Langkawi Code of Conduct Launched by MNS

Islanders chart the way forward for a greener Langkawi – Code of Conduct  Launched

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) today launched the Langkawi Code of Conduct, in conjunction with its 64^th Annual General Meeting in Langkawi, Kedah.  The event was graced by Yang Berhormat Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid, ADUN Air Hangat Langkawi at the Frangipani Resort, Langkawi. The Langkawi Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines and principles to work towards the sustainability of Langkawi’s environment and sustainable ecotourism.

Printed in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, this pamphlet was one of the milestones achieved and funded by a GEF/Small Grants Program (SGP) project entitled ”Conservation of Biodiversity in Langkawi Through Sustainable Eco –Tourism”. Beginning in October 2008, the Code was formulated through a series of awareness programs and stakeholder workshops organised by the MNS and LADA.

Speaking at a simple ceremony in Langkawi, MNS President, Prof. Dr Maketab Mohamed commented, ”Since our Scientific & Heritage Expedition in Langkawi in 2002,   MNS has always and continues to be proactive in promoting awareness and conservation of Langkawi’s natural heritage. We will continue to be active in this as we are concerned with regards to many issues especially on-going land-clearing activities that have now fragmented the forests of Langkawi. Fragmented forests in this case will cause a chain reaction and ultimately lead to the loss of unique flora and fauna of the area.”    

He also added that they will meet with local authorities to discuss the full implementation of the Langkawi Code of Conduct and appealed to all stakeholders to lend support to all activities and stressed that sustainable development in the form of sound environmental practices, respect for nature’s gifts and the integration of scientific and local knowledge will ensure that Langkawi continue to offer something unique and sustainable through the ages.

The launch was attended by MNS members, local government agencies, and key tourism industry players.

AL :-

Its about time this thing come out. But.. Its just a code of Conduct. Will the participant & locals of Langkawi follow it? More explanation & awareness need to be made to promote this. All of Langkawi folks, bloggers, papers, & tourism, pages etc2 need to take part..

Please email me if you need any info with regards to your travel to Langkawi & also if you need any advertising enquiry. ( anaklangkawi@gmail.com ) 

Protecting Langkawi’s splendour By CHRISTINA CHIN

COME March, the Langkawi Country Code, a guideline for sustainable eco-tourism for Langkawi, will be available for all local authorities, tourism operators and stakeholders.
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Langkawi branch chairman Eric R. Sinnaya said the code hoped to prevent natural attractions from being ruined by tourism so that everyone could enjoy long-term benefits.

“Tourism can really improve the locals’ standard of living but we must not kill the goose that lays the golden egg,” he said.

“We can have the greenest is- lands in the world if everyone works together.

“Two decades ago, 95% of the Langkawi islands was green — now we are down to about 60%,” he said.
He said although NGOs could prepare a guideline of best practices, the state and local authorities’ support was needed to endorse and enforce the code, adding that the ecology of Langkawi was very sensitive and needed protection.

He said the Pulau Payar Marine Park was a good example of how tourism had resulted in garbage pollution and coral damage.

The code addresses the conservation of existing tropical rainforests, mangrove forests, coastal eco-systems, bio-diversity and landscapes; garbage management; reduction of pollution and usage of natural resources and adoption of ethical business models by all parties.

The code was among the out-comes of the ‘Conservation of Biodiversity in Langkawi through Sustainable Eco-tourism’ project funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by the MNS.

Anaklangkawi :-

Its about time  this code of conduct or best practices propose by MNS & LADA is no point if the local authorities will not endorse it. It will be just another piece of paper submitted. Anyhow.. I applause MNS effort to proposed such paper. 

I really hope that Ministry of Tourism, Kedah Government & Local Authorities support & make the code of conduct / guidelines proposal as compulsory or make it a law. Enforce it then we'll see changes.. 

MNS Langkawi (Malaysia Nature Society)

Persatuan Pencinta Alam Langkawi.

I never know that MNS having an active branch in Langkawi. By looking at their blog roll it shows that MNS quite active in Langkawi. Why it is under the radar all the while (maybe for me). Anyway, to promote more awareness of enviromental issue in Langkawi i will start from now on to put links & annoucement of their event every now & then.

Hopefully, sense of loving the environment will be the core hard of our life.

Rgds
Anaklangkawi

Please visit their website for more info regarding their activity.