Impacts of the Tagang programme on an indigenous Dayak community

ABSTRACT

The study assesses the impacts of the Tagang programme – a practice of preserving riverine fish species in the restricted area, for nature conservation and ecotourism development – on an indigenous community in Malaysia, using the empowerment framework. The data are collected from in-depth interviews with 27 key informants. Using thematic analysis, this study reveals three main themes – nature conservation, ecotourism development, and participation of local community. Through the Tagang programme, the river ecological system has improved. The village has enhanced community cohesion and collaboration, and developed new ecotourism activities for income generation. The indigenous Dayak community is empowered to lead and operate in the Tagang programme in their village which has resulted in positive economic, social, and environmental benefits.

KEYWORDS:

• Nature conservation
• ecotourism development
• indigenous community
• empowerment framework
• Tagang Programme
• Malaysia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William Keling

William Keling is a lecturer at Curtin University Malaysia. His research focuses on entrepreneurship with a specific interest in indigenous entrepreneurship, indigenous tourism marketing, and sustainable development.

Poh Ling Ho

Poh Ling Ho is the Chief Executive Officer at Riam Education Group Malaysia. She is a Fellow CPA Australia and a Chartered Accountant. Her research interest lies in corporate governance, entrepreneurship, digital finance and sustainable development.

Ching Seng Yap

Ching Seng Yap is Associate Professor in Business Information Systems at Curtin University Malaysia. His research interest lies in knowledge management, business information systems, e-commerce, e-government, and tourism.

Harry Entebang

Harry Entebang is Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. His research interest focuses on corporate entrepreneurship.