KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The concept of Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) is gaining significant attention, as demonstrated by the success of the project at Gunung Tebu, Terengganu, which generated over RM380,000 in revenue last year.
Forest Research Institute Malaysia's (FRIM) Social Forestry Research Officer, Mukrimah Abdullah, said the success of the CBET initiative at Gunung Tebu in Besut could be attributed to the efforts of Koperasi Sahabat Gunung Tebu, which involved over 50 local villagers.
"They are directly involved as tour guides, homestay operators, and vendors of handicrafts and traditional foods. The CBET model provides direct economic returns to residents while preserving heritage and ecological values.
"Many community members, including women, are now able to earn an income by preparing traditional foods like coconut pancakes, dodol, and gula nisse. They are also generating income through demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as making rebana ubi drums and crafting machetes," she said in a statement today.
CBET involves sustainable tourism activities run by local communities in natural areas rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. It offers tourists the opportunity to experience village life while enjoying the beauty of the natural environment, including tropical rainforests, clear rivers, and stunning mountain landscapes.
In addition to Gunung Tebu, other active CBET destinations include Janda Baik, Kuala Sat in Pahang, and Dabong in Kelantan.
Several CBET locations nationwide have been developed in collaboration with various parties, including FRIM, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, the Forestry Department, and other relevant agencies.
However, Mukrimah said that implementing CBET faced challenges, particularly in ensuring a long-term commitment from participants, and could lead to environmental degradation if not properly managed.
She emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of tourism programmes.
"Visitors are also encouraged to be responsible tourists by keeping the environment clean, respecting local cultures, and supporting community-made products. These practices will help ensure the CBET ecosystem remains sustainable and beneficial in the long term," she said.
She added that CBET had the potential to create an inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystem, besides providing unique and authentic travel experiences while contributing to the preservation of forest ecosystems and local cultural heritage, which aligned with the nation's goals for sustainable tourism development.
-- BERNAMA
