STUDY OF ECOTOURISM PRINCIPLES APPLICATION IN MANAGING NATURE-BASED TOURISM IN THE IJEN CRATER NATURAL PARK

• Main Author: Fitriawati
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/40191
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The existence of tourism designation and conservation functions in natural tourism parks (NTP) raises the need for the concept of NTP management that can accommodate both of these. The concept for organizing tourism in NTP should be sustainable such as ecotourism rather than nature-based tourism in general. One of the well-known tourist destinations is Ijen Crater NTP, Banyuwangi Regency. The development is still being carried out to make Ijen Crater become iconic and able to accelerate the regional and national economy. The attraction of world-class Ijen Crater, coupled with intensive development has the potential to increase the number of visitors continuously. This condition not only has positive impacts but also has the potential for negative impacts on nature, social and local culture if it is not managed properly. Therefore, the principles of ecotourism must be implemented in the Ijen Crater NTP. This study evaluates the application of the principle of ecotourism in the Ijen Crater, which is divided into the principle of natural and cultural conservation, the principle of local’s socio-economic improvement, and the principle of environmental education. In addition, this research also elaborates the compatibility of ecotourism to be applied in NTP. This study uses a qualitative approach. The primary data collection methods used are in-depth interviews and observations, while secondary data are collected through agency document reviews. Based on the analysis results, ecotourism is considered compatible to be applied in managing the tourism in NTP. This is because even though the focus of conservation in NTP is unclear, the tourism designation in NTP needs to be harmonized with the principles of environmental conservation and ecotourism can bridge the two functions. Ecotourism is different from nature-based tourism in general because there are principles that must be met, especially the principles of conservation and education. Furthermore, the results of the analysis show that the practice of ecotourism in Ijen Crater NTP has not implemented the principle of ecotourism as a whole. The implementation of ecotourism in this area is more likely to apply the second principle, namely the improvement of the local socio-economic conditions, while the principles of conservation and education are still not well implemented. Most of sub-criteria on the first principle of "prioritizing biodiversity and culture conservation" is not fulfilled. The criteria for "reducing negative impacts on nature and encouraging improvement in environmental quality" have not been fully implemented in the ecotourism practices in Ijen Crater NTP. While the criteria for "optimizing the uniqueness of local community activities as a tourist attraction" have been fulfilled. Furthermore, most of the sub-criteria on the second principle, namely "improving the local's socio-economic conditions" can be considered fulfilled. This is mainly related to the criteria for community involvement in taking benefits. While the criteria for community involvement in the decision-making process are not fully implemented. The third principle is environmental education. Most of the sub-criteria on this principle has been met but are still dominated by aspects of comfort and safety of visitors. While aspects of environmental education through environmental interpretation programs are still not implemented.