Langkawi's Sustainable Regeneration Strategy and Natural Heritage Preservation

• Main Authors: Rugayah Hashim, Zulkiflee Abd Latif
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thai Society of Higher Eduction Institutes on Environment 2015-07-01
• Series: EnvironmentAsia
• Subjects: Environment; island resort; sustainability; natural heritage
• Online Access: http://www.tshe.org/ea/pdf/vol8no2-01.pdf

In the face of climate change and increased development, environmental acclimatization includes looking for alternatives for socio-economic improvement. For the island resort of Langkawi, Malaysia, agriculture is no longer a sustainable income generating venture. Eco-tourism has taken over paddy planting and artisanal fishing. The state government and local authorities are aware of the need to realign their development strategies to suit the environment. By engaging in sustainable regeneration and leveraging eco-tourism demands, a win-win situation can occur for the locals and the local authorities. However, the continued success of eco-tourism is dependent on the stakeholder's ability to ensure the non-exploitation of the geological parks. This paper provides insights through the qualitative analysis of interviews with the personnel from the Langkawi Development Authority, the District Officer and the Langkawi Municipal Council. The findings indicated that the government's intervention have resulted in better socio-economic well-being through eco-tourism. The praxis of the resort island's adaptation to the changing environment includes good socio-economic policies that are applicable and suitable to the island's core attractions. Lastly, the preservation of the natural assets will promote the green economy, which is in line with the government's Economic Transformation Program (ETP).