Sustainable Highland Development through Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Agro EcoTourism in Cameron Highlands: A Preliminary Finding

Abstract

Abstract. Cameron Highlands was discovered in 1885 and was developed as a hill station. It first served as a quaint retreat destination for the British residence where the urban morphology of its little town centres were strongly characterised by colonial architecture such as bungalows, institutional buildings and government offices, shophouses and market stalls. Eventually due to economic pressure and location potentials, more land was opened for tea plantations and vegetable and flower industries. Conversely, recent rapid uncontrolled developments in the built environment and agricultural sectors have tarnished its natural environment, old-world charm and historical values. If this trend persists, the popularity of Cameron Highlands as a vacation destination for local and foreign visitors may be badly affected. This research paper seeks to determine the perception of local stakeholders and tourists of the development in Cameron Highlands and whether they agree that agro-ecotourism can be used as a tool to achieve sustainability in the area. This paper is an assessment of a pilot test to determine initial perceptions toward Cameron Highlands development. The pilot test sample size was 41 respondents, comprising local authorities, local communities and NGOs, as well as local and international tourists. The results showed that the majority agreed that agroecotourism can generate a sustainable income and preserve the environment while ensuring sustainability through fair trade.

Susceptibility to Soil Erosion and Risk Assessment at Hilly Farms Using Geospatial Techniques

“…Meanwhile, the area of 10.8 % is classified as high susceptible erosion zone with total annual soil loss greater than 15 ton ha -1 yr -1 . This finding was also found consistent with the studies conducted in the same catchments area [5,[36][37][38][39]. Reference [38] reported that the risk of soil erosion in Cameron Highlands is generally law, however, the erosion rate is on increase with a greater tendency of potential soil loss.…”

Land use change in highland area and its impact on river water quality: a review of case studies in Malaysia

“…New highways constructed in 2003, provide a better land access for agriculture products transportation and reduce the cost and time to deliver the goods (Barrow et al 2009). The 7th Malaysia Plan (1996-2000 has encouraged the participation from local communities to ensure the success of agro-tourism (Mohd Ariffin et al 2014;Mansor et al 2015) and strategies have been created to expand the agriculture potential and other relatable sectors specifically agro-tourism in the 8th and 9th Malaysia Plan (2006. According to RTD 2018a, the tourism focused on agro-tourism, eco-tourism, cultural and heritage tourism.…”

“…Relationship between land use change, agriculture practices, and agro-tourism with highland river water quality Approximately, 66% of the land in Cameron Highlands have gradients more than 20°that can trigger the soil erosion and landslides (Aminuddin et al 2001;Gasim et al 2010;Khairulmaini and Fauza 2010;Kunasekaran et al 2011;Tan and Mokhtar 2011;Mohd Ariffin et al 2014;Rendana et al 2015;Rozimah and Khairulmaini 2016). Sandy soil and high-average annual rainfall increase the movement of soil (Aminuddin et al 2001).…”

“…In 2015, there was an almost 3% reduction on forest coverage in Cameron Highlands, and the land use for agriculture activities has increased. Inefficient law enforcement have cause many illegal land clearings, which trespass the forest reserve and riverbank areas, and unsustainable developing methods (e.g., farming on steep slopes, rain shelter, installation of irrigation pipes on the road sideways and in the slope, excessive usage of pesticides and fertilizers, soil erosion and high sedimentation rate in riverbed) have create major ecological disturbances in Cameron Highlands (Raj 2002;Aminuddin et al 2005;Barrow et al 2009;Khairulmaini and Fauza 2010;Mohd Ariffin et al 2014;Weebers and Idris 2016).…”

Does Agrotourism Benefit Mountain Farmers? A Case Study in Phu Ruea District, Northeast Thailand

“…Agrotourism, which has existed in Europe, North America, and other parts of the "global North" for many years (Busby and Rendle 2000), has more recently gained growing attention in developing countries, including Thailand (Brscic 2006; Na Songkhla and Somboonsuke 2013; Choo and Petrick 2014; Rogerson and Rogerson 2014;Shaffril et al 2015). Although it would seem to be a useful strategy to develop mountain agriculture and improve farmers' income and quality of life, there has been relatively little research directed at mountain agrotourism in developing countries, including in Southeast Asia (Ariffin 2014).…”