Conceptual Design of Ecotourism Products Proposal at Mangrove Forest in Ketam Island, Malaysia

Abstract

Mangrove offers a unique and functional characteristic that proves to be beneficial to its surrounding ecosystem. It also benefited the local communities positively in the socio-economic growth via the increase in ecotourism product varieties. Ecotourism activities must not further deteriorate, but, be able to protect and preserve the mangrove ecosystem via a deliberate mangrove ecosystem management. In the effort to conserve mangrove ecosystem, increase public awareness and promote socio-economic growth, this study therefore seeks to highlight the existing ecotourism product (physical products, activities, facilities and services) at Ketam Island Mangrove Forest, Selangor, Malaysia and proposed ecotourism product suitable to feature mangrove forest. With sustainable development, a conceptual design is proposed for the future development of ecotourism research center and its urban enclave at the location, supplementing suitable ecotourism product to the existing product. A site survey of the location is conducted to observe the mangrove ecosystem. Further information is collected from supporting existing publications. Computer software such as AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop are used to draw out the 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional, and render the proposed design to visual representations. Significantly, the supplementary ecotourism product conserves the mangrove ecosystem, promote socio-economic growth and benefit all stakeholders; visitors, local community.