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Mangrove forests are high-value coastal ecosystems that have the potential to be developed as sustainable ecotourism destinations. This study aims to analyze the development of Mangrove Forest Tourism in Kampung Kayu Ara Permai, Sungai Apit District, Siak Regency based on the three pillars of sustainable tourism of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), namely environmental, economic, and socio-cultural sustainability. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach through literature studies and semi-structured interviews with regional managers. The results of the study show that this area has a good mangrove ecosystem with nine species and an average Tourism Suitability Index (IKW) of 76.89% (Suitable/S2 category). From an economic perspective, eight non-timber forest products (NTFPs) downstream products and community-based homestay models have created an equitable distribution of benefits for residents. The socio-cultural dimension is supported by the authenticity of the coastal Malay tradition that is still preserved. However, the three dimensions face challenges in the form of the absence of protection regulations, the absence of a government fixed budget, and low public participation in management evaluation. This study recommends the issuance of regional regulations, the establishment of tourism BUMDes, and the strengthening of community participation as the foundation for sustainable ecotourism development.  

This study analyzes the strategy of the Community Monitoring Group (Pokmaswas) in developing mangrove forests in Pelambung Village, Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands. This study aims to explore Pokmaswas management patterns and their impacts on local communities and coastal ecosystems. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance, protecting coasts from abrasion, flooding, and storms, and supporting the biodiversity of fish, shrimp, and crabs. In Indonesia, mangrove area has decreased drastically from 5.2 million hectares in 1982 to around 2.5 million hectares due to land conversion, logging, and pollution. In Pelambung Village, Pokmaswas, established in 2023, began rehabilitation by planting 5,000 mangrove seedlings such as Rhizophora (mangrove), Avicennia (api-api), and Sonneratia. This qualitative, descriptive study, using observation, local community interviews, and documentation techniques, was conducted from July to August 2024. The Community Development Group (Pokmaswas) is active in nursery, harvesting, maintenance, monitoring, and ecotourism development, generating economic benefits (job creation, mangrove coffee MSMEs and miniature canoes), ecological benefits (protection from abrasion, increased fisherman's catch), and biological benefits (marine biota habitat). Challenges include limited funding, pest attacks, and integration with regional development.    

The economic valuation of natural resources (NR) is an important instrument in supporting evidence-based decision-making, particularly in sustainable environmental management. Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) serves as a primary approach to assess the economic feasibility of programs or policies by integrating all benefits and costs, including non-market values. This article presents a systematic literature review of studies employing CBA for NR valuation during the period 2010–2024, based on searches in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, and Google Scholar, using stringent selection criteria. The review findings indicate that CBA has been widely applied in forest management, biodiversity conservation, land rehabilitation, water and air pollution control, and ecotourism development, providing a quantitative depiction of economic feasibility through indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Key challenges were identified in non-market valuation, long-term uncertainty, data limitations, and sensitivity to discount rate assumptions. These findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental valuation methods, conducting comprehensive sensitivity analyses, and adopting multidisciplinary approaches to strengthen the application of CBA in sustainable NR management, while also offering strategic recommendations and directions for future research for policymakers and environmental economics scholars.

The Nanga Sira Mangrove Forest Tourism Area is an ecotourism destination with significant natural potential that has not been utilized optimally. The managing community faces constraints in aspects of digital marketing, educational content development, governance, and supporting facilities. This community service program aims to implement strategic collaboration between higher education institutions and the community to increase tourist visits through a participatory action research approach. The implementation method includes four main stages: observation, participatory planning, activity implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Core activities conducted include digital marketing training and creative content creation, development of environmental conservation education materials, improvement of tourism governance systems, and physical infrastructure enhancement. Evaluation results show a significant increase in community capacity with a 75% rise in social media interactions and 40% growth in tourist visits over a two-month period. This program successfully proves that the higher education-community collaboration model is effective as a strategy for sustainable tourism development. Recommendations include the importance of continuous mentoring and the development of more innovative tourism packages.

This research positions tourism as a key driver for rural economic transformation via the Community-Based Ecotourism model. Lubuk Langkap Nature Tourism Village, South Bengkulu, has excellent natural assets (pristine), such as clear rivers and tropical forests, supported by good social capital. However, this potential is structurally constrained by a Severe Institutional Crisis within the Village-Owned Enterprise, marked by informal management, lack of standard accounting, and vulnerability to moral hazard risk (misconduct). The Main Thesis asserts that this institutional crisis is not merely a technical issue but a major root problem that weakens Social Capital, damages community Capability, and risks permanent environmental damage. The study uses in-depth strategic analysis focusing on the New Institutional Economics and an integrated SWOT framework, employing interpretive descriptive qualitative methods. The analysis formulates an integrated Community-Based Ecotourism development strategy within a Governance framework that is Strengthened by Risk a system designed to become more resilient when facing shocks (moral hazard risk). The Integrated Action Strategy includes: (1) Establishing Exclusive Village-Owned Enterprise Regulatory Control Rights over the entrance gate and Environmental Carrying Capacity; (2) Implementing a physical Daily Public Financial Dashboard to prevent misconduct; and (3) Legalizing Village Regulations (Perdes) on Conservation Zoning and Maximum Daily Visitor Limits. Implementing a Niche Premium Operational Business Plan (OBP), detailing a High Pricing Strategy (including a Conservation Fee) and a fair Proportional Revenue Sharing Formula, is key to achieving improved welfare and ecological sustainability in South Bengkulu.

Indonesia has vast mangrove forest potential with high biodiversity and great ecological benefits. One of the developing management approaches is community-based mangrove ecotourism which not only emphasizes economic aspects but also environmental conservation. This study aims to analyze the involvement of local communities in mangrove ecotourism management and its impact on mangrove forest conservation in Indonesia. The method used is literature analysis with a descriptive-qualitative approach to ten studies published in the last 5-10 years. The results of the analysis show that active community participation in planning, implementing and evaluating the management of ecotourism areas contributes significantly to the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems. Despite the challenges of unequal capacity and strategic roles, this study confirms that community involvement is an important pillar in the success of community-based conservation. Thus, a collaborative approach between the community, government, and other stakeholders needs to be continuously strengthened to support ecotourism as well as mangrove conservation.

This study examines the history of mangrove conservation in Cemara Beach, Muncar District, Banyuwangi Regency, from the 1980s to 2020. The main focus lies on the dynamics of changes in coastal ecosystems due to land conversion into shrimp ponds, as well as the response of the community and government to the destruction of mangrove forests that occurs. The 1980s period became a crucial phase when intensive pond investment began to flourish which had an impact on environmental degradation, especially the loss of most of the natural mangrove vegetation in the region. These changes not only affect the balance of ecosystems, but also impact the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on the sustainability of natural resources. Since the early 2000s, various conservation initiatives have emerged spearheaded by coastal community groups, students, NGOs, as well as support from government agencies. These conservation efforts are participatory and community-based, reflecting the increased ecological awareness of local communities. This study uses oral history methods and literature studies to reconstruct conservation narratives from the perspectives of local actors directly involved in the process. The results of the study show that the success of mangrove conservation in Cemara Beach is highly dependent on synergy between various actors, ranging from local communities, academics, to government agencies. Policies that support the protection of coastal areas are also an important factor in creating a participatory space for environmental rehabilitation efforts. This conservation history shows the socio-ecological transformation of the coastal communities of Muncar, from an exploitation orientation to a recovery model based on local wisdom. Furthermore, mangrove conservation in Cemara Beach is also the foundation in the development of environment-based ecotourism as well as an example of sustainable natural resource management practices on the southern coast of Banyuwangi.

This study aims to describe and analyze the natural landscape of Banyuwangi as experienced on the journey to Ijen Crater. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study records the physical, ecological, social, and emotional transformation of the landscape through direct observation, visual documentation, and reflective narratives. Ijen Crater as a natural tourism destination not only presents geological phenomena such as blue fire and acid lakes, but also represents a mosaic of landscapes that include agricultural zones, montane forests, community activities, and tourism dynamics. The findings show that the journey to Ijen Crater shows the complexity of landscape elements, the involvement of local communities in managing the space, and the appreciation of tourists that form personal and spiritual meanings. The conclusion of this study is that the journey is not just a physical movement, but a means to understand the relationship between humans and living nature. The implications of this study underline the importance of participatory and sustainable landscape-based ecotourism management.

This study evaluates the implementation of water source conservation and conservation forest policies in Tuban Regency that integrate collaborative methods between various parties and local wisdom. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with staff from the Environmental Service, representatives of environmental NGOs, traditional leaders, and local communities, coupled with field observations related to the “Adopt a Spring” and “Forest School” programs. The results of the study indicate that the success of the policy is not only supported by local regulations, but also by collaboration involving the government, local communities, the private sector, and educational institutions. Local wisdom, such as the “nyadran sumber” ceremony and traditional protected forest methods, increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of environmental protection. However, obstacles arise as a result of lack of funds, economic pressures, and changes in values ​​among the younger generation. This study suggests sustainability education and cross-sector collaboration forums, strengthening sustainable economic schemes based on ecotourism and agroforestry, and contextual environmental education to maintain the sustainability of the program. These results confirm that conservation policies integrated with local wisdom and cross-sector collaboration can be an innovative model for other regions, while strengthening the paradigm of sustainable development that is responsive to the existing socio-cultural context.

Penglipuran Tourism Village, renowned for its cultural authenticity and environmental cleanliness, has experienced substantial growth in tourist arrivals, which has led to environmental pressures and overcrowding in its core area. In response, the development of the Bamboo Forest as a supporting attraction has emerged as a strategic initiative to disperse visitor concentration and promote sustainable tourism. This study aims to examine the development concept of the Bamboo Forest through a qualitative descriptive approach, employing in-depth interviews with local stakeholders, including tourism managers and community leaders. The findings reveal that the Bamboo Forest, spanning 45 hectares, serves multiple ecological and cultural functions, such as groundwater conservation, disaster mitigation, and the preservation of local traditions. Since 2023, the site has been revitalized with ecotourism-based infrastructure, including bamboo pathways, cultural performance spaces, a traditional market, and the Bamboo Caffe, all of which integrate local resources and community participation. Development efforts are aligned with key tourism components: attraction, accessibility, amenities, and ancillary services, while adhering to sustainable tourism principles: something to see, something to do, and something to buy. The project has not only enhanced the visitor experience but also generated significant economic benefits, contributing to community welfare. Overall, the integration of environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects in the Bamboo Forest development exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable tourism in rural destinations.

Tourism is currently a rapidly growing sector, particularly in line with social change and technological advancements. In this context, ecotourism is becoming an increasingly popular approach because it prioritizes the principles of environmental sustainability, local cultural preservation, and improving community welfare. One innovative form of ecotourism is the development of agroforestry-based tourism, which integrates environmentally friendly agricultural and forestry practices. One concrete example of this concept is the Dawuhan Kopi area in Semarang Regency. This area has developed a coffee forest farming system as a primary tourist attraction, aiming to combine nature conservation and community economic development. This study aims to comprehensively examine how coffee agroforestry management in Dawuhan Kopi is implemented as a form of ecotourism and to analyze various optimization efforts that have been and are being implemented. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques such as field observations, in-depth interviews with stakeholders, and documentation. The results reveal that the management of the coffee agroforestry area in Dawuhan Kopi still faces various challenges, particularly in terms of institutional framework, tourism product packaging, availability of supporting facilities, and local community empowerment. To address these issues, a comprehensive improvement strategy is needed, ranging from strengthening institutional capacity, innovation in tourism packages, developing basic infrastructure, and increasing active community participation in every management process. This research is expected to make a positive contribution to the development of a sustainable agroforestry-based ecotourism model and serve as a reference for other regions with similar potential to implement the same concept adaptively and contextually.

This study aims to formulate a strategy for developing community-based ecotourism in Egon Buluk Village, Sikka Regency. This village has high natural tourism potential, such as Mount Egon, Blidit hot springs, protected forests, and Meang Miak waterfall. However, tourism development has not been optimal due to limited facilities, human resources, and promotion. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through interviews and literature studies. The analysis was carried out using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) method. The results of the analysis indicate the need for a strategy to strengthen local institutions, increase community capacity, develop infrastructure, and utilize external support from the government and universities. The development of ecotourism that actively involves the community is expected to encourage environmental conservation while improving local welfare in a sustainable manner.

The Punti Kayu Tourism Forest has great potential in maintaining environmental balance and improving the local economy. However, this potential has not been utilized optimally due to lack of public awareness and limited skills. This community service activity aims to increase public awareness about the economic and educational potential of the Punti Kayu Tourism Forest, provide training and assistance in utilizing the potential of the tourism forest, and encourage the development of creative economy products based on the tourism forest. The method used is counselling and socialization, which is carried out by the Prasetiya Mandiri Polytechnic Lecturer Team, PSDKU Palembang, on April 10, 2025. The results of the activity showed an increase in the number of visitors to the tourist forest, an increase in the income of local communities, and an increase in public awareness about the importance of conservation. The interpretation of the results shows that this community service activity has had a significant positive impact on the community and the environment. The conclusion of this activity is that community empowerment through education and training is the key to success in utilizing the potential of urban forests in a sustainable manner.

This research aims to develop the potential of ecotourism based on local wisdom in the mangrove forest area of Tapak, Semarang City. The methods used include field observation, interviews with local stakeholders, and qualitative data analysis. The results show that local wisdom plays an important role in managing the mangrove ecosystem and improving community welfare. Traditional practices applied by the local community are effective in maintaining environmental balance and addressing threats of abrasion and pollution. The Tapak mangrove area faces significant challenges, including coastal erosion and industrial waste pollution, which threaten the ecosystem's sustainability. However, the local community has developed various initiatives based on local wisdom for mitigation and conservation. Collective mangrove planting, the use of natural materials in pond management, and the implementation of zoning systems are some practices that have shown positive results. The development of ecotourism in this area not only has the potential to increase local income but also to strengthen environmental awareness among the community and visitors. Recommendations from this study include enhancing community capacity in ecotourism management, strengthening zoning systems, and promoting ecotourism based on local wisdom. Training and empowering the community in aspects of tourism guidance and sustainable resource management are key to ensuring the long-term success of this ecotourism. Therefore, sustainable and community-based ecotourism management strategies need to be continuously developed and supported by various parties to preserve the mangrove ecosystem and improve the welfare of the local community.  

Sei Naga Lawan is a coastal village that has natural tourism potential and is included in an ecotourism conservation area that can revive the economy, especially on the mangroves coast of Kampung Nipah, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra. To increase the participation of the Kampung Nipah Village community, the researchers initiated a mini community service program that is directly related to the empowerment of natural tourism potential in Sei Naga Lawan Village, especially the development of the beach area in Village Nipa palm. In connection with the above, researchers conducted socialization and strategies for conservation and management of mangrove forest using lecture and discussion methods followed by mangrove planting activities. The results of the activity show that the implementation of the Community Service Program in Kampung Nipah, Sei Naga Lawan District has been successfully carried out well. This can be seen from the enthusiasm of community members during lectures and discussions. During the seedling planting stage, they also worked together to plant according to what the service team directed. It is hoped that this service can provide knowledge and provide understanding and skills to the local community that Kampung Nipah, Sei Naga Lawan District has an important role as an economist buffer in the future.

The long distance traveled and the lack of infrastructure such as roads and public transportation have reduced the interest of tourists to visit the Mangrove Forest Marine Tourism object. The lack of resting places for tourists such as cottages and lodging places also triggers the lack of interest of tourists to visit. Conversely, if the availability of infrastructure such as good roads and easy to pass, signposts, and the availability of comfortable and quiet resting places can be the main attraction for tourists who want to visit these attractions. This study aims to determine whether the value of natural beauty, educational value, facilities and infrastructure, tourists, promotions, fees, handicrafts, and income are relevant to improving the welfare of the community in Lubuk Kertang Village, Langkat Regency and to determine the role of the government in developing ecotourism attractiveness in improve the welfare of the community in Lubuk Kertang Village, Langkat Regency. What is examined is whether the value of natural beauty, educational value, facilities and infrastructure, tourists, promotions, fees, handicrafts, and income are relevant to improving the welfare of the community in Lubuk Kertang Village, Langkat Regency and what is the role of the government in developing ecotourism attractiveness in improving people's welfare. in Lubuk Kertang Village, Langkat Regency. With a sample of 207 respondents, which were collected by distributing questionnaires and processing data using Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Multiple Linear Regression. Based on the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) test in the KMO and Bartlett's test table, it shows that promotion, tourists, educational values and income significantly affect the welfare of the people in Lubuk Kertang Village, while the value of natural beauty, infrastructure, user fees and handicrafts has a negative effect. or not significant to the welfare of the community in Lubuk Kertang Village. And the results of multiple linear regression testing show the partial hypothesis test results that the value of natural beauty, retribution, tourists and income is significant for the welfare of the people in Lubuk Kertang Village.

Mangroves are plants that live in coastal areas which have great benefits, namely as abrasion barriers, wave breakers, as a food source for marine biota, absorbing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. Sicanang Mangrove Ecotourism is a mangrove forest that is open to the public to visit this ecotourism. The location is in Belawan Sicanang Village, Medan Belawan District, Medan City. Data collection techniques were used to obtain primary data and secondary data through observation, interviews and literature study. Research data was analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. The research results show that since 2020, this ecotourism has been closed and is not being maintained to this day. The cause of the damage to ecotourism is due to the local community's lack of understanding about developing mangrove ecotourism in the area, such as cutting down mangrove trees for wood as furniture material. This causes damage to the mangrove ecosystem and the quantity of mangrove trees decreases. It was concluded that the damage was caused by a lack of attention to repairs from the government and management awareness from the local community.

The mangrove ecotourism area in Belawan Sicanang Village, Medan Belawan District, Medan City is one of the marine ecotourism-based areas which has mangrove forests as one of its tourist attractions. The aim of this research is to determine the potential and conservation strategies for the Belawan Sicanang mangrove ecosystem in Medan Belawan District, Medan City. The method used in this research is descriptive method. Data analysis in this research uses data analysis in the form of primary data, namely observations, interviews, secondary data, namely literature studies and data obtained from related agencies as well as SWOT (Strengths, Opportunities, Weakness, Threats) analysis. The results of this research show that the Sicanang Mangrove forest has great potential in supporting the sustainability of the coastal environment and the welfare of local communities as well as providing various ecological, economic, tourism and social benefits or potential for humans and the surrounding environment. The conservation strategy includes replanting and maintaining the mangrove forest.

This study aims to determine the perceptions of coastal communities in Reroroja Village in the Utilization of mangrove ecosystem as ecotourism. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach. There were 3 data collection techniques used, namely observation, interviews, and documentation. In this study there were 12 informants consisting of the mangrove forest manager, the Head of Reroroja Village, Kena RT Dusun Magelo’o, and people from Magelo’o of Magepanda District, Sikka Regency. Based on the results of the study, it can be cancluded that the perception of the people of Reroroja Village in utilizing mangrove forests as an ecotourism area is still relatively low. This is caused by the lack participation og the village community in protecting and managing mangrove forests as ecotourism. Factors that influence community perceptions are knowledge, attitudes and level of education. The community considers thet protecting the mangrove forests area in Reroroja Village in not their reponsibility but that it is already the responsibility of the management.

The development of coastal and marine ecotourism must consider two aspects, namely the tourist destination aspect and the market aspect. Even though in its development it adheres to the concept of products and markets, the development of tourism products still ensures the preservation of natural and cultural resources of coastal and marine communities. Nowadays, ecotourism in mangrove forests is seen as being able to synergize with real conservation measures for the mangrove forest ecosystem. The potential of mangroves can be used as a tourist attraction as well as an effort to rehabilitate and conserve mangrove areas. The aim of writing this article is to find out the strategy for developing ecotourism, especially mangrove ecotourism, which is based on previous case study research. From the three case studies, it can be concluded that the ecotourism development strategy is determined by analyzing the conditions and feasibility of ecotourism.