Environmental Communication Model of Farmer Community in Peatlands Ecotourism Development

Abstract

This study aims to find out the environmental communication model of farmer communities in overcoming the problem of peatland fires through ecotourism management in Bukit Batu sub-district, Bengkalis-Indonensia. This research uses the study of communication ethnoecology, by understanding the problem directly and participating. The results of this study indicate that environmental communication through community-based tourism can preserve the peatland environment in a sustainable manner. Communities have their own interpretations and awareness of the meaning of environmental symbols that are around them. Community environmental communication for the development of peat arboretum ecotourism was built in conjunction with Pertamina's CSR through community empowerment in overcoming forest fires with the Kampung Gambut Berdikari program. Pertamina's CSR strengthens community understanding in increasing public awareness of the problem of peat forest fires and the land managment. Peat arboretum as ecotourism and educational tour is useful to convey messages to change understanding, perspective, and influence people's behavior as well as visitors. The model of environmental communication for the development of peat ecotourism by the community is based on friendship, deliberation and mutual assistance as a form of community local wisdom.