221
Figure 3 shows the average of sustainability index on sub-criteria for management with average value of about 0.6, followed by an environmental index of 0.7.
The political average was 0.75 and natural resources was 0.77. The average of all
sub-criteria was moderate according to the classification of the ecological index by
van Dijk and Mingshun (2005). Sustainability index indicated a moderate level of
performance, and the sustainability criteria were not within reach, hence indicating
the need for more action. Therefore, from the measurement of ESI, we propose that
the local authorities in Tasik Kenyir should strengthen their action plan to empower
management, while conserving natural resources and the environment. However,
the political will for sustainability should be imposed rather than letting it remain
idle towards nature to meet both ends in sustainability development.
Conclusion
Sustainability measurements indicated that Tasik Kenyir was moderate in all four
aspects of sustainability – political will, environment, natural resources and management aspect as a whole. There were some actions that could be taken to promote
Table 1 The classification of an ecological sustainability index (Pearce and Giles 1995)
Score
Definition
≥ 0.75
≥ 0.5, < 0.75
≥ 0.25,<0.5
< 0.25
Sustainable
Moderate
Weak
Unsustainable
0.7
0.6
0.77
0.75
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
Enviromental
management
Natural Resources
Political
Index
Index
Fig. 3 Average performance of sub-criteria for ecological sustainability index
Ecological Balance Towards Sustainable Index of Tasik Kenyir