TITLE:
Assessing the Potential of Mangrove Educotourism to Marine Protected Area: A Case of Tioman and Tulai Islands, Pahang, Malaysia
AUTHORS:
Shahbudin Saad, Zuhairi Ahmad, Mohd Husaini Rani, Mohd Fikri Akmal Khodzori, Muhammaad Hamizan Yusof, Normawaty Mohammad Noor, Yukinori Mukai
KEYWORDS:
Mangrove Classification, Educotourism, Diversity and Distribution, Hybrid Species
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.6 No.7,
July
20,
2015
ABSTRACT: Mangroves composition and species are richly diverse in Tioman and Tulai Island. A total
of 23 mangrove species have been found consisting of
exclusive and non-exclusive species in Kg. Juara, Kg.
Nipah, Kg. Paya, Kg. Genting and Tulai Island. The abundance mangrove species
are Rhizophora X lamarckii, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata and Brugueira gymnorrhiza. From supervised
classification, total of 59.90 hectares mangrove covers have been identified in
both islands, with 86.49% in Tioman Island (52.76 hectares) and 13.51% in Tulai
Island (7.14 hectares). A new hybrid species has been found (Rhizophora X lamarckii) dominated in
Tulai Island, combination between Rhizophora
stylosa and Rhizophora apiculata.
At the mean time only mangrove area in Teluk Bakau, Tulai Island is considered
as the focal destination of tourists to the area. However, other mangrove areas
in Tioman Island are also potential to be promoted as tourist destination areas.
Although the mangrove area is only a part of the scenery, its presence
obviously enhances tourist attraction. The basic facilities such as information
counter, walking trails, garbage boxes and toilets are considered necessary.
The main information panel and site map should be provided on the mangrove
sites. Boardwalks may be constructed for visitor to access the mangrove area
without destroying the root system and stand. The actual site of these
facilities and on-site information guides should be strategically placed in
order to provide beneficial information and as well as to sustain the
biophysical stability of the sites. Since mangroves provide various important
functions in nature, it hopes that the mangrove educotourism activity will influence
the people and community’s attitudes to the environment, conservation and
sustainable development in a very positive way.