Indigenous participation in conservation and tourism development: A case of native people of Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates the participation of indigenous communities in conservation and tourism development projects, specifically focusing on the native people of Sabah, Malaysia. Using the motivation, opportunity, and ability model, we conceptualize a framework for understanding the factors that influence the participation choices of this community. The results suggest that knowledge and awareness (ability) and the perceived environmental and economic impacts of tourism (motivation) have positive effects on the participation of indigenous people. Moreover, the results of this study do not support an effect for opportunity or the perceived social impacts of tourism on participation.