Bio-diversity

This proposed project will build upon the positive results obtained in the previous first SGP phase funding to establish a community based ecotourism for the local indigenous semelai community in Tasik Bera. The previous project cycle developed and used a number of participatory mechanisms through which the local indigenous Semelai community in and around tasik Bera were able to benefit directly from the establishment and implementation of sustainable livelihood eco-tourism enterprises in and around their home areas thereby improving their socio economic status, while reducing their impact on the BD, natural resources and ecosystems of Tasik Bera. The projec which ended in July 2002, produced a number of tangible and notable results, among which it was observed that the Semelai association for boating andtourism( SABOT) established solely for the benefit of the Semelai community has improved in their capability and capacity prtining to the organisational, financial and manageral aspects of their eco-tourism industry. The present SGP proeject will gradually build upon this capacity and enhance further the all around capability of SSABOT therefore enabling them to become better managers and operators on all aspects of an eco-tourism business. This will equip them better for future challenges in the business. The SABOT members have developed keen ownership of the ecotourism business in Tasek Bera through the first phase of the SGP project. Many of the eco tourism operational systems such as benefit/ profit sharing, finance, rotational systems and others are largely in place and adopted. Their fund management ability is improving progressively. Their capacity for undertaking independent activities and being responsible for it has increased, hence will be the emphasis in this SGP project cycle to make SABOT the main player in the project implementation, management and administration. Some of the key activities consists of SABOT in facilitating marketing, promoting and improved packaging and manufacturing of SABOTS ecotourism handicrafts, goods and services in Tasek Bera..

Malaysia