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Laying Foundations for a Sustainable Travel Movement

Sustainable Tourism Network Malaysia’s first Network Meet saw a gathering of 18 participants working towards sustainable tourism from all across Malaysia.

The usually busy streets of Jalan Telawi, Bangsar were still quiet this Thursday morning. But the venue of Sustainable Tourism Network Malaysia’s (STNM) first Network Meet was already buzzing with energy. 

Tourism service providers, tourism business operators, and non profit organisation members championing conservation and sustainability streamed in, filling the cafe with lively introductions and catch-ups.

These meets are designed for discovery and best practice sharing, planning movement-led activities  and making collective decisions. They aim to grow the movement for more conscious tourism practices across the sector. Last but not least, they are a chance for people to have fun getting to know each other—a necessary ingredient of a movement that collaborates well.

The purpose of the first Network Meet was to define and maintain successful governance structures for STNM and share, discuss, and activate sustainable or regenerative travel in Malaysia.

Eighteen representatives were present. We had folks working in Peninsular Malaysia’s northern tip (Perlis), its southern edge (Johor), and as far east in Borneo as Sabah. 

Pictured here are 13 out of the 18 participants in STNM’s first Network Meet in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Participants include: 1StopBorneo, REEF Solutions, Batu Batu Resort, The Datai Langkawi, Roots & Shoots Malaysia, Fuze Ecoteer, Pink Jambu, PwC, Holiday Tours, SEAD, The Habitat Foundation, ANTARA Lab, an independent nature guide and a documentary photographer. Photo by Vignes Balasingam.

Session 1: Connecting the Sustainable Tourism Network

Chrissy Lind-Hunter, the Sustainable Tourism Lead for the network facilitated a round of self-introductions, followed by an update of what the team has been working on. She unveiled the Sustainable Tourism website—an online platform to enhance visibility and strengthen capacity of the sustainable tourism network in Malaysia. More specifically, the platform’s purpose is to

  • Translate global sustainable tourism standards and normalise their application locally
  • Enhance visibility of conscientious travel options
  • Promote knowledge and resource sharing amongst operators
  • Publicise sustainable travel experiences

A defining feature is that the content is entirely designed by the members of the Sustainable Tourism Malaysia Network.

Session 2: Defining Roles & Governance

As STNM takes form, there is a need to decide on a governance structure for it. Chrissy presented research on the official and non-official structures the network could take on. It was shared that while the non-official structures require less administrative processes, registering as an official society in Malaysia would display commitment and increase chances of being consulted on national initiatives or policies. 

Some ways in which the network could be formalised were discussed in brief. Ultimately, it was suggested that a task force be set up to give careful consideration to the governance structure and membership of STNM, with task force members being nominated from the current pool of unofficial members.

Session 3: Defining Sustainable, Responsible Tourism in Malaysia

Shavez Cheema sharing case studies from 1StopBorneo. Photo by Vignes Balasingam

What does ‘better’ tourism in Malaysia look like? What does being a conscientious and responsible tourism operator mean? While answers to these big questions are complex, STNM sought to approach it from the practical standpoint of learning from real life examples.

Shavez Cheema, founder of 1StopBorneo shared how the organisation aims to conserve the biodiversity of rainforests in Brunei, Sabah, and Sarawak through education, conservation tourism, research, and local job creation.  

One of the highlights of his sharing was of the Plant4BorneoElephants tours, a first of its kind conservation tour that involves working with palm oil plantations. The tours include four-wheel-drive safaris through the plantations in search of elephant sightings, aiming to change the view on elephants, making them be seen as assets to locals, therefore increasing support for their conservation. Tourists also participate in planting ‘corridors’ of fig trees in sites that require reforestation, attracting wildlife back into the area. 

Learn more about 1StopBorneo’s unconventional approach to conservation tourism here.

Session 4: Stories & Learning from a Curated Journey to Langkawi

Rebecca Chin of Habitat Foundation presenting learnings from the organisation’s trip to Langkawi. Photo by Vignes Balasingam

The Habitat Foundation had organised a three-day curated journey to Langkawi to learn and experience firsthand what local operators and organisations were doing in the sustainable travel. This would also serve as inspiration for what a curated journeys recommendation would look like on the Sustainable Tourism website.

This trip included learning visits to 

  • Ritz Carlton Langkawi–quality environmental education for guests and a dedicated sea cucumber nursery, led by in-house marine biologist.
  • The Datai Langkawi–waste management programme that thrives on staff and local community ownership. 
  • Trash Heroes–community-led initiative involving tourists and locals in weekly clean-ups and long term programmes to help people reduce and manage waste. 
  • Junglewalla–low-impact nature tours and ethical wildlife watching that contribute to local communities. 
  • En Othman–nature guide infusing meaningful narratives into his tours, educating and reigniting interest in wildlife and local culture. 

Rebecca Chin shared her experience from her perspective as a naturalist and a domestic tourist, noting that it was the passion and commitment of operators to change their practices that most inspired. 

What Next?

The day ended with a round of sharing and feedback from all participants. There were many who were inspired by the work done by others and were highly encouraged by the efforts made in keeping tourism sustainable. 

We’re growing as a bigger force, and coming together to do what we needed to do a long, long time ago.

- Dharkshen Selva, nature guide and writer

There was a call for more diversity and representation within the network–something that is in line with the network’s goals and hopes as the movement grows.  

As the group gets bigger, ...I would love to see a bit more of the home stays, backpacker hostels join the group. Thank you guys for the inspiration.

- Daniel Quilter, co-founder of Fuze Ecoteer

Dharkshen Selva (second from left) and Daniel Quilter (far right). Photo by Vignes Balasingam

As time flew past while people were engaged in invigorating conversations, there was a suggestion to facilitate sessions that would encourage collaborations in a more time-efficient manner.

It’s nice to see not only people with great intentions, but people who are actually doing something… I was just thinking if we can do a quick ‘sales pitch’ the next time we meet. We can actually really complement each other’s work but sometimes, it’s hard to be able to talk to everyone!

- Rubén Cortés, managing director of REEF Solutions

Rubén Cortés giving ideas for the next Network Meet. Huge thanks to Shin Yee (Batu Batu Resort, right) who helped to organise the first Meet. Photo by Vignes Balasingam

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