TUBA & SELAT BAGAN NYIOR HOMESTAY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This community engagement project, sponsored by APPGM-SDG was a bipartisan initiative driven to implement the SDGs in Parliamentary constituencies. The Project was focused on sustainable tourism development and conservation efforts in the Geosite zones of Pulau Dayang Bunting Marble and Pulau Tuba in Langkawi, Kedah. It prioritized a people-centric approach, fostering partnerships with local communities and advocating for the conservation of mangroves and Selat Tuba.
The Project was aligned with the National Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Fund's thematic priorities. By promoting sustainable practices, economic growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, the Project would add value to the region. It will create awareness, income-generating opportunities, and infrastructure improvements while engaging local communities and promoting responsible practices. The overall environmental impact assessments will also enhance community understanding and encourage stewardship.
The so named ‘Tuba & Selat Bagan Nyior Homestay Community Development Project’ was led by Friends of Langkawi Geopark (FLAG) in partnership with organizations that shares similar values. The 5-month Project, which began in September 2023 was aimed at equipping Homestay Operators (HSOs) in Tuba with the necessary skills and knowledge to earn a good livelihood and help generate more income by offering tourists and visitors a unique ‘kampung’ experience. FLAG, acting as the Project Manager, was on ground to ensure effective communication, timely implementation, and budget adherence throughout the whole programme.
Through comprehensive work plans, structured training programmes and workshops, and smart partnerships, FLAG has managed to foster cooperation and volunteerism among stakeholders to achieve community and partner objectives. Project outputs include upskilling programmes, product creation, marketing, and environmental impact assessments to build Participants’ resiliency and confidence to improve Homestay operations and attract more tourists and visitors to Tuba. With the future in mind, the Participants have also established the ‘Dayang Tuba Lestari Enterprise to promote and sell additional products and services i.e., Tuba’s own Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), handmade soap, mengkuang products, ikan masin, serunding etc. under the brand name ‘Alô Tuba’. Ultimately, these initiatives will enhance economic activities, stimulate employment, create sustainable tourism experiences, and assess ecological impacts.
The Project's beneficiaries included women, youth, the unemployed, the elderly, and fishermen. It is FLAG’s hope that the Project will create more job opportunities, supports entrepreneurship, provides training to uplift livelihoods, foster a tourism mindset and encourages youth retention on the island. By nurturing a sustainable Homestay ecosystem, FLAG wants to empower the Participants, who were mainly women to create their own businesses and be able to pass it down to the next generation.
The Project's theory of change emphasized a people-centric approach, sustainable tourism development, and community empowerment. It aimed to establish a 'Centre of Excellence' for Sustainable Tourism Development, widely promoting success within the industry.
The monitoring mechanisms put in place track milestones, deliverables, goals, and budgets. Monthly progress meetings, status reports, and risk assessments will help to address challenges. A mentoring system and measures were also developed to protect public liabilities and the Participants.
To communicate impact, success stories, and lessons learned, the Project has begun to engage in media hosting, presentations, fundraising events, and social media campaigns. It aims to position the islands as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
In summary, the Project in Pulau Dayang Bunting Marble and Pulau Tuba promotes sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and environmental conservation. It is aligned with the various SDGs and the Fund's priorities, adding value through responsible practices, economic growth, and cultural preservation. The Project engages stakeholders, delivers various outputs, benefits diverse groups, and seeks to become a 'Centre of Excellence' in sustainable tourism. Monitoring, risk management, and communication strategies ensure successful implementation and long-term impact.
Please Donate Now for an ongoing preservation effort by FLAG.