The Habitat FoundationxSCBMsia Webforum 3
This is the second of the two-part webforum which takes a constructive look at the challenges and potentials facing nature-based tourism and conservation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This series is organized by The Habitat Foundation in partnership with the Society for Conservation Biology Malaysia Chapter.
In this session, guided by Prof Dr Amran Hamzah we gain firsthand insight on how the planning tools and concepts provided in Malaysia’s National Ecotourism Plan 2016-2025 are put to use using the case study of Gunung Jerai, one of Kedah's unpolished gems.
The aim of effective planning is to build something which showcases the unique natural and cultural values of the site in ways that uphold responsible tourism standards, while providing avenues for the active participation of local communities, businesses and enterprises buiding a platform for supportive synergies among all parties.
We are pleased to introduce our esteemed panelists for this session:-
Dato' Haji Idros Yahya is the State Director of MOTAC Pahang. In addition to having vast experience in tourism development, he is a keen outdoorsman and never fails to personally test local tourism offerings. He is currently working hard to weather the turbulence caused by the pandemic and support local tourism in Pahang.
Muhamadlaili bin Basir is a conservationist and committed advocate of nature tourism that is centred around community and conservation. He played a role in supporting the grassroots campaign to champion the protection of the beautiful Merapoh Caves and forest in Pahang.
As national borders remain closed and as the focus turns to
attracting local travellers and experience seekers how can we seize this opportunity to awaken interest in discovering the natural treasures on our own shores? Are there ways to enlist fresh support for conservation through education and awareness? How do we work together to nurture a new culture of sustainable tourism and leaving a lighter footprint?