The potential of ecotourism management scenario for sustainable Setiu Wetlands ecosystems: an integrated ecosystem approach
2020
Azlina Abd. Aziz | Fathilah Ismail | Siti Aisyah Saat | Roseliza Mat Alipiah | Noraien Mansor
Setiu Wetlands has unique ecosystems endowed with high diversity of flora and fauna. Thus, the area has huge potential to become a prime ecotourism destination in Terengganu. However, the fragile wetland ecosystems currently support a significant level of aquaculture activities with trivial impacts on the environments and the local communities. Given the scenario, the objectives of this research are to achieve a sustainable state of wetland ecosystems by identifying the best management scenario and explore the potential of ecotourism management scenario using an integrated ecosystem approach. The research employed a three-stage framework; firstly, a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN), secondly, the Choice Experiments (CEs) and thirdly, a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The management policy for this wetland proposes four types of scenarios which is Ecotourism, Intensive Aquaculture, Conservation and the Status Quo. Here, the potential of Ecotourism scenario was explored and compared with the alternative scenarios. The findings of this research identified Ecotourism along with the Status Quo scenarios as the second preferred, in the eyes of most of the stakeholder sub-groups. Meanwhile, conservation was identified as the most desirable scenario and Intensive Aquaculture was the least desirable scenario. The developed methodologies and results from this research provide an opportunity for improving planning and decision making processes in Ecotourism which aims to deliver sustainable management of wetland ecosystems in Malaysia. This research also produced clear guidelines to inform policy makers considering alternative wetland management scenarios.
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