Ecotourism in Sebangau National Park: an avenue to enhance local community livelihoods while protecting the ecosystem

Abstract

Ecotourism has been a preferable option in utilizing resources within a protected area (PA) in developing countries as it is considered as a bridge between nature conservation and rural economic development. The aims of this study are: To evaluate the implementation of ecotourism in a national park and to investigate the key factors influencing the socio-economic outcomes of ecotourism for rural and remote communities. This study uses Sebangau National Park (SNP) in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, as a case study. This exploratory research was conducted using the qualitative method approach. Data collection included focus group discussion, in-depth interview, observation, and secondary data. A descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data. Results of the study show that despite local communities’ complaints on ecotourism development including its low income, local communities perceived that ecotourism is a feasible option for their livelihood sources. They were optimistic that in the future, income from ecotourism can be competed with other livelihood sources such as logging, fishing, collecting rattan, and tapping jelutung or rubber resin. However, the local community realized that their involvement in ecotourism activities needed several requirements including knowledge and skills about ecotourism as well as the involvement of other stakeholders.

Ecotourism development in National Parks: A new paradigm of forest management in Indonesia

“…As mentioned in Table 2, most of the studies discussed the positive impacts of ecotourism implementation both on conservation and rural management perspectives. According to Meilani et al [8], the community becomes one of the stakeholders who have an essential role in the development of this ecotourism in Sebangau National Park. They realize the need for a balance between ecological and economic goals, in addition to the functions of other stakeholders.…”

“…However, the increasingly developing ecotourism that attracting many tourists will undoubtedly have an impact on the environment, such as the construction of tourism supporting facilities and infrastructure including lodging/guesthouses, restaurants, souvenir shops, the building of tourist attraction areas, and other structures for transportation access to location [8]. This infrastructure development will trigger the land-use change.…”

“…In order to improve local economies and be able to maintain the livelihoods of marginalized communities in line with conservation objectives, and also to protect wildlife and minimize conflicts, Ayivor et al [7] recommend community development in forest management. Related to this, to overcome problems caused by the degradation of natural resources and poverty around conservation areas, ecotourism can be a development approach that can cover both difficulties [8].…”

“…Another definition of ecotourism is a tourism model that rests on the concept of sustainable development which ensures that tourism is based on the experience of environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable natural environment [8]. Other than that, ecotourism is a strategy to synergize the interests of protecting conservation areas.…”

“…Furthermore, according to Wood [11], ecotourism as a form of business or natural tourism economic sector is part of sustainable development and puts forward the advantages of various small-scale natural tourism innovations with minimal impact. According to Meilani et al [8], in developing countries, including Indonesia, ecotourism development is a top priority for protected area management that can act as a bridge between nature conservation and rural economic development. Based on the previous information above, the objective of this article is to advance knowledge of the community-based ecotourism development around national parks in Indonesia from the perspectives of forest management.…”