EXAMINING THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECOTOURISM PROGRAM ATTRIBUTES FOR HORSESHOE CRAB CONSERVATION IN TERENGGANU: FUZZY DEMATEL APPROACH

The horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas) is an endangered species in Malaysia, and its conservation is the primary concern. Ecotourism has been identified as a viable strategy for conservation. However, determining the most significant characteristics for an effective ecotourism program is essential. This study utilized the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy DEMATEL) to identify the potential ecotourism program features for horseshoe crab conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia. The fuzzy causal map was employed to identify the relationships between five attributes, including community participation, value of attractions, ecotourism activities, environmental concerns, and facility management. The results indicated that environmental concerns and facility management were the primary fuzzy causal attributes affecting the effectiveness of the ecotourism program, while community participation, value of attractions, and ecotourism activities were influenced by these two dominant factors. This study demonstrates the efficacy of Fuzzy DEMATEL in identifying the critical factors for designing a successful community-based ecotourism program that prioritizes horseshoe crab conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia by emphasizing the environmental concerns and facility management. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective ecotourism programs that prioritize the conservation of horseshoe crabs in Terengganu.