Environmental Communication Challenges in The Development Process of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark Area, Sukabumi Regency

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to Explaining the process of environmental communication dynamics in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area, explaining the dynamics of environmental communication in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area, formulating follow-up actions to environmental communication dynamics in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area, Sukabumi Regency.   Method: The research methodology this study used qualitative research methods. Research with a qualitative paradigm is flexible and open by emphasizing inductive analysis (empirico inductive) (Suprayogo and Tabroni 2001: 161). Based on the research objectives to be achieved, this type of research is a case study type of research. This research is based on the type of case study, including the type of exploratory case study research. An exploratory approach seeks to find general information about a topic/problem that is not yet fully understood by researchers. In this research, the data collected consists of primary data and secondary data. Primary data sources are objects observed directly in the field and data obtained through interviewed informants. In this research, informants came from four sub-districts which are representatives of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark, including the PAPSI and Palapah community groups, community leaders from four sub-districts, local government, academics, and figures who initiated the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark. This data is also accompanied by photo, image and map data to complement the primary data. Secondary data sources are in the form of documents or written sources in general, such as village monographs, population statistics, building inventories, natural conditions, and also about the history of the formation and development of the Ciletuh Geopark area. Secondary data is obtained from research results, journals, the internet and matters related to data needs. This secondary data is useful for researchers to understand more deeply the problem that is the object of research. In general, the techniques that can be used to collect data for this research are interviews, observation and documentation studies. An interview is a process of direct interaction or communication between the interviewer and the respondent.   Results and conclusion: Based on the literature review and analysis the Ciletuh Geopark area is an area that has unique geological, biological and cultural potential that can be developed as a complete natural and cultural tourism destination that has comparative and competitive advantages. The dynamics of environmental communication that occur are aimed at ensuring that conservation aspects can run in balance and in line with aspects of community empowerment.   Research implications: The findings of this research have implications for environmental communication which has an important role in efforts to empower and develop the community's economy so that it is more environmentally friendly and of course can be more targeted. Environmental communication provides opportunities for good interaction between various parties in community empowerment activities by equalizing perceptions of various environmental problems, so that the expected goals can be achieved with the active participation of the community in overcoming environmental problems in the Geopark area. Originality/value: This research contributes to existing literature by focusing on the intersection between environmental communication dynamics and regional development in the Indonesian context. By identifying obstacles and providing recommendations, this research offers insight into community empowerment activities by equalizing perceptions of various environmental problems in the Geopark area.