Sabah Flashcards
Describe the location of Sabah
Sabah is a state of East Malaysia, located in the northern region of Borneo
Describe some of the natural and human characteristics of Sabah
Unique natural environment, large areas of rainforest with huge numbers of plant and animal species. Turtle Island (endangered turtles), hot springs, Mt. Kinabalu, culture. Golf courses, shopping precincts, resorts
What are some positive economic impacts of tourism in Borneo?
• Provided a significant source of revenue (Sabah A$2.73 billion in 2019 & Sarawak A$3.79 billion)
• Foreign tourists spend approx. A$800/person, domestic spend A$690. (Need to attract more int. tourists in the future).
• Ecotourism in villages creates jobs (supplementing traditional way of life & reducing need for young people to leave home to work in cities).
• Ecotourism can improve standard of living through improved facilities (clinics, drinkable water sources, new roads, electricity etc.
What are some negative economic impacts of tourism in Borneo?
• leakage does occur (internationally & within Malaysia).
• Tourists prefer to stay in larger scale hotel establishments (rather
than homestay, leading to leakage
What are some positive socio- cultural impacts of tourism in Borneo?
• Homestays and ecolodges allow visitors to experience local lifestyles and customs first-hand.
• Borneo’s Indigenous people (Dayak 200 tribes) interest in their way of life has helped preserve the region’s heritage.
• Tribes traditional lifestyles are threatened by deforestation and urbanization.
• Ecotourism can revitalize dying arts & crafts, allowing traditional festivals and ceremonies to be sustained.
• Staying with communities provides the opportunity for intercultural understanding & has a positive and affirming affect, ensuring that younger generations view traditions as worthy or preservation.
What are some negative socio- cultural impacts of tourism in Borneo?
• Traditional and cultural symbols may lose intrinsic value & simply become commodities to sell and traditional ceremonies may be adapted to suit visitor schedules. (Such impacts are less likely with ecotourism)
What are some positive environmental impacts of tourism in Borneo?
• Contribution to preserving the natural environment.
• Ecotourism helps create a better appreciation of the world’s natural resources.
• The increasing importance of tourism as a source of income in Borneo has helped protect some regions from deforestation.
• Large number of national parks in Borneo (associated tourism to these provides employment & limits need to earn income from deforestation
What are some negative environmental impacts of tourism in Borneo?
• Increased visitor numbers places pressure on nat. parks (creating a challenge in terms of management).
• Pollution, trampling vegetation, spreading diseases to plants and animals.
• Wild animals can become stressed (orang-utans) and tourists numbers can
outnumber wildlife (turtles laying eggs).
• Coral damage due to too many tourists (government intervened).
• Fish feeding disturbs normal feeding patterns & causes stress and pollution.
• Inefficient sewage treatment systems has contributed to environmental degradation of surrounding reefs.
• Built environment impacts (companies making ecolodges are providing additional facilities- pools, day spas etc.)
• Modernisation leading to less sustainable building materials being used (rattan and palm leaves replaced with wood and zinc roofs).
What are the global management strategies of ecotourism in Borneo?
UNESCO management guidelines and report.
TIES (The International Ecotourism Society)- promotes responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities.
What are the national management strategies of ecotourism in Borneo?
Government- Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board- promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination. Ministry of tourism and culture. Protected areas and legislation.
What are the local management strategies of ecotourism in Borneo?
National parks are managed by relevant state government authorities. Ecotour companies include volunteering option in itineraries
