Rainforest Awakening Programme

BASED-ECOTOURISM COMMUNITY PROGRAM

RAINFOREST AWAKENING JANUARY 2016 | IPOH | MALAYSIA

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACTION PLAN

INTERPRETATIVE NATURAL TRAIL

TONGGANG VISITOR CENTRE

Primary management tool Development of strategic principles

Develop an better understanding of Organ Asli culture and heritage,

Connect visitors to Organ Asli indigenous people

Fabio Marques Cunha

ECOTOURISM AS A TOOL FOR CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE STRENGTHENING OF ORANG ASLI

RAINFOREST AWAKENING The new Rainforest Awakening Programme will work on determined attempt to bring together a broad set of tourism and conservation stakeholders in the development of the Sustainable Tourism Action Plan (STAP) to develop and apply a new approach to ecotourism business opportunities at Tonggang Village and surroundings.

The Programme will create a framework for cooperation and coordinated achievement across sectors, from strategic planning to destination management.

In order to safeguard cultural heritage, and achieve sustainable tourism and economic development for Termiar people in Tonggang Ecoturism Community Development project.

The Programme will focus on early intervention and feature partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sectors for effective planning, action and impact on Tonggang Village.

The Rainforest Awakening Programme represents a cross-cutting effort in the implementation of the Tonggang Ecotourism Community Development and is relevant to all Orang Asli ethnic groups of Malaysia.

The Programme will be implemented according to an Action Plan identifying activities that support the overall objectives of the Programme.

The Action Plan 2016 outlines specific and prioritised activities that correspond to the first phase of the sectional strategy of the Rainforest Awakening Programme.

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“Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.” ― Edward O. Wilson“Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.” ― Edward O. Wilson

TONGGANG ECOTOURISM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

OBJECTIVES The Objectives speak on behalf of the overarching goals of the Programme. While the Objectives carry uniform value, actions necessary to integrate sustainable tourism into the mechanisms of the accordance will be prioritised in the first phase of the Programme.

Develop a draft Sustainable Tourism Action Plan (STAP) as primary management tool to determine, publicise and implement objectives and priorities.

B

Promote interpretation, education and conservation action programs for visitors and local people that increase understanding and appreciation of the area’s environment, culture, heritage and important issues.

C

Increase income opportunities and sustainable economic development of community.

D

Develop a simple and flexible marketing strategy that can respond to changes in development evolution of STAP and monitor its effectiveness and make any adjustments required to maintain its success.

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A

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ORANG ASLI Orang Asli, or "aboriginal people" in Malay, are the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia. Orang Asli lived in remote forest areas engaged in some trading with the Malays, with evidence of trade in blowpipes and blowpipe-bamboo among certain tribes.

Orang Asli have played a significant role in the Malay Peninsula's economic history as collectors and primary traders. There is a high incidence of poverty among the Orang Asli. In 1997, 80% of all Orang Asli lived below the poverty line. This ratio is extremely high compared to the national poverty rate of 8.5% at that time.

Officially, there are 18 Orang Asli tribes. The villagers of Tonggang Village and the nearby villages of Sungai Choh and Makmur are part of the Termiar People, one of Orang Asli sub-group, who once lived a nomadic tribal lifestyle in the rainforest of Perak. There are several issues for the Termiar people which mainly stem from low paid job opportunities and being discriminated as they are Orang Asli when they go to school or seek higher paid jobs.

Some of the adults and elders of the villages already host tourist groups for weaving, blow pipe demonstrations, bubu fishing, sehwang demonstrations and homestays.

This ratio is extremely high compared to the national poverty rate of 8.5% at that time.

Officially, there are 18 Orang Asli tribes. The villagers of Tonggang Village and the nearby villages of Sungai Choh and Makmur are part of the Termiar People, one of Orang Asli sub-group, who once lived a nomadic tribal lifestyle in the rainforest of Perak. Â There are several issues for the Termiar people which mainly stem from low paid job opportunities and being discriminated as they are Orang Asli when they go to school or seek higher paid jobs. Â Some of the adults and elders of the villages already host tourist groups for weaving, blow pipe demonstrations, bubu fishing, sehwang demonstrations and homestays.

However there are challenges and constraints associate with managing an ecotourism community-based sustainably, often experienced as lack of community participation that should develop strategies establishing genuine objectives, that engage and empower local community in planning and decision making for the sustainable management of tourism through stronger cross-sectoral partnerships; to ensure that more benefits are made available to local people, through the local supply chain; support for local services; raise to visitors and local people on awareness of conservation issues.

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The Rainforest Programme represents a crosscutting effort in the implementation of relevant base lines to develop a Sustainable Tourism Action Plan for Tonggang area that claims to be expanding for others. The programme will be implemented according to an action plan identifying activities that support the overall objectives of the programme.

MAIN ACTIONS STAP Sustainable Tourism Action Plan INT Interpretative Natural Trail TVC Tonggang Visitor Centre ETP Ecotourism Training Program SCCP School Club Community Program VESP Volunteer Educational Support Program TESP Technical Ecotourism Sharing Program CTS Camera Trap SurveyÂ

AN ACTION MATCHES TO THE OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME. THE OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS MOLDS THE OVERALL PROGRAMME STRATEGY, AND WERE FORMED THROUGH AN INCLUSIVE AND CONSULTATIVE PROCESS. SOME ACTIONS WILL DEMAND AN INITIAL DEVELOPMENT RAINFOREST AWAKENING | PAGE 7

PHASE BEFORE FURTHER IMPLEMENTATION.

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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACTION PLAN A comprehensive ecotourism management plan is the primary management tool that will determine objectives and give a priority list for Tonggan Ecotourism Community Development Project.

This document will set out the key issues that confront the ecotourism business within the Tonggang village and highlight the areas which need to be addressed in the strategy.

It will guide the development of strategic principles, common issues and consequential steps.Â

An assessment of key market trends including bespoke analysis of the visitor surveys; circulation of draft to visit forums, events, meetings members involved in strategy development for comment; and production of final Sustainable Tourism Action Plan and endorsement by Fuzze-Ecoteer, stakeholders and local community in December 2016, and approval that the strategy and action plan should form the basis of the application.

This is the main action of this program that will post survey of tourism potential based on specific research on natural and cultural features of the coverage area and surroundings, potential uses of the conservation, current infrastructure and available resources; meetings with relevant organization and local community; the production of a key issues paper for following presentations and discussion at strategic workshops at convened sessions.Â

INTERPRETATIVE NATURAL TRAIL Through the Tonggang nature trail visitors and local people will develop a better understanding and appreciation of the area’s environment, Organ Asli culture and heritage, and the issues affecting it and the surrounding region. In order to help deliver benefits to Termiar people.

TONGGANG VISITOR CENTRE Â The Tonggang Visitor Centre will be one of tools to connect visitors and community to Organ Asli indigenous people, in particular all the different layers of human story.

How are the stories of jungle, rivers, trees, wildlife and the people who have always been there and the people who came after? How do they all interconnected and interweave?

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That's what the TVC will work on.

In order, to establish an environmental and cultural interpretation as a key component of high quality, authentic tourism by increasing innovation education of Tanggan Ecotourism Community Development Project and training programs, whose effectiveness should be assessed based on visitor numbers and desired experience.

TECHNICAL ECOTOURISM SHARING PROGRAM Incorporating creative education and awareness-raising initiatives, as an important action of Ecotourism Product Development, TESP is ecotourism training for universities and schools that will offer opportunities in the field of ecotourism and sustainable travel.

It will use knowledge experienced on main actions of this programme, such us itinerary development methodology, inventory of assets strategy, home stay program, INT, TVC, capacity building, partnership strategies, and others.

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It intends strengthen relationship with local, national and regional “compatible organizations�, and their links to conservation of natural and cultural heritage, in order to create an even stronger network that will serve as the nucleus of Tonggang Ecotourism Community Development stakeholders for current and future actions.

ECOTOURISM TRAINING PROGRAM ETP will set up as one of the main expected outcomes of first phase of STAP to increase access to practical and high quality training and education in ecotourism for providing fair opportunities for local people.

In order to enhance key business skills needs to advance knowledge and skills by capacity training, and offer new opportunities in the field of ecotourism and adventure tourism abilities.

VOLUNTEER EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM It will play a vital role in creating the kind of deep-seated changes to practices and systems that will help a generation get the education they deserve.

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The discipline, health and safety awareness and improve confidence in English are the key aspect of development and through the work of our volunteers and targeted funds VESP aim to improve personal skills of village members.

CAMERA TRAP SURVEY It aim at strengthen research and wildlife monitoring program for Mount Korbu area, recognizing their special needs owing to their sensitive habitats, scarce resources, and popularity for tourism.

CVT strategy is an important tool that has been inserted to promote educational goals among visitors and local people for respect and conservation of natural heritage.

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The key element of marketing strategy will be recognize by existing and potential customers to fall into particular ecotourism segments.

It also targets to create a branding and official website for Rainforest Awakening project.

OUTCOME AN OUTCOME IS THE FIRST MEANING (TANGIBLE OR INTANGIBLE) OF THE INTERFERENCE WHICH SUBSCRIBES TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF RESULTS. OUTCOMES CAN BE REGARDED AS THE NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS BUILT AND DIFFUSED IN COOPERATION WITH CONCERNED STAKEHOLDERS.

ACTIVITIES THE SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOLLOW THE ACTIONS. MANIFOLD ACTIVITIES WILL BE CROSS-CUTTING WHERE PROJECT TEAM ESTABLISHED TO ADDRESS ONE OR MORE OF THE ISSUES (E.G. BUILDING, ETC.) TO THEREBY ENSURE COHERENCE, SYNERGIES AND COST EFFICIENCY.

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DATA COLLECTION, INFORMATION SHARING, CAPACITY

OBJECTIVE A DEVELOP A DRAFT SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACTION PLAN (STAP) AS THE PRIMARY MANAGEMENT TOOL TO DETERMINE, PUBLICIZE AND IMPLEMENT.

Outcomes Development of grassroots planning process, driving by local interests and including Aboriginal involvement.

Establishment of goals and objectives in line with concerns related to cultural and natural impacts of ecotourism, with the creation of a vision statement to act a control mechanism for the future.

ACTIONS

ACTIVITIES

A.1 - Develop a preliminary inventory of assets (natural, cultural and tourism resources) to support relevant data generation and quality research to identify, understand and document the potential for tourism development in Tonggang village and surroundings, while enhancing community development and maintaining their natural and cultural heritage.

a) Identify and develop specific research needs. b) Develop a system of analyses of data collector on visitor survey. c) Develop a research proposal to establish a GIS study on tourism and recreation that aims to identify, document and analyses. d) Conduct periodic reporting, analyze and publish results. e) Distribute research outcomes through appropriate channels.

A2. Create a sustainable tourism network to share information among all stakeholders, compose the management frameworks that involve and engage an extensive set of stakeholders and empower and provide benefits to local community and support the development and implementation of STAP, appropriate planning, and others.

a) Identify potential partnership with the public sector, national tourism sector, eco-tourism and conservation associations, universities, adventure clubs and others. b) Develop a broad partnership with existing partners and news “compatible organizations”. c) Develop synthesis template presentation of STAP. d) Disseminate draft template through appropriate channels. e) Collect, analyze and communicate feedbacks. f) Create mechanisms for information sharing and disseminate outcomes through appropriate channels. g) Assess, document and implement continuous supervision on partnership network.

A3. Develop a clear written statement to guide future actions a set of principles and objectives, seeking agreement among stakeholders.

a) Review and evaluate existing activities and actions of the project. b) Conduct SWOT analysis among the project team. c) Identify important issues or factors that might affect Tonggang village and surroundings. d) Analyse issues to clarify and prioritize market, heritage conservation, community situational, cost–benefit, priority. e) Prepare a succinct summary of results and analysis. f) Distribute research results through appropriate channels.

OBJECTIVE B PROMOTE INTERPRETATION, EDUCATION, AND CONSERVATION ACTION PROGRAMS FOR VISITORS AND LOCAL PEOPLE THAT INCREASE UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF THE AREA’S ENVIRONMENT, CULTURE, HERITAGE AND IMPORTANT ISSUES.

Outcomes Increased environmental consciousness and a willingness to take collective action to protect maintain the environment and foster community support.

Once people understand the significance and special nature of the resources, education internally motivates a long-term sustainable change in behavior.

Effective communication to improve understanding is the key to getting the community and visitor thinking and acting as environmental managers.

ACTIONS B.1 Develop tools and strategies to implement an Interpretative Natural Trail (INT) plan in Tonggang village, to integrate the rainforest experience, providing environmental education and ecological awareness to the different sectors involved: domestic and foreign tourists, local communities, local authorities, and the tourism industry itself.

ACTIVITIES a) Identify a natural site with features adequate to set up a trail system. b) Request formal authorization for the long-term use of the site. c) Conduct an interpretive story inventory along the total route. d) Conduct a SWOT analysis among the team. e) Develop a main interpretive theme grounded to Termiar People and Orang Asli minority, sub-theme, and storyline for the trail by brainstorms among the team. f) Develop very specific learning, behavioral, and emotional objectives that the trail experience is to accomplish. g) Develop specific interpretive objectives for each individual trail, including the trailhead and trail-end, potential campgrounds and area for outside classroom activities. h) Analysis the audience and market. i) Determine the most cost-effective interpretive media (e.g. interpretive panels, signaling and others) for the trail. j) Develop an implementation strategy for the trail interpretation. k) Develop tools and strategy of management and monitoring of the impacts use. l) Evaluate by pre-testes to make sure that the interpretive objectives are met, and that the visitors can easily understand. m) Develop an effective trail use to plan the recognizing multiple uses for recreational and educational purposes. n) Review the strategy and integrate INT at the marketing strategy.

ACTIONS

ACTIVITIES

B.2 Develop an interactive Tonggang Visitor Centre (TVC) plan at Tonggang Community Center as public educational facility and dedicated education space with interpretive displays, programs, services, and information, providing the basic interpretation facilities concerning into Orang Asli ethnic groups, rainforest conservation and others.

a) Conduct periodic analysis of the inventory of assets. b) Conduct brainstorms among the team. c) Prepare a proposal of interpretive themes and goals, a description of the method that will be used to achieve effective communication with detailed recommendations for exhibits and programs. d) Conduct a SWOT analysis among the team. e) Develop a design plan of TVC layout. f) Develop supporting material (e.g. copy writing, photography, panel, illustrations). g) Note an equipment list needed to support exhibits and programs. h) Identify security measures and procedures at the visitor center, including any necessary physical and technical upgrades. i) Develop an operational plan to the visitor center, taking into consideration staffing and schedules. j) Evaluate budget required for operation and management.

B3. Develop a Volunteer Educational Support Program (VESP) in partnership with Tonggang primary school to act responsibly in terms of promoting educational settings to develop the local kids and youth skills, identify students with learning challenges to develop individual learning plans. (e.g. English class, Computer class, music classes, and others).

a) Create a communication strategy for the understanding, appreciation, and application of VESP with the school director, parent’s association leaders, and teachers. b) Identify existing tools and good practices, using educational interventions and techniques with learning challenges and conduct a needs assessment. c) Conduct brainstorms among the team. d) Propose the methodological program and guidelines to meet the needs of the student body, integrate to issues assembled and mission statement and goal setting of STAP as possible. e) Develop tools and strategy to recruitment volunteers. f) Determine volunteer job description considering needs, physical and time demand of program. g) Develop supporting material, tools, and staff to the implementation of the VESP. h) Develop a system of methods for strategic analyses and results. i) Disseminate it through appropriate channels. j) Collect, analyze and communicate data and results. k) Develop monitoring strategy and evaluation methods.

B4. Develop an Ecotourism Training Programmes (ETP) among local people in relation to proposes of STAP, to improve the ability of revenue generation, support capacity building and promote of good practice, based on the previous activities of STAP.

a) Conduct desk studies and/or surveys to identify capacity development, training, and education needs. b) Identify capacity development, training, and education needs and develop approaches to integrate into existing regional initiatives. c) Disseminate tools and strategies through an appropriate network. d) Develop a proposal and strategies based on the identified needs and discuss carefully with the communities themselves. e) Develop monitoring and evaluation methods.

ACTIONS B5. Develop a School Club Community Program (SCCP) into conservation topics to foster among the kids and youth the better understanding of conservation and all that it entails.

ACTIVITIES a) Identify existing tools and good practices and conduct a needs assessment in relation to conservation. b) Conduct brainstorming sessions to the team. c) Develop a weekly calendar of SCCP activities (e.g. recycle workshops, bush crafts, an exhibition of educational movies, interactive games, and others). d) Develop a strategy to recognize the individual and different needs of all children, young people and their families. e) Develop monitoring and evaluation methods.Â

OBJECTIVE C INCREASE INCOME OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND EXISTING AND COMING SERVICES AND INCREASE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC

Outcomes Ensuring that more benefits are made available to local people, through the local supply chain, assistance with enterprise formation, and support for local services and infrastructure.

Undertake and empower local community in sustainable management in order to help deliver benefits at the village.

ACTIONS

ACTIVITIES

C1. Develop interactive and diversified itineraries, switched on to conservation and cultural themes that enclose local people and provide high quality and low impact visitor experience

a) Identify existing itineraries and conduct a needs assessment in relation to conservation and interpretation concepts. b) Identify services and supplies that securing income for local people. c) Conduct brainstorms on recognized itineraries to optimize among the team. d) Prepare a matrix proposal of detailed tour packages description changes. e) Develop a replication strategy on identifying further itineraries f) Review methodology among stakeholders.

C2. Conduct a relevant diagnosis on the state of villagers hosting to support them on improve source of income and forward apply a standard 'Home Stay Program' development.

a) Identify and review statements and guidelines on existing homestay at Tonggang. b) Identify replicable good practices and examples and present these though brainstorm among the team. c) Conduct a SWOT analysis. d) Identify capacity development and training needs and develop approaches to integrate into existing tour packages. e) Develop tools and methodology to recognize the personal satisfaction for each family. f) Prepare a proposal changes on statements and guidelines. g) Distribute through appropriate channels.

C3. Develop a Technical Ecotourism Sharing Program (TESP) to replicate knowledge learned during preceding actions of Rainforest Awakening Programme.

a) Identify outcomes of previous actions. b) Develop strategy and tools to absorb local labor in the program. c) Conduct brainstorms among the team. d) Prepare a proposal for technical subjects and guidelines and description of the method. e) Develop detailed package and disseminate program to through appropriate channels. f) Develop monitoring strategy and evaluation methods.

OBJECTIVE D DEVELOP A SIMPLE AND FLEXIBLE MARKETING STRATEGY THAT CAN RESPOND TO CHANGES IN DEVELOPMENT EVOLUTION OF STAP AND MONITOR ITS EFFECTIVENESS AND MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN ITS SUCCESS.

Outcomes Makes sure the project possess the right communication to meet the needs of donors, volunteers, staff members, fundraisers or special event attendees.

Builds sustainability, reduces risk and increases accountability

ACTIONS

ACTIVITIES

D1. Develop a project situation analysis and current circumstances to define services and understanding of target audiences.

a) Describe project target audience. b) Conduct a SWOT analysis. c) Conduct brainstorms to work out on issues needs, and generate goals and strategies. d) Prepare a succinct summary of results and analysis. e) Details the resources needed through that the marketing budget. f) Develop a system of control and monitoring and determine tools to meeting goals.

D2. Develop simple strategy to accomplish a branding for Rainforest Awakening project

a) Conduct brainstorms to explore values, goals, and culture related to the project. b) Extract design decision to creating a brand identity to represent and convey. c) Identify marketing tools and capacity development needs. d) Develop visual identities and messaging strategy based on previous steps. e) Evaluate budget required for production. f) Establish brand project design and implement.

D3. Develop tools and strategy to create a website for Rainforest Awakening project

a) Identifying users’ goals and expectations. b) Conduct brainstorms to define content areas and site map to develop navigational structure. c) Identify tools and capacity development needs. d) Develop draft design and information architecture. e) Evaluate budget required for production. f) Establish website design and implement. g) Develop a system of control and monitoring and determine tools to meet goals.

FUZE ECOTEER BACKGROUND Fuze Ecoteer has been working with the Orang Asli villages near Tanjong Rambutan for the past 4 years, has a good working relationship with JAKOA and village heads of Tonggang, Makmur and Sungai Choh, and developing a good working relationship with the head mistress at SK Kg Tonggang. JAKOA has given Fuze Ecoteer permission to use two derelict buildings just outside of Tonggang Village which will become the accommodation and training centre.

Fuze Ecoteer are the right organisation to lead this project as they have a long time working relationship with JAKOA, the villagers and also established a similar successful project in the Perhentian Islands.

The Fuze Ecoteer staff is well known in the outward bound industry with our key staff able to train and award outward bound certifications. They also host numerous groups each year for corporate team building programmes and school expeditions, proving if anyone can establish such a centre then it’s Fuze Ecoteer.

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