**8. Conclusion**

Malaysia had been aware of the problems of the loss of natural habitats and environmental degradation resulting from economic development and has addressed these problems as early as 1975 and in the Third Malaysia Plan (1976–1980). Long-term initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth for particularly indigenous communities are vital. The approach to conservation that has been in place for over 2 decades is a 'top-down' or centrally managed, rather than a 'bottom-up', community-led model. However, it is increasingly acknowledged that this approach has limitations, particularly as local communities who are vulnerable have not been involved in management of the parks, in a way that is inclusive. In the spirit of facilitating sustainable development, the role of PERHILITAN in the biodiversity conservation agenda is crucial, as too is the recognition that they are the custodians of vast biodiversity assets provide opportunity to promote an integrated risk management approach to development planning which ties in with the over-arching emphasis on empowering the local communities as advocated by the Malaysian Government, the UN as well as many NGOs. What has emerged as a critical question is how all the initiatives will benefit those living in local communities. Certainly, local populations to benefit, either directly or indirectly, so that any socio-economic activities enhance both the environmental and socio-economic conditions of an National Park area.

**Conflict of interest**

manuscript.

**Author details**

**References**

Ahmad Naqiyuddin Bakar1,2,3,4,5\*

Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

(UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Cities.pdf [Accessed: 21-08-2017]

Berkeley USA: University of California Press; 2008

\*Address all correspondence to: ansbakar@salam.uitm.edu.my

1 Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

The author certifies that he has NO affiliation with or involvement in an organisation or entity with a financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this

Policy and Related Issues Pertaining Community Participation in the Management of Protected…

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.73048

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2 Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM),

[1] Convention of Biological Diversity [Internet]. 2017. Available from: Convention of the parties COP 10 decision X/2", X/2. Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Available

[2] Natural Resources & Environment (NRE) Ministry. National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025. Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, Putrajaya; 2016

[3] UNEP-WCMC. About protected areas. In: Dudley N, editor. Guidelines for Appling Pro-

[4] UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). Ecosystems and Biodiversity – The Role of Cities Involvement, Influence, Implementation [Internet]. 2005. Available from: www.unep.org/urban\_environment/PDFs/Ecosystems\_and\_Biodiversity\_Role\_of\_

[5] Chape S, Spalding M, Jenkins M, editors. The World's Protected Areas: Status, Values and Prospects in the 21st Century. The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre,

3 Malaysia Institute of Transport (MITRANS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM),

4 Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Teknologi MARA

5 Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Johor Branch, Segamat Campus, Malaysia

from: www.cbd.int/decision/cop/?id12268 [Accessed: 21-08-2017]

tected Areas Management Categories. Switzerland: IUCN; 2008. pp. 8-9

Management effectiveness in protected area is the most prevalent issue and widely discussed globally. Effective management of PA as defined by the World Conservation Union IUCN is the efficiency use of human and material resources including national/agency protected area regulations and legislation, policies, international conventions and designations, and management plans and/or agreements associated to those areas, on a planned basis directed to accomplish management objectives. It is also crucial for protected area authorities to involve the local communities – the villagers including the Orang Asli, in the management of the PA. In many instances, water management, climate change, cultural features and natural environment require local solutions for sustaining the use of resources and protecting the local system of production. Therefore, what PA needs are policies that respect the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples, including their right to self-determination, empowering initiatives, a fair share of the economic benefits, and sustained protection for their ecosystems.

Finally, it needs to be noted that this Chapter reports the findings of an exploratory study in which the case study of Taman Negara Pahang has provided some insight as to where future efforts need to be directed to improve the effectiveness of PA management. It is proposed that the next step will be to collect data from a larger sample of respondents. This will allow for further effort could be made to assess the process for community engagement, − for instance to include a more in-depth analysis of the potential influence of the specific activities undertaken within the overall holistic management of PAs. Additionally, there needs to be an assessment of the relationships between adherence to the community participation process presented in this Chapter and the total achievement of sustainability goals for the testament of an efficient PA management.
