Community-based conservation through tourism in community driven organization: case study of Kelab Alami

Abstract

Community-driven organizations are “community-driven” that been organized around a specific geographic location which aim to raise awareness of the needs of local communities. A community-organization also known as a local non-profit organization dedicated in generating improvement within the local level community. They are basically the community development process which in the form of a formal organization. They are usually formed locally, staffed locally, and their actions are specific to where they are located. They are most successful when they are initiated by rural people themselves or by local leaders. The aim of this study is to provide in-depth understanding and findings that related to the overall concept of a community driven organization and its contribution in the perspective of environment, economic and social. The research focused on Kelab Alami (KA) which is a community driven organization that has been involved in environmental conservation and tourism development and in Johor, Malaysia. The study applied the qualitative research approach, interviewing with key stakeholders and thematic analysis has been applied to analyse the interview that explains the community organization and how the internal and external factors of organization affecting the sustainable development of an organization. The findings showed that the initiative and driven factor for community organization development and community involvement. There are three factors that addressed the significant factor towards the sustainability of an organization which are local community participation, experienced professional staff and organizational mission. The outcome of the study become a guidance for relevant stakeholders in understanding, operating and managing the community-driven organization in a sustainable manner.