Assessing the Community Capacity for Environmental Stewardship (in Langkawi Malaysia)

The structure of tourism has the potential to create numerous opportunities, beneficial effects and conservation incentives for island communities. However, its negative impacts can gradually destroy the resources upon which it depends. Hence, it is essential for the local community to take responsibility, address problems, act effectively and lead the roles to protect their living area while exploiting tourism industry. The main purpose of this study is to assess the level of community capacity for environmental stewardship from tourism negative impacts in Langkawi Island, Malaysia. This study employed a quantitative method. The outcomes provide the current level of community capacity for environmental stewardship as well as general characteristics of Langkawi local community. The results may give a better insight toward achieving systematic change in local communities regarding conserving and protecting natural environment from tourism environmental costs. It may also help to obtain further tourism development while minimizing negative environmental impacts