Abstract
The protection of resources and the safety of visitors are two essential elements in the sustainability of any tourism destination. The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst has the potential to be developed as a UNESCO Global Geopark based on the diversity and unique nature of its geological heritage. Proper management efforts should be carefully planned to ensure sustainability of the geosite. Intact natural conditions can be a potential hazard to visitors and, conversely, the presence of visitors can interfere with the natural preservation of the sensitive karst area. Physical, biological, and human activities that may endanger visitors should be identified and limiting the number of visitors received by each geosite should also be considered. This paper aims to identify the potential tourism hazards of physical, biological, and human activities and to calculate the tourist’s carrying capacity of three geosites (Tewet cave, Nyadeng lake, and Bloyot cave) in the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst. The identification of potential hazards was conducted in each geosite and analyzed and assessed using management options referencing UNEP, NPSA, and APEC, whereas the carrying capacity was assessed with reference to the Cifuentes formulation. Meanwhile, the carrying capacity was assessed at three levels, namely physical carrying capacity (PCC), real carrying capacity (RCC), and effective carrying capacity (ECC). The highest physical and biological hazards were the ravines in the Tewet cave, as well as a moderate level of risk, such as slippery, steep terrain and the presence of crocodiles. Meanwhile, the potential hazards faced by Nyadeng lake and Bloyot cave were classified as low risk. The carrying capacity assessments indicated that Bloyot cave is able to accommodate the largest number of visitors on a daily basis. Therefore, the carrying capacity results of each geosite can serve as a reference for managers to limit the number of visitors to the site in order to ensure the sustainability of Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat geosites.
Highlights
This paper identifies and discusses the various types of hazards and carrying capacity of three geosites in Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst that could accommodate visitors to minimize environmental impacts and discomforts
The results show that the area can accommodate 108 people/day in Bloyot cave, 65 people/day in Nyadeng lake, and 10 people/day in Tewet cave
Hazard risk reduction management for tourism in karst areas is carried out by evaluating each hazard risk contained in the area, and making recommendations for management options that must be carried out (Table 12)
Summary
Sustainability is the way forward for effective management of natural resources, including in tourism management, since it is an integral part of tourism policy and strategy [1]. Given the interconnectedness of tourism pressure and sustainability, the relevance of tourism sustainability is critical [2]. The sustainability assessment is an increasingly important area of research in the field of tourism. It is critical to ensure consistent development of tourist destinations and products [3,4]. The challenge of sustainability is more pronounced on tourism objects or attractions that rely heavily on nonrenewable resources, such as geological resources [5]
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