Pengembangan Desa Belawa sebagai Desa Wisata Edukasi di Kabupaten Cirebon

The development of educational tourism villages is one of the sustainable tourism strategies that integrates learning activities, environmental conservation, and local community empowerment. This study aims to analyze the potential and development strategies of Belawa Village as an educational tourism village in Cirebon Regency. The research employed a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with managers and community members, and literature review. The results indicate that Belawa Village has strong tourism potential, particularly in educational tourism based on the conservation of the Belawa softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea), nature-based tourism, and local cultural tourism. Educational activities such as outing classes, animal introduction programs, environmental education, and cultural arts training have been implemented and fulfill the elements of something to see and something to do in educational tourism. However, the development of this educational tourism village has not yet been optimal due to limitations in destination management, supporting facilities and infrastructure, promotion, and human resource capacity. Therefore, integrated development is required through the packaging of educational tourism attractions, improvement of human resource competencies, provision of supporting facilities, and collaboration among the government, community, academics, and tourism stakeholders. The development of Belawa Village as an educational tourism village has the potential to provide economic, social, and educational benefits while supporting environmental conservation and strengthening local cultural identity.