Malaysia's top tourism official Friday urged all parties involved in the ecotourism industry to enhance awareness of environmental protection.

Malaysia has decided to focus on ecotourism as the future direction in tourism development in order to create greater awareness among the world community on the importance of conserving the natural and cultural heritage, Tourism Minister Leo Michael Toyad said in his written speech in the final day of the International Media and Environment Summit (IMES).

The tourism sector faces a challenge of protecting the environment from constant exploitation, the minister noted, adding that proper management plans should be formulated to balance the economic benefit and environmental consideration.

Stressing the environmental preservation was not the sole responsibility of the government, Leo said education and awareness programs should be expanded to increase the involvement of the public and the private sector.

He encouraged the media to play a vital role in enlightening the public on the fragility of the environment and the importance of preserving the natural world.

More than 300 representatives from different countries attended the three-day conference in Kuching, capital of the eastern state of Sarawak.

Source: Xinhua