Community-driven conservation of Pantai Kelanang’s dark skies for sustainable Astro-tourism

Dark sky conservation is crucial for sustainable tourism, especially with the rise of astro-tourism. While many countries in Europe and North America have integrated dark sky initiatives through governance and community participation, similar efforts in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, remain limited. Light pollution from urban expansion, unregulated lighting, and development threatens stargazing opportunities and ecological balance. Hence, this study aims to explore community-driven strategies for dark sky conservation that support sustainable astro-tourism of Pantai Kelanang as a pilot site. The objectives are: first, to explore Pantai Kelanang’s dark skies and degradation factors; second, to assess stargazing infrastructure; and third, to propose conservation guidelines through community engagement, policy, and sustainable lighting management. Utilising a mixed- methods approach, including site observation, expert interviews, community surveys, and secondary data analysis, the study found strong public interest in stargazing, with 78.8% supporting related events and 69.7% advocating for light pollution reduction. Recommendations include zoning enforcement, improved infrastructure, and educational programs to enhance community involvement. Although limited by a small sample size and single-round observation, the study provides valuable insights into Pantai Kelanang’s potential as a sustainable astro-tourism destination and serves as a foundation for future research.