Amalgamation of Bio-Eco Culture for Sustainable Island Tourism Development

Tourism development can benefit from integrating biology, ecology, and cultural elements. Bio-Eco culture in tourism development emphasizes preserving and showcasing a destination’s unique natural and cultural assets. This approach recognizes that ecosystems and cultural assets are often intertwined and should be considered in developing sustainable tourism. However, tourism development activities often conflict with these efforts. A recent study shows that tourism development has been pursued independently, leading to an imbalance in tourism development. The situation in the study area is identical. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the relationship between cultural ecology and human behaviour as a tool for developing sustainable tourism. Jerejak Island, Penang was selected as a study area. A quantitative approach was applied, involving 150 tourists as respondents. The research identified the potential of tourism resources in the study area and investigated tourist typology through their behaviour. The study revealed a gap between conserving the island’s ecological and biological quality, neglecting the protection of heritage resources, and excessively meeting the needs of tourists. To achieve sustainable tourism development, it is necessary to address these three areas in parallel. It makes the Bio-Eco Cultural in tourism development approach suitable for the study area. Overall, the Bio-Eco cultural approach is also an effort to conserve local tourism resources.


Introduction
"Bio-Eco-Cultural" is an interdisciplinary framework that acknowledges the intricate interplay between biological, ecological, and cultural factors in shaping human societies and their relationship with the environment.Gómez-Baggethun, E et. al (2013) stated that this holistic approach recognises that a complex web of biological, environmental, and cultural elements influences the well-being of human communities and their ecosystems.Biological factors encompass the genetic diversity of human populations and their physiological adaptations to specific environments (Ellen, R. (2006).For instance, certain genetic traits may offer advantages or disadvantages in particular ecological contexts, affecting how humans interact with their surroundings.Ecological aspects emphasise the dynamic interactions IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1316/1/012008 2 between human societies and the natural environment.This includes the study of ecosystems, resource management, and the impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem services.Understanding these connections is essential for sustainable practices and the preservation of biodiversity.
Cultural elements encompass human societies' values, beliefs, traditions, and practices.Berkes, F., et. Al (2003), insisted that cultural factors profoundly influence how people perceive and interact with the environment.These factors range from indigenous knowledge systems and traditional ecological practices to modern ideologies and consumption patterns.
In the tourism development context, the Bio-Eco-Cultural represents a holistic approach to tourism that embraces the interconnectedness of biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage as essential components of a sustainable and enriching travel experience (Weaver, D. 2018).This approach recognizes the profound impact that tourism can have on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage and seeks to harness the potential of tourism as a force for conservation, preservation, and community empowerment.Bio-Eco Cultural tourism is founded on the principles of responsible travel, seeking to strike a delicate balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of cultural identities (Honey, M., & Gilpin, R. (2009); Gössling, S., et.All (2020).
Bio-Eco Cultural tourism has gained increasing prominence in recent years as travellers become more conscious of their ecological footprint and seek authentic, immersive experiences that celebrate and respect their destinations' natural and cultural diversity (Fennell, D. A. (2019).This approach to tourism is informed by the understanding that preserving biodiversity and ecosystems is intimately linked to the survival of indigenous cultures and their traditions.
A fundamental issue that has triggered this debate in nature conservation is the relationship between human behaviour (tourist activities), tourism assets, and nature expressed as ecology or biodiversity.In Malaysia, the tourism development approach, especially nature conservation, has been pursued separately from aspects of heritage assets.There is an imbalance of development.There are gaps between i) the tourism resource ii) the tourist activities, and iii) preserving the quality of Ecological and biological of the island.Therefore, this study aims to enhance the relationship between cultural ecology and human behaviour as a tool for developing sustainable tourism in Jerejak Island.In the contact of tourism development, both need to look paralleled.The bio-eco-cultural framework recognises that these three dimensions are deeply intertwined, each influencing and being influenced by the other McKercher, B., & Du Cros, H. (2002).

Literature Review
Tourism is a multifaceted industry encompassing various aspects of culture, geography, and natural environments.While traditionally focused on leisure and exploration, tourism has evolved to incorporate a deeper understanding of the natural world.In recent years, there has been a growing interest in integrating biology and tourism as travellers seek more meaningful and educational experiences.Ballantyne and Packer (2002) proposed that studying biology in tourism can provide insights into the complex interactions between organisms and their environments.This interdisciplinary approach aims to enhance tourists' understanding of the natural world, fostering an appreciation for biodiversity, ecological conservation, and sustainable practices.From wildlife safaris and eco-tours to marine biology expeditions and botanical garden visits, biology-based tourism experiences provide opportunities for both leisure and education.This emerging field recognises the importance of responsible tourism, wherein travellers enjoy nature's beauty and contribute to its preservation.Through this synthesis of biology and tourism, individuals can gain a deeper connection with the environment and become advocates for its protection (Honey.M., 3 2008).Young and Young (2009) highlight the multifaceted relationship between biology and tourism, including ecotourism, wildlife tourism, and sustainable practices.Understanding biological principles and their application in the tourism industry is essential for preserving natural resources and enhancing the tourist experience.
Tourism's impact on fragile ecosystems and local communities has recently gained widespread attention as travellers become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint (Newsome, D., Moore, S. A., & Dowling, R. K. (Eds.).2012).Sustainable tourism has emerged as a compelling solution, emphasising responsible travel practices that minimise environmental harm while maximising positive contributions to local economies (Buckley, R. 2019).To understand the essence of sustainable tourism, one must delve into ecology, as it is the science that explores the interactions between organisms and their environments.The principles of ecology, such as interdependence, equilibrium, and adaptation, offer valuable insights into how tourism can be harmonised with nature.
This study explores the manifold ways in which ecology and tourism intersect.It examines the role of biodiversity in tourism destinations, the ecological consequences of infrastructure development, and the potential for tourism to serve as a catalyst for conservation efforts.Furthermore, it delves into the emerging field of ecotourism, which seeks to leverage the power of tourism to promote conservation and environmental stewardship.
In this context, this study explores the intricate connection between biology, ecology and tourism, shedding light on how biological elements contribute to the development of responsible and enjoyable travel experiences.It delves into the significance of biodiversity, the conservation of ecosystems, and the promotion of sustainable tourism as essential components of modern tourism practices.
The definition of heritage is complex and subjective, with numerous definitions and opinions.The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) established heritage in 1946 as a legacy from the past that can be passed down to future generations.The first definition of heritage was found in the International Charter of Venice (1964), which defined historic monuments as physical architecture and spatial areas with evidence of heritage in historical developments or cultural events.This definition does not only focus on works of art but also on significant works over time.
The definition of heritage is not limited by time or material substances but is inextricably related to the historical past and represents an inheritance that needs to be passed down to present and future generations (Tunbridge and Ashworth, 1996); Hall and Mcarthur, 1998;Graham et al., 2000;Dallen and Stephen, 2002).It is highly subjective and depends on individual subjective matters.Graeme (2002) further argues that local historical, social, and cultural circumstances in any country also influence the definition of heritage.The official or accepted definition of heritage is often based on a group's dominance in politics and national debate.

The Integration of Nature, Ecology and Culture Heritage.
The relationships between nature and culture and between biodiversity and heritage have been the subject of research and debates over recent decades (Agnoletti, 2006).Paradigms developed within these discussions include recognising bio-cultural assets or heritage within Eco-cultural landscapes (Bridgewater & Walton, 1996;Merçon et al., 2019;Rotherham, 2015).
This study includes the creation and maintenance of traditional landscapes and the ecological systems within them (Agnoletti, 2006;Agnoletti & Rotherham, 2015;Bridgewater, 2017;Bridgewater & Walton, 1996;Rotherham, 2015).The key issues were how the tourism industry integrated the tourism assets and the island ecology and managed natural resources.That there is an inextricable link between cultural and biological diversity.At that time, the term 'biological diversity' was only two years oldbut of course, much older in concept and its long gestation.However, even in the late 1980s, linking biodiversity and cultural diversity in all its manifest forms was quite challenging to many in the natural sciences community.
Separation of nature from human culture has been identified as a serious problem in conserving both nature and heritage (e.g.Rotherham, 2008Rotherham, , 2014)).The process has been described as 'cultural severance', and the consequences confuse ideas of, for example, rewilding (Rotherham, 2013a(Rotherham, , 2013)).The latter argues that 'abandonment' (i.e.cultural severance) and 'rewilding' are different and distinctive.Furthermore, the consequences of cultural severance, rather than enhancing biodiversity as its interpretation of rewilding might suggest, include dramatic declines in ecological richness.In some cases, however, there may be the emergence of distinctive novel and recombination of ecologic (Rotherham, 2017).
In many ways, the ideas of bio-cultural systems arose from work undertaken primarily by landscape geographers and ecologists on the more mechanistic sociological systems and more human-centred cultural landscapes.However, these concepts also grew politically through the 'Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage' (hereafter the 'World Heritage Convention') (UNESCO, 1972) and the impetus that emerged from that international agreement.Twenty years after its establishment, the World Heritage Convention helped focus attention by linking the previously separate designations of natural and cultural sites through framing landscapes in a bio-cultural context.The Convention achieved this by embracing the concept of 'Cultural Landscape' as part of its operational guidelines, which it describes in the following way: A great variety of Landscapes are representative of the different regions of the world.Combined works of nature and humankind, express a long and intimate relationship between peoples and their natural environment.Certain sites reflect specific techniques of land use that guarantee and sustain biological diversity.Others, associated in the minds of the communities with powerful beliefs and artistic and traditional customs, embody an exceptional spiritual relationship of people with nature.
Therefore, this study highlights the interdependent relationship between biology, ecology, and cultural elements in tourism development.It demonstrates that responsible tourism can exist in harmony with nature and play a crucial role in its preservation.The study emphasizes the importance of a balanced coexistence between human activities and the natural world.

Research Method
This study aims to establish diverse conservation efforts by integrating the Bio-Eco Cultural approach for island tourism to achieve sustainable tourism development.This study was formed based on the current issues in the study area.
This study was conducted in Jerejak Island, the eastern coast of Penang Island in the State of Penang, Malaysia.Located within the Northeast Penang Island District.It was formerly the main leper asylum for the Straits Settlements (1868), a Quarantine Station (1875) and a penal colony (1969).Figure 1 shows the research methodology of this study.At the data collection stage, the primary data collection aims to identify the tourism resource and the island tourist typology.It involved an observation method to identify the tourism resources.The secondary data is to support the information of the potential resource.Secondly, it involves 150 visitors as the respondents for the tourist survey.The questionnaire form was distributed on the island using a random sampling method.The visitor was asked about their visit motivation and activities on the island.

Figure 1: Research Methodology
Further, this study has analysed and discussed the potential tourism resources for the island as well as the tourist typology.From these two analyses, this study has identified and formulated the integration of these resources to develop sustainable island tourism destinations.

Result and Discussion
This section discusses three research findings: the potential of Jerejak Tourism Resources, Jerejak Tourist Typology, and Formulating the Integration Between Tourism Resources.This is in line with the research aims.

Jerejak Tourism Resource
Jerejak is a small island in Mukim 13, south of Penang Island.The island covers an area of 362 hectares and is under the administration of the Penang City Council.This island can be reached by ferry from Bayan Lepas.The Penang State government reserve owns the largest portion of the island, accounting for 86.28% (312.33 hectares), while 3.72% is privately owned.The land use in Jerejak is mainly forest (92%), with industrial land use at 4%, vacant land at 3%, and commercial at 1%.This study found that Jerejak Island is a unique tourist destination with natural and man-made resources.

Natural Resource
The tourism resource based on natural elements on the island consists of coastal areas and forest reserves.Jerejak Island boasts a narrow beach that spans less than 25 meters but is accessible for nearly 150 meters, making it a popular tourist spot.The natural beauty of the sea surrounding Jerejak Island also adds to its allure.In an island ecosystem, analyzing marine assets is crucial.Fish, shellfish, and coral reefs are tourism assets, highlighting their importance.However, this study has found no evidence of coral reefs in Jerejak Island.This is due to the location near to the marine traffic route of international merchant ships, and the sea level is shallow, making it unsuitable for coral reefs to form.
Jerejak Island is an Upper Dipterocarp Forest that is around 4,000 years old.The forested areas have a biodiversity of flora and fauna that are valuable and sensitive.The forested area is classified as an Environmental Sensitive Area of level 2, which means it has limited potential for development.The forest has identified 210 species and 71 families of plants, including Mangrove, Coastal Revine, and Weedy varieties.The dipterocarp forest is well-known for its diverse range of wood, including Meranti (Shorea spp.), Mersawa (Anisoptera spp.), and Keruing (Dipterocarpus ssp.).These wood species are highly valuable and expensive.Additionally, there are Mangrove Swamps in the area, and the coastal plants found here include Mengkunyit and Bintagor.Another commercially valuable plant in the Jerejak forest is Eurycoma Longifolia, commonly known as Tongkat Ali.
Jerejak also is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.It boasts 39 fauna species, including White Bellied Sea Eagles, Monitor Lizards, Mangrove snakes, and other common reptiles.According to research conducted by USM, the flora and fauna of Jerejak are safeguarded under the Malaysian Wildlife Act 1972.

Jerejak Man-made Tourism Resource
This island also has man-made resources that hold historical significance.This island was once famous for Exiled Prisoners, Political Detention Centre, a Sanatorium for Tuberculosis, and a Leprosy Quarantine Center.Over 26 heritage monuments/artefacts/historical sites are on the island.There are still many remains of the institution's old buildings and historical sites.Therefore, this island's historical monuments, artefacts, and sites hold potential as tangible heritage tourism assets.Meanwhile, the island's unique stories and past serve as intangible heritage tourism assets.Efforts for the conservation of old buildings and the management of historic sites are still in planning.
In addition, there is also a recreation area built by the management of the island as a tourist attraction.It is located at the front of the island.This area is also supported by complete tourism facilities and interesting landscape architecture.This recreation area is a man-made tourism asset that can attract tourists to the island.
Jerejak Island is a popular tourist destination due to its natural resources, including coastal areas and forest reserves.The island's beautiful and narrow beach is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning sea views.However, marine assets, such as fish, shellfish, and coral reefs, are absent due to the island's proximity to international merchant ships and shallow sea levels.Jerejak also has man-made tourism resources, such as the island's historical monuments, artefacts, and sites.These assets serve as tangible and intangible tourism assets.The island's management has built a recreation area as a tourist attraction, supported by complete tourism facilities and interesting landscape architecture.

Tourist Typology
Tourist typology is to categorise the types of tourists based on various characteristics, behaviours, and motivations.It is a way to better group tourists into distinct categories to understand their preferences, needs, and travel patterns.Table 1 shows the summary of the findings of this study.

Tourist profile
Jerejak Island was opened to tourists in February 2019 by Jerejak Island Resort Management.The number of tourist arrivals has been increasing every month since it opened.However, tourist arrivals decreased dramatically due to the breeding issue that hit the world in 2020 -2022 (Pandemic COVID-19).In the middle of 2022, the situation recovered, but in early 2023, the management decided to close Jerejak Island again for development purposes.Domestic visitors remained the largest number, with 77% compared to 23% of foreign visitors from China.The age level of the respondents is from the youth group in the age range of 25 -50 years, which is 64 per cent.Most visitors stay on the island for less than 24 hours (97%).During that period, the longest visitors stay on Jerejak island is between 7 to 8 hours (24%).Another 66 per cent were on the island between 5 and 6 hours.

Tourist Motivation
The study results show that 107 respondents came to this island for the purpose of vacation, and another 12 respondents came for a team-building program.Three main factors have been chosen as motivation for visiting this island.According to the results in Table 1, the most significant aspects were the uniqueness of Jerejak Island (42%), the attractiveness of the coastal area (37%), and its proximity to the mainland (21%).

Tourist Activities
According to the visitor activities survey, majority of respondents (71%) engaged in recreational activities on Jerejak Island.These activities included sightseeing, resting, taking pictures, cycling, and swimming in the Jerejak Island Resort swimming pool.According to the statistics, 19% of the visitors explored the cultural heritage site, while 10% went for jungle tracking to appreciate nature.

Visitor Knowledge and involvement of historical elements on Jerejak Island
The analysis revealed that 60% of the visitors are aware of the historical elements on the island, while the remaining 40% are not.From the total number of respondents, only 19 people are directly involved in exploring the historical elements.
Here it shows that some visitors know this island's historical significance but may not be participating in related activities.The reason for this is that the historical sites are difficult to access (67 %), the elements are not well managed (20%) and the information about the island's history is not widely promoted (13 %).These findings indicate that Jerejak Island has not achieved the desired level of recognition as a Heritage Island.There are also those who fall somewhere in between, seeking a balance between the familiar and the novel.Therefore, this study aims to identify the type of tourists based on their activities during the visit, which can also reflect the level of experience gained.
According to the findings of the study presented in Table 2, most visitors to this island are categorized as 'explorers'.These tourists tend to have a higher level of engagement with the tourism industry, as they prefer to travel independently and seek an immersive experience.However, in Jerejak Island it is worth noting that these explorers only visit the recreational attractions that they are familiar with, leading to a somewhat lowest novelty experience.It is nearly identical to the visitors who fall under the Drifter category.To ensure that historical sites and forest areas are easily accessible to tourists, it is essential to develop them in concurrence with other tourism assets.This will indirectly improve the quality of the tourist experience and increase their overall satisfaction with the visit.

Development of Bio-Eco Culture in Jerejak Island
To formulate the integration of tourism resources, it does not only look at tourism supply and tourist demand.It also refers to the physical attributes of the island area as shown in figure 2.
Based on an analysis of land availability for tourism activities, this study has identified the most suitable area for tourism development, considering accessibility and shoreline aspects.Geospatial analysis technology (GIS) was used to identify potential development areas.Therefore, the development that will take place on the island needs to consider various aspects.It includes aspects of the preservation and conservation of the assets, in addition to emphasising aspects of the satisfaction level of tourist visits, including the quality of experience, safety and comfort of visitors.It is very important because this can help increase the economic returns of the tourism industry in the area.

Conclusion
Bio-eco cultural tourism represents a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and sustainability, offering the tourist a unique and enriching experience.In conclusion, this form of tourism allows individuals to appreciate the beauty of our planet's biodiversity and cultural diversity and encourages responsible travel practices.By promoting conservation efforts, respecting local cultural-historical elements, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, Bio-Eco Cultural tourism can foster a deeper connection between tourists and their destinations while preserving the natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
It is crucial that the development needs take into consideration the physical condition of the area and the use of statutory tools to preserve the asset.Through this approach, tourists can enjoy a unique experience and a high level of visit satisfaction.Moreover, it is a valuable approach that encourages tourists to explore the world mindfully, appreciate nature, and commit to building a more sustainable future.

Figure 2 :
Figure 2: Integration of tourism resources of Bio-Eco Culture in Jerejak Island

Table 1 :
Jerejak Island Tourist Typology The Jerejak Tourist Typology used in this study is a modified version of the classic theory by Cohen 1972.According to Cohen's Typology 1972, tourists can be classified into different types based on their preference for familiar or novel experiences.Some tourists prefer sticking to what they already know, while others seek new and unique experiences.

Table 2 :
Jerejak Tourist TypologyAccording to the table 2 above, only a small segment of visitors to Jerejak Island has been categorised as 'organised mass tourists'.Typically, this type of tourist prefers familiarity over novelty and often travels with tour guides and in groups.They usually have a set itinerary that they follow strictly.However, in Jerejak, they seek out the help of a tour guide to explore the forest and visit historical sites that are not easily accessible.These visitors tend to have a unique experience different from what they are used to.
The study found that 76% of the island's land has significant potential for development due to being in Slope class I and II, which are categories suitable for development.The remaining 24% is not recommended for development due to being in Slope classes III and IV.