Community Based Ecotourism (CBE) as defined by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF, 2001), is a form of ecotourism where the local community has substantial control over, and involvement, in its development and management, and a major proportion of the benefits remain with the community to promote and share their natural areas and cultural heritage in a sustainable manner.  

 

Appropriate recreational and special interest activities, such as trail walking, photography, and participatory conservation programs are also a part of CBE. In some locations, activities which require local knowledge such as hunting and fishing are often included as appropriate activities, provided that they are carefully researched and controlled within a management plan that supports conservation. Such activities provide significant local income and encourages communities to place a high value on wildlife, resulting in net conservation benefit. 

 

As a part of promoting CBE within this research project, we have identified the potential for high end ecotourism in the Kedaya Telang Usan (KTU) region of the Baram District. Together with the communities and also their leaders, the research team (Christine Horn) has compiled a series of brochure and reports that have been submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Sarawak for preliminary evaluation. 30 households have been identified and will be registered with relevant state and federal governmental agencies as homestay and tour program operators for this initiative.   

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Next program in KTU is also a local economy study and media workshops with the community.