<> Viral of Today <>
Home » ASIA » Malaysia’s Eco-Tourism Future Brightens with Kiulu’s Tagal System Paving the Way for Sustainable Fisheries Tourism Sunday, June 8, 2025Kiulu, a scenic highland region in Malaysia, is setting a new benchmark for eco-tourism by integrating its traditional tagal system into modern conservation practices. This centuries-old river management method, which restricts fishing in designated areas to allow fish populations to thrive, is now being revitalized as a cornerstone of sustainable fisheries tourism. By blending cultural heritage with eco-tourism principles, Kiulu is not only preserving its natural resources but also driving significant economic benefits for local communities, making it a model for sustainable tourism in Malaysia’s future.Nestled in the scenic highlands of Kiulu, approximately 60 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, local communities are redefining the connection between tradition and modern-day conservation through sustainable tourism initiatives. In this remote and picturesque region, communities have turned time-honored environmental practices into a model of eco-tourism that not only preserves the natural beauty of their surroundings but also drives significant economic benefits. This success story is built on the long-standing tradition of the tagal system, a community-led river management method that has been revitalized and adapted for modern sustainable tourism.Kiulu’s Eco-Tourism Core: Embracing the Tagal SystemAt the core of Kiulu’s burgeoning eco-tourism model is the tagal system. A centuries-old practice, the tagal system has long been used by indigenous communities in Borneo to manage river ecosystems and ensure the health of fish populations. Under this system, certain stretches of rivers are designated as off-limits for fishing. This prohibition allows fish populations to regenerate, creating a sustainable balance between nature and human activity. Over time, the tagal system has evolved into a vital conservation tool, allowing local communities to maintain the ecological integrity of their rivers while simultaneously benefiting from them through eco-tourism initiatives.Initially, the tagal system was simply a cultural practice rooted in the belief that rivers were sacred and required careful stewardship. Today, this tradition has been embraced as an eco-tourism strategy that has gained traction in Kiulu. The integration of traditional practices with modern eco-tourism principles is helping turn Kiulu into a hub for sustainable fisheries tourism, where visitors can experience the beauty and serenity of Borneo’s rivers while contributing to their conservation.The Revitalization of Tagal: A Vision for Sustainable GrowthThe revitalization of the tagal system is a significant step forward in Kiulu’s development as an eco-tourism destination. The initiative has received robust support from the State Fisheries Department, which has partnered with local leaders and communities to bolster conservation efforts while promoting eco-tourism. This partnership was highlighted during the launch of the revitalized tagal system at Sungai Taaran in Kampung Romokon, a major milestone for Kiulu’s eco-tourism journey.Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, and Kiulu’s assemblyman, attended the event and highlighted the promising future of sustainable fisheries tourism in the area. He noted that the time had come to expand these community-first initiatives into a more comprehensive eco-tourism strategy, one that prioritizes environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and economic growth. According to Datuk Joniston, the success of the tagal system as a sustainable conservation practice could be scaled up to benefit both the local communities and the broader tourism industry in Borneo.Community-Led Eco-Tourism Initiatives: A New Economic OpportunitySeveral villages in Kiulu have already embraced the tagal system as the foundation for developing eco-tourism experiences that draw visitors from around the world. These sites, once preserved exclusively for conservation, have now become accessible to tourists who can engage in activities that promote both environmental awareness and community engagement.Popular activities at Kiulu’s eco-tourism sites include fish feeding, where visitors can observe and interact with the thriving fish populations that have been nurtured through the tagal system. In addition to fish feeding, guided river walks allow tourists to explore the lush, untouched landscapes that surround the rivers, gaining a deeper understanding of the local ecosystems. These activities offer an immersive experience in which visitors witness firsthand the positive effects of sustainable conservation practices on the natural environment.By incorporating the tagal system into these eco-tourism initiatives, Kiulu has created a model that not only protects local biodiversity but also provides direct economic benefits to its residents. Income generated through eco-tourism activities such as guided tours, fish feeding, and other river-based experiences is reinvested into the community, creating jobs and supporting small businesses. Furthermore, these activities promote the preservation of local traditions, ensuring that the tagal system is passed down to future generations while providing a sustainable income stream for the village cooperatives and youth groups that manage the eco-tourism sites.The Role of Local Cooperatives and Youth GroupsA key aspect of the tagal system’s success in Kiulu is the active involvement of village cooperatives and youth groups. These groups play a crucial role in establishing and overseeing eco-tourism locations, guaranteeing that the advantages of sustainable tourism are distributed fairly throughout the community. Datuk Joniston proposed that selected tagal sites in Kiulu be developed into eco-tourism pilot projects, with leadership roles assigned to local cooperatives and youth organizations. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community, ensuring that the long-term sustainability of the tagal system is maintained.Youth groups, in particular, are vital in advocating for the tagal system and raising awareness among visitors about the significance of sustainable practices. By engaging young people in conservation efforts and tourism management, the initiative creates a strong foundation for the future of eco-tourism in Kiulu. These efforts also help bridge the generational gap, allowing younger members of the community to connect with their cultural heritage while gaining valuable skills in hospitality, tourism, and environmental management.Scaling Up Sustainable Fisheries TourismLooking ahead, the potential for expanding sustainable fisheries tourism in Kiulu is vast. The revitalization of the tagal system has laid the groundwork for an eco-tourism model that can be scaled to other parts of Borneo and beyond. By working closely with local communities and government agencies, Kiulu can continue to refine its approach, ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and beneficial for all involved.Datuk Joniston’s vision for expanding eco-tourism initiatives in Kiulu is not only about conserving the environment but also about empowering local communities. By prioritizing community-led conservation and sustainable tourism practices, Kiulu is setting a powerful example for other regions to follow. The model demonstrates how traditional knowledge can be successfully integrated into modern eco-tourism, creating a win-win situation for both the environment and local economies.ConclusionKiulu is shaping Malaysia’s eco-tourism future by revitalizing the traditional tagal system, paving the way for sustainable fisheries tourism that benefits both the environment and local communities.Kiulu’s transformation into an eco-tourism hotspot is a testament to the power of community-driven conservation efforts. Through the revitalization of the tagal system, Kiulu has shown that it is possible to blend cultural traditions with sustainable tourism practices to create a thriving and resilient local economy. As the region continues to scale up its sustainable fisheries tourism initiatives, it has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other communities around the world, proving that environmental preservation and economic development can go hand in hand.
This information will surprise you!
See also
- Read until the end to discover everything.
- Important information you need to know.
- Interesting facts and helpful tips.
Conclusion
Did you enjoy the news? Keep following us daily!