**Conflict of interest**

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

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

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

The author would like to acknowledge the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Pahang, the Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies (FSPPP), the Malaysia Institute of Transport (MITRANS), and the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development of UiTM for the financial as well as non-financial support to conduct this study. Thanks are extended to UiTM Pahang team for their helpful assistance. Appreciation also extended to those who assisted with arrangements for the evaluation, the supply of informa-

tion, and made time available to attend meetings and share their perspectives.

an National Park area.

188 National Parks - Management and Conservation

their ecosystems.

of an efficient PA management.

**Acknowledgements**

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 manuscript.
