THE ROLE OF SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE MARINE TOURISM BASED ON BIO-ECOREGION (CASE STUDY IN BALI, INDONESIA)

Abstract

Sea turtle conservation management is part of natural tourism activities which are often referred to as ecotourism based on bio-ecoregion. Conservation activities by taking into account environmental, socio-cultural and economic aspects receive special attention by the community, especially sea turtle conservation. In Indonesia, one of the areas that conducts sea turtle conservation in Bali. This research aim to analysis the role of sea turtle conservation education for sustainable marine tourism based on bio-ecoregion (Case Study in Bali, Indonesia). The method used in this research is quantitative descriptive. The data used in this research primary and secondary data. The data collection technique used purposive sampling with 60 respondents consisting of tourists. Based on the research results of sea turtle conservation management in Bali tourism area from the ecological, social and institutional aspects it has a low value while from the economic aspect it has a high value. Lessons learned from the management of sea turtle conservation in Bali by emphasizing the socio-cultural aspects are able to produce modern sea turtle conservation management with the concept of ecotourism based on bio-ecoregion and able to improve the economy of the local community. The results of the activity showed that tourists who visit the sea turtle conservation area are provided with information about the sea turtle population that has decreased and is included in the protected animals. Conservation education aims to introduce tourists to raising awareness of the sustainability of sea turtle resources.