitment to our country.

We will go to the mountain tops, to the depths of the seas, into the darkest caves, and distant forest interiors, and we will call ourselves lucky to have known this miraculous rain drenched country so well.

We know that we will never be rich, except in experiences and friendships, and we are at peace with that, because what is more important than ensuring that the beauty of nature and the lifeforce of this place persists?

We will lend our voices to speak for our fellow Malaysians that experience little of the opportunities that being a citizen in a developing nation should offer, but all of the instability and misery of a despoiled environment, declining resources and concern for the future.

We experience disappointment upon disappointment in our mission. Each loss of species or habitat or geological monument, now gone forever is deeply felt. Of late there are far too many of these losses and disappointments. Yet we find the resolve to preserve hope because we must.

When we criticise, as we are called to do, understand that it comes from a deep love and concern for the long-term welfare of this nation and its people, as much as it is for wild nature that has no voice and is now at our mercy.

Conservationists have no need of accolades. We do not expect to be admired for our sacrifice. We only ask one thing of all citizens and leaders – do right by our country. Protect our ecosystems and our natural heritage – these are where the true riches lie, these are what make Malaysia truly blessed, these are what our country needs to face the challenges that the future holds.

[Image taken from THF Bootcamp for Conservation Leaders, Penang National Park 2019]

Internship at THF provides opportunity for budding conservationist to learn the ropes

Internships are some of the ways in which tertiary students can get some insights into the world of conservation work as a foretaste of their future careers. Matthew Vergara shares some highlights from his recent experience at The Habitat Foundation.

RASMA volunteers get a taste of conservation work at The Habitat

Here at The Habitat Foundation, we are committed to empowering young and passionate nature enthusiasts who could be the future environmental conservation. We have continuously and consistently provided opportunities for young interns to learn, grow and contribute to the work that we do.