Analysis of ecotourism potentials of Botutonuo Beach in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province

Abstract

The ecotourism potential of the beach area in Bone Bolango regency, if developed optimally, is very high. Ecotourism development is a tourism activity that incorporates the principles of environment-friendly attitudes. It emphasizes the aspects of nature conservation, empowerment of the local community’s economic, social, and cultural competence, as well as education. Botutonuo beach is among the coastal areas in Bone Bolango regency with high ecotourism potential. The present study aimed to analyze the ecotourism potential of Botutonuo beach based on the physical, sociocultural, economic, and institutional parameters. It employed an ecological-spatial approach by involving the Geographic Information System (GIS). The research method comprised field observation; the data were retrieved by field measurement, interview, and questionnaire. The data were analyzed in a quantitative manner with descriptive statistical analysis, scoring analysis, and qualitative descriptive analysis to result in the final evaluation score of the site’s ecotourism potentials. The analysis result on the site’s physical parameters (vegetation, environmental hygiene, materials, and water brightness) indicated that the Botutonuo beach has high potential. The same criteria were also given in other physical parameters that consisted of distance, facilities, accessibility, and site attractiveness. Moreover, high ecotourism potential was also shown by the site’s other parameters (institutional, sociocultural, economic, and environmental parameters). The site’s high ecotourism potential was due to the beach’s characteristics. The site is a sandy beach that is naturally formed. On top of that, the community’s contribution to constructing tourism facilities was influential in boosting the ecotourism potentials.