The Effect of Ecotourism Development on Marine Conservation Area in West Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Ecotourism is critical in conservation areas for the development of mutual relationships between the community, government and tourist in the marine conservation area. However, the community must be key stakeholders in maximizing benefits to local communities and obtaining environmental support to effectively manage conservation areas. This study aimed 1) to determine the socio-economic impact on fishermen community for the marine resource conservation, b) to investigate the socio-economic impact on the community's understanding and respect to support conservation. This research was conducted in the Ampiang Parak and Maligi villages. The research used a structured questionnaire and qualitative method using observation and interview to evaluate the fishermen community involvement in ecotourism management. The research discussed and explained the source, income, and employment allocation of ecotourism regulations and economic participation for community programs. The management of the Ampiang Parak and Maligi conservation areas is still not aligned with the local community's ecotourism management, and the conservation area and tourist attraction has not yet been beneficial for the local community economy. The relationships between ecotourism and sustainable growth, tourism, community, and natural resource conservation need to be improved.

Assessing Bedul Mangrove Ecotourism Using Green and Fair Strategy Empowerment to Fulfill SDGs 2030 Agenda for Tourism

“…(3) collecting retribution and conservation tax to be used directly; (4) involving community participation in developing ecotourism, and (5) encouraging conservation through economic benefits (Putra, 2014). Additionally, ecotourism development is affected by the following factors: (1) population increase and density, (2) global trade, (3) poor infrastructure, (4) lack of environmental awareness, and (5) lack of legal regulation (Zamzami et al, 2021).…”

“…The sustainable tourism development can be achieved properly if it is supported by local government policies regarding the cooperation between government, tourism managers and local community. Good communication between the stakeholders can provide clarity to manage mangrove tourism areas so that there is no overlapping management (Zamzami et al, 2021). The stakeholders can monitor each other to avoid misuse of entrance tickets on tourist destination and taxes taken from tourism managers (Sumarmi et al, 2021b).…”

“…While the existing conditions are ideal for developing an ecological education tourist area based on ecotourism principles, the area's weak economic impact on the communitys welfare must also be considered. Therefore, an in-depth examination and observation of the elements affecting development conditions and the compatibility with tourism sustainable development goals demonstrate the necessity for policy revisions or additions capable of addressing development issues (Zamzami et al, 2021). As a result, this area requires a combination of ecotourism management strategies, one of the most critical of which is the green and fair strategy.…”

“…The green and fair strategy is a reliable strategy for Bedul Mangrove Ecotourism, especially in balancing environmental sustainability with the community's economy (Winoto et al, 2015;Yuniari, 2017;Zamzami et al, 2021). This is critical to highlight because if the high ecological values are not created and managed effectively, breaches might arise, reducing the surrounding population's economic potential.…”

“…Mangrove forests provide oxygen to the community, protect coastal ecosystems, and serve as a source of income for coastal towns (Setyasih, 2021). It also served as an ecotourism development area, which benefits the economy of the surrounding community (Zamzami et al, 2021).…”