15.2 – Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Education

15.2.6 – Sustainable Management of Land for Tourism (Educational Outreach)

Through its Sustainable Management of Land for Tourism program, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) empowers communities and stakeholders with knowledge on eco-friendly tourism practices that protect and preserve natural landscapes. By integrating education with hands-on conservation efforts, UKM fosters responsible tourism that not only enhances visitor experience but also safeguards biodiversity and promotes sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that tourism benefits both people and the planet. 

1. Edutourism Activities at UKM Langkawi Research Centre

This program offers an immersive educational journey that brings participants into the heart of the UNESCO Langkawi Global Geopark, a site of exceptional geological and ecological significance. Here, participants are introduced to sustainable tourism practices, conservation techniques, and the rich biodiversity that characterizes the geopark. Through guided activities, they learn how responsible tourism can coexist with land preservation efforts, understanding the importance of protecting sensitive ecosystems while supporting local communities. This initiative exemplifies UKM’s dedication to sustainable land management for tourism, equipping participants with the knowledge to promote tourism that enhances environmental stewardship, safeguards biodiversity, and fosters a balanced relationship between tourism and conservation. This program is accessible to the local community on an affordable, paid basis, with special discounted rates for students, ensuring that sustainable tourism education is widely available and inclusive.

2. Edutourism Activities at UKM Tasik Chini Research Centre

This program emphasizes the ecological and cultural importance of Tasik Chini, Malaysia’s sole UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as a model for sustainable land management in tourism. Participants gain a deep understanding of this unique freshwater ecosystem, learning about the biodiversity it supports and the traditional practices of local communities that coexist with it. Through interactive sessions, they explore efforts to balance tourism with conservation, understanding how responsible tourism practices can protect such fragile environments. This educational outreach initiative by UKM fosters awareness of sustainable land management principles, highlighting the necessity of preserving Tasik Chini’s ecosystem while respecting the cultural heritage and livelihoods of its local communities. This program exemplifies UKM commitment to sustainable tourism education, inspiring participants to advocate for responsible practices that benefit both nature and society. This program is offered to the local community at an affordable rate, with special student discounts, making sustainable tourism education accessible and inclusive for all.

3. Flora Conservation Initiatives at UKM Botanical Garden

UKM Botanical Garden plays a pivotal role in the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable practices. This botanical garden is dedicated to preserving a wide variety of plant species, particularly those native to Malaysia, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local ecosystems. Through careful cultivation and management, UKM Botanical Garden serves as a living laboratory that fosters research on plant conservation, showcasing the importance of biodiversity in sustaining environmental health. In addition to its conservation efforts, UKM Botanical Garden is an educational resource that raises awareness about the significance of preserving biodiversity. It offers programs and activities that engage students, researchers, and the community in understanding the value of flora and its role in ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and habitat provision for wildlife. By promoting sustainable land use and responsible environmental stewardship, Botanical Garden exemplifies UKM commitment to integrating conservation with educational initiatives, thereby encouraging a culture of sustainability within the campus and beyond. Furthermore, the garden contributes to the broader goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Through its initiatives, UKM Botanical Garden not only enhances biodiversity but also reinforces UKM leadership in conservation efforts and its role in fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations. This program is accessible to local communities free of charge to ensure that sustainable tourism education is widely available and inclusive.