A team of 30 people joined the kayak expedition
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IC-CFS Empowering Local Community in Preserving the Central Forest Spine via Ecotourism Programs
The Improving Connectivity in the Central Forest Spine (IC-CFS) Project organized a media tour to Kuala Lipis from 17-19 October 2022.
The Improving Connectivity in the Central Forest Spine (IC-CFS) Project organized a media tour to Kuala Lipis from 17-19 October 2022.
KUALA LIPIS, 23 November, 2022 — The Improving Connectivity in the Central Forest Spine (IC-CFS) Project organised a media tour to Kuala Lipis from 17-19 October 2022. The aim of the trip is to highlight community-based ecotourism as a key component of the IC-CFS project. The trip to Sungai Yu Ecological Corridor Area at Chegar Perah was led by IC-CFS Pahang State Project Coordinator, En. Muhammad Syafuan bin Ismail.
The thee-day-two-night event was filled with activities hosted by the local communities that served the strategic purpose of uplifting livelihoods and introducing residents to alternative income methods and authority to protect their homeland. Among the key highlights during the trip were two cave explorations (Gua Tahi Bintang; Shooting Stars Cave, and Gua Sisik Naga; Dragon’s Scales Cave), kayaking activity in Sungai Tanum, and venturing into an Orang Asli village (Batek Tribe).
Besides the fascinating cave explorations, the making of dodol gula kabung was also an entertaining experience for members of the media. This popular Malay delicacy that comes individually wrapped into pyramid-like shapes turns into a spreadable consistency when freshly made. And contrary to popular opinion, it is a great alternative to kaya when paired with bread. The production of dodol gula kabung also leads to sales in Kampung Sungai Temau.
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“In order to generate income based on the sustainable management of natural forest habitats, Community-based Organisations (CBOs) have been established by IC-CFS for Orang Asli communities involved in ecotourism and natural resource-based handicrafts. This will also serve as value-addition and marketing of handicrafts”, said Syafuan.
Besides assisting the local community to generate a sustainable income, having tourists engage in ecotourism is also a form of educating the public regarding how they can contribute to forest preservation. Currently, IC-CFS coordinates with local communities (Orang Asli) in Pahang, Perak, and Johor to help set up visiting sites and activities within their vicinity.
“Ecotourism can help to improve the status of the Orang Asli among the Malaysian population as well as improve relationships between the communities and wildlife. The socio-economic status of the local Orang Asli communities as well as their support for conservation will be improved through the enhancement of livelihoods involving ecotourism and handicraft projects,” said IC-CFS National Project Manager, Dr. Samsudin bin Musa.
Besides the five village sectors in Pahang (Kampung Kubang Rusa, Kampung Felcra Sungai Temau, Felda Chegar Perah, Kampung Chegar Perah, and Kampung Paya Keladi), other ecotourism attractions in the Central Forest Spine (CFS) include the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Krau WR, Pahang; Kenong Rimba Park, Pahang; SungaiEndau, Endau; and Royal Belum PRF, Perak.
By spreading awareness of ecotourism in the three mentioned states, IC-CFS hopes that other states in Malaysia will be motivated to implement the same to cater to the needs of the local communities throughout Malaysia.
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Filed in: Kuala Lipis / pahang
