Monitoring visitor impacts in Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Recreation ecology research was widely conducted to analyze data on factors that influence nature trails condition. Protected area such as Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA) was established because of its outstanding natural area and its potential of providing outdoor recreation experience to visitors. However, recreation use is also one of the major threats to protected areas. This study addresses the impact of recreation use by conducting a trail assessment exercise to several major trails in ICCA. The assessment of current trails condition will later be use as a benchmark for trail use in ICCA. This preliminary assessment shows that even with a very low number of usages during the expedition, there are evidences of potential threats to the trail conditions, visitors experience and natural condition of the area.