Eco-Conscious Tourism: A study on Green Turtle conservation measures at Pantai Kerachut, Penang
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Keywords:
Green Turtles, Pantai Kerachut, Penang National Park, Ecotourism, Sustainability, Tourism Impact, Biodiversity Conservation, Turtle Nesting, Environmental ManagementAbstract
The impact of tourism on the safety of green turtle hatching at Pantai Kerachut, Penang,
Malaysia has been reviewed in this paper. It emphasizes the need for sustainable ecotourism practices to
protect the reproduction processes of endangered green turtles. The uncontrolled influx of tourists at
Penang National Park has raised concerns about its biodiversity and ecosystem. The study aims to
understand the existing situation related to tourism-based activities at Pantai Kerachut and their
repercussions on green turtle reproduction. The findings reveal that while authorities are making efforts to
control the number and activities of tourists to safeguard the ecosystem, room for improvement remains.
Illegal activities such as night camping disrupt the hatching process of turtles, necessitating stricter
monitoring. Furthermore, tourist facilities at Pantai Kerachut do not adhere to proper safety standards,
particularly concerning the jetty, accessibility, sanitation, and other essential amenities. There is potential
for enhancing the nesting environment for green turtles by introducing suitable vegetation along the
shoreline. To address these concerns, a comprehensive review of existing tourism rules and activities
based on national ecotourism policies is recommended. Specific guidelines tailored to the unique
ecosystem of Penang National Forest should also be developed. Lastly, further research is proposed to
investigate the hatching patterns and suitable environmental conditions for green turtles. This research
also projected to define specific time durations and activities with appropriate facilities, ensuring the
proper management of tourism and the preservation of the ecosystem at Pantai Kerachut.
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