Malaysia features some of the most spectacular national parks in the world. The parks - most are hotspots of biodiversity - have become a major attraction for foreign and increasingly domestic tourists. Nature tourism is at the same time a source of revenues and a threat to the environmental integrity of conservation areas. This study - based on the theory of structuration and using a triangulation of methods - analyses (eco)tourism in Malaysian national parks from different angles by asking different groups of tourists and experts about their opinions, experiences and needs. In order to learn more about the often neglected group of domestic tourists a large survey was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. The needs of foreign individual and group travellers were analysed with a questionnaire in Gunung Mulu National Park. And experts of conservation and tourism (i.e. scientists, park managers, tour operators, exponents of NGOs) were asked to assess the state and potential of ecotourism in Malaysian national parks. Results show that the increasing heterogeneity and number of visitors and their different needs can put a strain on the environmental integrity of conservation areas. This study makes recommendations to mitigate such strains and to further sustainable tourism.

This magnificent book, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund For Nature Malaysia, profiles all the main parks and key wild areas in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah. Through an informative and illuminating text, compiled by wildlife and conservation experts, the book reveals the key aspects of each featured area: its geography and landscape, its wildlife and plantlife, its local communities, and its conservation status. Individual colour maps show each area's location in the country and visitor information, on practicalities and on activities such as trekking, birdwatching and diving, is given throughout. Travellers and tourists, nature-watchers and adventurers will all enjoy this evocative celebration of Malaysia's natural heritage.

This volume provides an enlightening and pragmatic approach to preserving biological diversity by gathering a wide range of peer-reviewed scientific content from biodiversity researchers and conservators from around the world. It brings comprehensive knowledge and information on the present status of conservation of biological diversity including floral, faunal, and microbial diversity. A detailed account of recent trends in conservation and applications under changing climate conditions, focusing mainly on agriculturally and industrially important microbes and their sustainable utilization, is presented as well. Over the past five decades, extensive research work has been done on many aspects of biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of biological resources. This book examines this crucial issue. Chapters discuss biodiversity concepts, benefits, and values for economic and sustainable development; explores applications and strategies for biodiversity preservation; and considers the role of biodiversity conservation in public awareness services and cultural significance. The volume also examines the process of evolution and the future of biodiversity in conjunction with climate change factors, with special reference to infectious diseases.

Rural tourism provides opportunities for travellers to experience rural attractions and getting familiar with the culture and heritage. It is known to stimulate rural economy through job creation, farm support, nature conservation, rural supplies and services, landscape and nature conservation, rural arts and crafts, and enrichment of local heritage. The development will profit the local community through tourism products ranging from ecotourism to cultural tourism. With rich and melting pot of multicultural and biodiversity, Malaysia has great potential in rural tourism. Both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia have the best ecotourism destinations in the region. Malaysia is blessed to have the UNESCO branded rural destinations such as Kinabalu Park, Gunung Mulu National Park and Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley. The rural tourism concept in Malaysia has been integrated with other tourism concepts such as sustainable tourism, indigenous tourism, ethnic tourism, agrotourism, ecotourism, farm tourism, cultural tourism and heritage tourism. This integrated concept has been explored in a few case studies involving archaeological, ecotourism, mangrove and highland tourism of rural destinations. These rural destinations offer great potentials in providing the ‘truly Malaysia’ experiences; however, it is yet to be fully capitalized. Managing rural tourism development is very challenging due to its limited resources and infrastructure; thus identification on how the destination is presented, managed and promoted are the major focus of this book. Therefore, these interesting case studies are hoped to enlighten the development of the selected rural tourism destinations in Malaysia.

This collection focuses on both the interactions between tourists and villagers, and the impacts of tourism at the local level, considering economic, social, cultural and environmental changes.