The Study for Sustainable Management of Recreational Activities at Perhentian Island Marine Park to Achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14
Abstract
Marine tourism in marine parks is attracting global attention, yet unregulated recreational activities threaten the sustainability of these vital ecosystems. This study addresses the management challenges of recreational activities at Perhentian Island Marine Park from the perspective of stakeholders. It examines the impacts of excessive recreational use on marine ecosystems and proposes viable strategies for sustainable management. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, the research gathered data through semi-structured interviews with ten informants. These informants represented diverse stakeholder groups, including local communities, tourism operators, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, Besut District Council, academics, non-governmental organizations, the Terengganu Tourism Department, and the Terengganu Department of Environment. Informants were selected via purposive sampling based on predetermined criteria until data saturation. Thematic analysis, involving transcription, coding, and the identification of emergent themes, was used to process the data. The findings reveal three primary operational challenges: insufficient enforcement personnel, inadequate fuel supply, and a shortage of buoy lines in snorkelling zones. Excessive recreational activities significantly harm marine ecosystem sustainability, leading to disturbances to marine life, coral reef degradation, and declines in turtle populations and environmental quality. In response, the study proposes three strategic solutions: strengthening surveillance and enforcement mechanisms, implementing carrying capacity-based tourism management, and organizing periodic environmental awareness campaigns. This research contributes to understanding the attainment of SDG 14 through sustainable recreational governance at Perhentian Island Marine Park. It serves as a practical reference for authorities and stakeholders in preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.
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References
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