Pengetahuan terhadap Perkhidmatan Ekosistem dan Sumbangannya kepada Kehidupan Komuniti di Kuala Sepetang, Perak

Abstract

Environmental destruction and biodiversity extinction have become an issue of grave concern. These threats on biodiversity are expected to continue and increase in the future if no serious actions are taken by stakeholders. Degradation and extinction of natural resources that affect the ecosystem services is not just a global issue and challenge at the global level, it also has an impact on Malaysia. Therefore, there is a need to study on the level of knowledge within the community on the contribution of ecosystem services focusing on four aspect of ecosystem services such as supply, regulatory, support and culture. A total of 249 questionnaire forms were distributed randomly to community members in the area of Kuala Sepetang, Perak. Data obtained through this survey were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method in determining the position of items and categories. The study showed that the level of knowledge among the local community on the four ecosystem service categories are good such as supply service, regulatory service, support service and culture service. The support ecosystem service contributed the most towards the daily life of the community and indirectly enhanced their livelihood. Natural environment is proven providing a very important ecosystem service and it is a vital element of the local community daily life. Ecosystem services not only serve people but also become a quality life support system.