Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Few months back, seven jungle trekking tracks on Tioman Island, one from each village, were upgraded to boost existing land-based activities on the island. Recently, 20 local islanders from Tioman Island just completed a 3-day basic trekking guide training course which was conducted by trainers from Malaysia Nature Guides Association. Some of the trainings given to the participants are guiding techniques, safety and emergency, terrestrial biodiversity and others. The course was made to introduce trekking guide as a profession to the locals on the Island. We hope that encouraging land-based tourism on Tioman Island can serve as an alternative source of income for the local guides and reduce pressure on the coral reefs.

The production and sale of Virgin Coconut Oil as an alternative livelihood was introduced to Mantanani locals last year. Recently, Virgin Coconut Oil diversification training was given to the Mantanani Virgin Coconut Oil team to diversify their products. With the training, the team is now able to produce and sell lip balm, lip mask, soap, soap scrub, coconut biscuits, coconut oil for external use and edible coconut oil.

Our next step will be working on marketing strategies. It is hope that these products will gain traction and attract more buyers and as a result diversify income and reduce dependence on coral reefs.