Ecotourism Activities Research Articles

Socio-legal problem of ecotourism in Colombia: perspective in Sabana Occidente Cundinamarca geographical region

Ecotourism has been seen globally as a phenomenon of economic activity and leisure that generates an alternative way with minimal environmental impact with respect to universal tourism. A reflection is made about the socio-legal problematic of the ecotourism activity in Colombia, showing a panorama of the conditions of the services and activities offered and reflections of this situation in Sabana Occidente province of Cundinamarca. In this way, an ecotourism perspective that complies with the regulations that govern it from the social, economic and environmental aspects could be treated, presenting that this set of areas in an integral manner are essential content in terms of sustainability. It is widely seen that security, second language management, informality of supply, sustainability, difficulty in accessing tourist sites and transport, publicity and quality in the provision of services are the factors of ecotourism they are immersed in this problem that includes elements based on the need for stability and effectiveness of the sector framed in a sustainable development environment.

Reintroducing the GeoNames that features the land and water near the Montufar and Bingay Points in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, Philippines

Purpose–The paper aims to generate analytical data to reintroduce the geographic naming based on the existing coastwise feature names as part of contextualizing the ecosystem relative to risk reality phenomena that are based on the actual land and water uses inthe study area.Method–ArcGIS platform was used to assess the following: (i) coastwise feature names based on the Special Report of the United States Board of Geographic Names Relating to the Geographic Names in the Philippine Island, (ii) Topographical features and feature names, (iii) politico-administrativeand planning subdivisions, (iv) income classification of the study area, (v) natural and physical map features of the study area, (vi) disaster risk reality phenomenon, (vii) The Agta IPs environmental and Disaster RiskReduction Practices relative to the ecosystem and actual uses of land and water in the study areaResults–Coastwise feature naming describes the physical environment that features the mountain, river, historical, cultural, or events being named, etc. The Coastwise feature names are essential in improving and promoting eco-tourism activities on the coast of Prieto Diaz as the home of the indigenous people who traditionally settle and move to another settlement merely remaining speaking their mother tongue"Agta Tabangnon and Bicol Sorsogon''. Although the income classification of Prieto Diaz is low, during the COVID-19 lockdown the locally produced food supply was sufficient to feed Prieto Diaznon. This implies that the coping capacity during pandemic somehow hinted that the land and water utilization remain stable municipal wide. It generally implies the friendliness of Prieto Diaznon which resembles the indigenous people's friendliness to the environment before the Spaniards colonization. The natural resources are generally conserved and protected although some built-up areas were impacted by the calamities and natural hazards. But in terms of disaster risk reality was calculated to be 92% which means the study area is somewhat resilient to resilient municipalities. The remaining 8% are areas mostly located in low-lying and coastal areas.Conclusion–The coastwise feature names relating to the geographic names in the Philippine Islands remain in use for coastal directions, research to monitor sedimentation significant in assessing the general development of a regional understanding of the vegetation and climate dynamics, and weather forecasts. This study concludes that the coastwise feature names or geographic names are significant to characterize the riskor resiliency realities of the old barrios up to the present barangays. Furthermore, the coastwise feature names relating to the geographic names in the Philippine Islands remain useful to attract more tourists and researchers to visit a place virtually or on-site during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Recommendations–Reintroduction of the geographic names by way of contextualization risk or resilience reality theory of Abante (2021a;2020a) and incorporating the of the Popper (1978)theory on "worldof contents of thought",Meiring (1993) theory on 'place names', and Quine (1953) cited the Strawson's logical theory of reference on backing the naming with descriptions can also reintroduce a place starting from the 'VisitangDaan' myth up to the present barangays via internet especially during the new normal after COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen linkages and trading.

EXAMINING THE TOURISM IMAGE IN PANDEMIC USING STRUCTURED AND UNSTRUCTURED TECHNIQUES

The objective of the research is to analyze the effects caused by COVID-19 on the image of the tourist destination in Baños de Agua Santa that it is located in the province of Tungurahua. Nowadays, the current pandemic that Ecuador and all the world is going through has caused a drastic drop in the tourist activity in this city. In fact, this place has been considered one of the main destinations in the country. Consequently, the development of the study was based on a mixed methodology, which combines structured and unstructured investigative techniques in order to encompass a holistic study of the image of the destination. Furthermore, it was assessed the attributes, the common and unique characteristics, and the holistic impressions evoked by this destination; with a view to determine its image with respect to the effects caused by the current health crisis. Moreover, the results achieved show that Baños de Agua Santa, despite the pandemic, retains its image as an ideal tourist destination for the practice of ecotourism activities, adventure tourism, thermal tourism and religious tourism. In addition, it is projected as a safe destination with regarding the application of the biosafety protocols established by the competent authorities to stop the spread of the virus without stopping the activities of this important economic sector.

Development and implementation of sustainability criteria and indicators for eco-lodges and resorts in ecotourism destinations: Case studies from India

Ecotourism is the fastest advancing and developing market within the tourism enterprise and with faster progress; it's leaving an acute impact on the ecosystem. One of the significant stakeholders that can promote sustainability is ecotourism accommodation providers. In order to minimize their carbon footprint and negative environmental effects, many hotels and resorts around the world have launched innovative cost-saving measures. The sustainability of a destination for ecotourism is partly dependent on the success of local eco-lodges and resorts. Certification has emerged as a strong instrument for helping to conserve natural resources and cultural heritage. The study was planned to develop performance management standard criteria and indicators (C&I) for eco-lodges and resorts in order to track sustainability and current eco-tourism activities in India. The main objective is to ensure the fulfillment of the goals of ecotourism and to evaluate the working standard that is practiced in different destinations. After the stakeholder consultation, the draft standard of criteria and indicators was developed and accompanied by a comprehensive primary survey. To test the parameters of C & I, a case study review was performed across 10 prominent eco-lodges in India, which are located near ecotourism destinations. The findings of the study include the natural, social and economic aspects, along with a set of 3 principles, 5 criteria, and 86 indicators to determine the sustainable functioning of eco-lodges and resorts. Implementation of the C & I on the resorts showed that only two resorts were fully fulfilling all the C & I showing their activeness toward better sustainable management of their operations Best practice examples from different hotels of different sizes, ownership, and locations across India are also mentioned in the paper. Such examples reflect green management initiatives that support local communities, protect natural resources and cultural practices, etc.

LONG-TERM RESEARCH INTO WEEKEND TOURIST TRAFFIC IN ROCK-CAVE OJCOW NATIONAL PARK (POLAND) FOR THE NEEDS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Ojców National Park is distinguished geo- and landscape diversity by Polish national’s parks. It is primarily associated with Jurassic rock formations and niche-caves, which are the main attractions of the park. The research covered the main places visited by tourists – the rock formations of the Castle and the Krakow Gate, the caves Lokietka and Dark Cave, as well as restaurants in the center of the village Ojców. The main focus was on the tourist load on attractions and tourist infrastructure, identifying the main trends over the 20-year observation period and developing recommendations for choosing approaches to sustainable service for visitors to the park. The article discusses the load and structure of weekend tourist traffic in the central part of Ojcow National Park for a long period of time (1998–2017). The results are based on direct observation at the OPN entrance gates and sites on the weekends during the summer season (July-August). It has been established that the total number of visitors in the central part of the park varies from 1.2 to 2.5 thousand people, depending on the weather, which is 1.5-2 times higher than the average daily attendance. The structure of visitors is dominated by small (family) groups (85–91%) and adults and youth (over 70%). During the 20-year observation period, certain trends in the structure and spatial distribution of tourism flows have been identified. In particular, there is an increase in the number of motoring tourists, the share of cyclists (up to 15% of the total flow of visitors) and the attractiveness of educational sites. These long-term studies of the load of tourism flow in the OPN allowed us to assert the phenomena of overtourism in the park, in particular, in its central part over the weekends. Based on the results of recording tourists and questionnaires filled in by the tourists, recommendations for the implementation of elements of sustainable development of the recreational and tourist sphere of the park have been developed. They envisage bringing a network of parking lots to the periphery of the park, dispersal of the main tourism flows, wider introduction of the educational-ambling model of visiting with an emphasis on ecotourism activities. Key words: park; tourism flow; caves; rock formations; visitors; structure; load; sustainable development.

Pelatihan Bahasa Inggris dan Pengelolaan Mangrove untuk Pemberdayaan Karang Taruna dalam Pengembangan Objek Wisata Mangrove

Training of English Language and Mangrove Management for Youth Empowerment in Mangrove Tourism Object Development
 Karang taruna is a youth organization in a village. This community service program was aimed to train Karang Taruna member in Sumber Jaya Village, Kota Bengkulu speaking English which can be used to guide foreign tourists and and to educate them about mangroves and its management for ecotourism activities. The activity was carried out in three stages: 1) the preparation; 2) the planning; 3) the implementation stage. In the third stage, an evaluation was carried out through the practice of speaking English and distributing questionnaires about English language skills and knowledge about mangroves. After the service activities were carried out, the results showed that the participants: 1) 100% understood how to greet and introduce in English; 2) 90% could explain the information about interest place in English; 3) 90% could ask and answer in English; 4) 100% could explain about tourism object in English; 5) 100% could explain about the rules of travel in English; 6) 100% could answer about tourism object; 7) 100% could convey likes and dislikes; 8) 100% could hosting; 9) 90% could explain how to make organic fertilizers; 10) 90% could explain the making of handicrafts; 11) 100% understood the function, potential and types of mangrove forests; 12) 90% knew the tourism management based on mangrove conservation; 13) 90% understood maintenance and improvement of mangrove quality; 14) 100% understood management through tourism diversification; 15) 90% understood mangrove tourism infrastructure; 16) 100% understood the potential of mangroves that can be processed into souvenirs. The results of the service can be concluded that the Karang Taruna members have understood about English language technique specifically to tour guide and had an understanding of mangroves.

The Relationship Between Ecotourism Awareness and Ecotourism Perception

Ethics committee approval was obtained for the research from the Ethics Committee of Sirnak University on 09.04.2021 (No:2021/32). The main purpose of the research is to examine the relationship between people's ecotourism awareness and their ecotourism perception, who living in Şırnak province. In this context, data were collected by questionnaire between April 10 and May 30, 2021 using the quantitative research method. Data were collected through WhatsApp, Facebook, e-mail, and face-to-face interviews. The population of the research consists of local people and people residing in Şırnak province for at least 5 years over the age of 18. The sample of the research is people living in Şırnak province (421 participants) who participated in the research representing the universe. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that there is a high-level positive linear relationship between awareness regarding meaning of ecotourism with ecotourism perception. In addition, it was determined that there is a low level of the positive linear relationship between awareness regarding meaning of ecotourism with awareness regarding applicable ecotourism activities, and between awareness regarding applicable ecotourism activities with ecotourism perception. Also, it was determined that the results of the regression analysis also supported these results.

Exploring the ecotourism service experience framework using the dimensions of motivation, expectation and ecotourism experience

This study explores the ecotourism service experience framework by analysing ecotourists’ motivations and expectations, as well as the dimensions of ecotourism experiences. A total of 51 ecotourists were interviewed in person at ecotourist lodges in Lower Kinabatangan, Malaysia. Interview responses were analysed using thematic analysis, and a multi-data triangulation was carried out to identify key service experience dimensions guided by the co-creation concept. Findings reveal that motivations and expectations of ecotourists are connected to the dimensions of ecotourism experiences. Several findings reveal that key dimensions include ‘wildlife’, ‘nature/environment’ and ‘experiences driven from ecotourism activities’ (such as riverboat cruises and jungle trekking). Based on the interviews, these dimensions can be further interpreted and conceptualised as ‘education’, ‘aesthetic’, ‘escape’ and ‘entertainment’, similar to the four realms of experience in the experience economy model by Pine and Gilmore (1998 , 1999) . Hence, an ecotourism service experience framework, comprising both tangible and intangible elements, is proposed as a sound and practical approach to understanding ecotourism service experiences. This study offers empirical evidence and an innovative approach by identifying the ecotourism service experience dimensions and exploring a relevant framework, which was previously neglected. Ecotourism operators should utilise the four identified service experience dimensions to stage unique ecotourism experiences and enhance destination attractiveness and competitiveness. Experiential marketing can capitalise on these dimensions as innovative selling points and attract ecotourists, thus providing practical value in marketing ecotourism destinations.

Impact of Ecotourism on Local Community’s Participation in Coastal Resource Management: Case of Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS) in Northern Luzon, Philippines

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) managed by the community has been a popular tool for coastal and resource management in the Philippines. As the MPAs limit the use of the resources, the eco-biological components of the marine environment have been preserved and maintained, which opened opportunities for ecotourism activities. Thus, ecotourism has been developed as one way of gaining economic benefits from the coastal and marine resources while conserving biodiversity and restoring critical habitats by shifting resource exploitation from an extractive to a non-extractive usage. This study was conducted using household surveys and key informant interviews to investigate whether ecotourism's development affects the local community's participation and support on MPA management using the case of Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS) in northern Luzon, Philippines. The respondents recognized the impacts of ecotourism on their family welfare, fishing activities, and involvement in MPA management. In particular, ecotourism development strengthens local communities' support for coastal resource management, especially if it provides enough sources of income. The results of this study could provide information to resource managers and policymakers on crafting sustainable ecotourism and alternative livelihood policies in MPAs, taking into account its possible impacts on the coastal fishing communities.

Underwater trail: A tool for an integrated management of marine protected areas in the Western Mediterranean Basin

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are considered as a cornerstone for the protection of the marine heritage and promotion of the integrated management approach. They are also areas conducive to the development of environmental education, scientific research and tourism activities. Underwater trails (UWTs) as ecotourism activities are very popular in MPAs, combining discovery and environmental education.The objective of this paper is to highlight and to provide a deeper understanding on how marine ecotourism activity may contribute to the implementation of an integrated management of an MPA by taking as a case study the implementation of UWTs in Taza National Park (TNP) in Algeria. For this purpose, the methodology concerns a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) based on interviews, survey and document analysis of the implementation process of the UWTs. The main results were grouped into five (5) themes: stakeholders’ engagement, management model of the UWT, capacity building, UWT as a management tool and legal framework.The obtained results have validated the hypothesis that these UWTs could contribute to the good governance of the future MPA, in particular by delegating their management to diving clubs, contributing to local stakeholders’ capacity building, and improving the communication between them. The evaluation of the participatory process, also, underlines the lack of effective stakeholder engagement and the importance of developing a strategy to assess their commitment throughout the process.

The Diversity and Conservation Status of Snakes in Rawa Mekar Jaya, Riau, Indonesia

Snakes in Mekar Jaya mangrove ecosystem have the potential be ecotourism objects. On the other hand ecotourism activities might reduce the quality of wildlife habitat, including that of the snake. This study aimed to determine the diversity and status of snake species in the mangrove ecosystem of Rawa Mekar Jaya. A transect of 20 x 50 m was made in three stations: rivers (S1), ecotourism route (S2), and dense mangroves (S3). The observation was carried out at low tide and repeated three times with a span of 2 days. Snake data was collected using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method. We revealed 59 snakes in the mangrove area of Rawa Mekar Jaya consisting of 3 species namely Boiga dendrophila, Cerberus rynchops, and Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus. B. dendrophila and C. rhyncops are mangrove specialists. The Shannon Wiener diversity index value (H ') for all observation stations is below one, so it is classified as low. All types of snakes found are not protected and classified as the least concern. C. rynchops is included in the CITES appendix III

Implementing sustainable ecotourism in Lafour region, Iran: Applying a clustering method based on SWOT analysis

Nowadays, one of the growing and remarkable branches of tourism is ecotourism. Ecotourism has a great impact on the development of a region from different perspectives. Hence, by improving and developing sustainable ecotourism in a region, it will be possible to develop and improve its economic, social, and environmental situation. The Lafour region is one of the potential hubs for ecotourism activities in Iran. Despite the high potential of this region for ecotourism activities, it has not yet achieved its suitable position in this domain. Hence, the main goal of this study is to develop sustainable goals for ecotourism in the region. To meet the target, first, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT factors) are identified through interviews with tourists, local residents, and the experts, filed observation, and considering similar works in the literature review. Then, some practical and useful strategies are determined based on SWOT analysis and consulting with the experts. The important point of the study is proposing an applicable heuristic clustering method based on SWOT analysis to classify the strategies into different clusters. To prioritize the strategies in each cluster, the commonly used Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method called the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is applied. This paper concludes and reveals that the three strategies including ST6 “Encouraging investors and entrepreneurs to establish ecotourism centers in the region”, ST5 “Establishing and improving the hygiene units and the medical clinics in the region”, and ST3 “Improving and diversifying tourism services and products to attract tourists and increase their satisfaction” have the greatest impact on accomplishing sustainable development goals in the region.

Selling captive nature: Lively commodification, elephant encounters, and the production of value in Sumatran ecotourism, Indonesia

Ecotourism has become an increasingly important market-based practice in nature conservation. Several scholars and non-governmental organizations have discussed this as a commodification of nature in the context of capitalist expansion, but only a few have examined how value is produced in this process. Focusing on ecotourism in Tangkahan, in the Sumatra Island of Indonesia, this paper looks at how value is produced in human-elephant encounters. It builds on the concepts of lively commodities and encounter value to show how the incorporation of captive elephants in ecotourism generates value from two layers of interactions between humans and nonhumans. First, captive elephants are trained by mahouts for the encounters with tourists; then, the production of value takes place through tourists’ encounters with the elephants in ecotourism activities (elephant bathing, elephant grazing, and trekking alongside the elephants). We argue that the expansion of the commodification of nature in some cases requires an understanding of the way this encounter value produces a ‘captive nature’: lively beings that are enclosed, managed, and employed to sell experiences.

Editorial: Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) Studies in the Ocean

BACI is not a perfect methodology, as site choice and sampling rate need to be determined strategically (Smokorowki and Randall, 2017), but baseline studies before expected large-scale impacts lend themselves to the “before” or “control” portions of BACI experiments. [...]learning how to best implement BACI methodologies from other ecological fields and applying them to the ocean could provide a common language for understanding human impacts. The articles show that sound was significantly reduced during the early months of the pandemic (1) at a cold-water coral reef under a passenger ferry route between Norway and Sweden (De Clippele and Risch), (2) in a high-traffic area for cruise ships in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska (Gabriele et al.), (3) in a sperm whale habitat in the Bahamas (Dunn et al.), (4) at two sites in the Baltic Sea (Basan et al.), (5) in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Ryan et al.), and (6) in the Halifax Harbor of Nova Scotia (Breeze et al.). Fernandez-Betelu et al. found that far-field impulsive sounds from pile driving do not force coastal bottlenose dolphins to vacate their habitat, but do affect their behavior, whereas Benhemma-Le Gall et al. determined that harbor porpoises were displaced during pile-driving activities and from associated construction vessel activity for offshore wind farms. [...]Stack et al. used a “before-after” scale of hours in a tropical environment in Australia, to show potentially detrimental behavioral changes in humpback whales due to ecotourism activities.

Bird diversity analysis in the lower mountain forest of mount Bulusaraung to support ecotourism’s activities in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

Lower mountain forest in the complex of Mount Bulusaraung Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, is a one of bird’s habitat in the South Sulawesi. This area is a tourist destination, especially mountain climbing activities. Thus, it is necessary to know the diversity of animals, especially birds on this hiking trail, so that the information can be used to support ecotourism activities. This study aims to analyze the diversity of bird species in the complex of Bulusaraung Mountain, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in order to support ecotourism activities. This research was conducted from April to June 2018. Data was collected using the line transect method on three lines, namely the Balleanging, Kattokaddaro and Tompobulu lines. The second and third paths are hiking trails, while the rest are trails leading to community agricultural areas. The geographical position of the transect line was recorded using GPS. The GIS method was used to generate a bird watching trail map. Data analysis was carried out to calculate the individual density and frequency of bird presence. In addition, the species diversity indices, species evenness indices, and species richness indices were also calculated. The results showed that there were 44 species of birds found in the study area, which were 16 species in the Balleanging line, 27 species in the Kattokaddaro line and 37 species in the Tompobulu line. The highest bird species diversity indices value was found on the Tompobulu line (H' = 2.93), while on the Kattokaddaro line it was H' = 2.73 and the Balleanging H' = 2.55. The results of this study will support the management strategy in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in order to harmonize the conservation of biological resources through ecotourism activities that involve local communities to increase their economic income.

The sustainability of the diversity of marine macrofauna associated with seagrass through ecotourism in The Mandalika Exclusive Economic Zone Lombok Island, Indonesia

Ecotourism activities play an essential role in protecting and managing natural habitats and the species found in the habitat and creating economic benefits for the surrounding community. However, some parties state that ecotourism has a negative effect on the environment if it does not correctly follow the area’s rules and the ecotourism activities are not monitored and appropriately assessed. The objective of this study were : (i) to evaluate the diversity of seagrass and associated macrofauna at the Kuta ecotourism site in the Mandalika area of Lombok Island Indonesia and (ii) to know the response of the surrounding community and stakeholders in terms of the role of ecotourism in supporting the sustainability of the seagrass ecosystem in its function as an important factor in maintaining the diversity of marine macrofauna in the area. Data collection methods related to seagrass diversity and associated biota (Bivalves and Echinoderms) were carried out using the line transect method and the quadrat method. Meanwhile, the perception and response data of the community was obtained through observation and interviews. Data analysis was carried out in a qualitative descriptive manner. The results showed that there were 8 species of seagrass found. Seagrass species Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea rotundata have the highest density of about 18.48 ind/m2, and Enhalus acoroides has the highest area of coverage, which is around 16.41 ind/m2. The highest macrofauna diversity was fish (10 families with 16 species) followed by Echinoderms (7 families with 9 species), and Bivalves (5 families with 7 species). Respondents in the fishermen category showed their understanding that ecotourism in their area plays an important role in supporting the sustainability of seagrass ecosystems, and this condition affects maintaining the diversity of associated marine macrofauna. This is supported by the findings that there has been a transition in the use of marine biota fishing gear, namely from the use of tools/methods that are not environmentally friendly to the use of tools/methods that are environmentally friendly. The most encouraging thing is that the use of bombs has completely stopped after ecotourism started in their area. Thus, it can be concluded that the existence of ecotourism in the Mandalika has had a positive influence on the behavior of fishing communities, especially in maintaining the seagrass ecosystem which is important in supporting the sustainability of marine macrofauna biodiversity in the Mandalika, South Coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS AND CONSERVATION OF Rafflesia arnoldii : INDONESIAN ENDEMIC PLANT CONSERVATION

Rafflesia arnoldii is one of the rare endemic plants in Indonesia. This endemic plant has unique characteristics and has various kinds of modifications that differentiate it from other plants. However, this largest-flower plant is classified as an endangered plant. It is due to its limited life cycle and distribution area. Many kinds of habitat destruction caused by human activities also threaten the existence of this endemic plant. Besides, it is highly dependent on the presence of its host plant, Tetrastigma sp. Therefore, conservation actions are needed. Conservation is implemented through in-situ or ex-situ conservation. It can be optimized by utilizing ecotourism activities that involve local communities.

DOMESTIC MARKET DEMAND IDENTIFICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE BAMBOO ECOTOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IN SEMBALUN LAWANG


 
 
 
 Despite its applaudable economic benefits (Fleischer & Felsenstein 2000, Goodwin 2008), over-tourism could cause detrimental effects on environment and local cultures. Ecotourism as one of the fastest growing industries in the world (UNWTO, 2001; Self et al, 2010) that balances between economic opportunity as well as cultural and natural preservation should be pervasively applied in Indonesia with abundant natural and cultural competitiveness as the third largest biodiversity in the world after Brazil and Zaire (Janita, 2012). Previous studies revealed the needs to conduct research on responsible marketing and very limited studies investigate responsible product development for bamboo ecotourism concept. Hence, this quantitative study with 64 respondents (18-53 y-o) aims at examining Indonesian domestic market needs and trends as a basis to design responsible bamboo ecotourism products as a part of responsible marketing efforts in Sembalun Lawang, Lombok, Indonesia. This study was carried out through online questionnaire by attaching short-video and description about Sembalun Lawang bamboo forest attractions for ecotourism. The research result shows that 92% of respondents found the bamboo forest is attractive and suitable for ecotourism concept. Among 18 potential activities, the study shows top five desired bamboo ecotourism activities encompassing; picture taking at natural spots, nature walk, learning about local culture on bamboo usage, learning about types and benefits of bamboo plants, and enjoying surrounding fauna and flora. Since the study is confined to Indonesian domestic market research, further research should be carried out to examine international market research trend for responsible bamboo ecotourism development.
 
 
 

Kajian Pengelolaan Ekowisata di Desa Bendosari Kecamatan Pujon Kabupaten Malang

Study of Ecotourism Management in Bendosari Village, Pujon District, Malang Regency. The concept of ecotourism is one alternative to develop an area into a tourist destination that pays attention to environmental sustainability by utilizing the potential of natural and cultural resources of the local community.Therefore, the existence of the concept of ecotourism can ensure the preservation of nature and its ecosystem. This study aims to: 1) Identify the potential and problems in Bendosari Village, Pujon District, Malang Regency, 2) Identify the feasibility level of ecotourism in Bendosari Village, Pujon District, MalangRegency, and 3) Develop a strategy for developing ecotourism areas in Bendosari Village, Pujon District, Malang Regency. Collecting data in this study using survey methods (observations and interviews), literature study and documentation methods. Analysis of the data used, namely: first qualitative descriptive analysis, second feasibility analysis based on the Guidelines (ADO-ODTWA) of the Director General of PHKA 2003 and the last is SWOT analysis. The results showed that: 1) The potential of natural resources in the ecotourism area of Bendosari Village, namely: the potential for flora and fauna, the potential for naturetourism, the potential for educational tourism, the potential for craft tourism and the potential for cultural tourism. The problems of ecotourism in Bendosari Village include the low quality of human resources, limited funds and the role of the Malang Regency Government which has not been active. 2) Ecotourism inBendosari Village is feasible to be developed as a tourist attraction with the results of the Guideline assessment (ADO-ODTWA) of 82.71%. 3) The strategy for developing Ecotourism in Bendosari Village is an expansion strategy (supporting offensive strategies) with alternative strategies that include: maximizing thedevelopment of ecotourism packages, empowering local communities in ecotourism activities, increasing security in tourist attractions, and maximizing tourism potential management.

Geochemical baseline establishment, contamination level and ecological risk assessment of metals and As in the Limoncocha lagoon sediments, Ecuadorian Amazon region

PurposeThe Limoncocha lagoon, inside a Ramsar site in the Ecuadorian Amazon, increasingly hosts ecotourism and energy development activities. This work estimates the local sediments’ baseline of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn using four methods. This makes it possible to apply single and integrated pollution indices to estimate the contamination level and the ecological risk of the sediments.MethodsSeven sites were analysed for metal(oid)s by ICP-MS. The local baseline was estimated using the relative cumulative frequency method, the iterative 2σ- and 4σ-outlier-techniques and the normalisation method to a “conservative” element. Combinations of single Cf and Ef and integrated indices (NPI, mNPI, mCd, MEQ, RI, mPELq, mERMq and TRI) were applied.ResultsThe relative cumulative frequency method had the best performance for the geochemical baselines. Cf and Ef indices classify sediments from a “low contamination” remote site to the “moderate contamination” and “minor enrichment” of the remaining sites due to As, Cd and Zn concentrations. The overall analysis of the integrated indices results in Ni, Zn and Cu being identified as priority pollutants because they have occasionally been associated with adverse biological effects in the centre of the lagoon and in the most anthropised areas. These are classified as moderately polluted with a medium–low priority risk level.ConclusionsThis work provides sediment baseline and contamination indicators for pollutants, which could be incorporated into the sediment quality assessment and monitoring programme of the Limoncocha lagoon. Ni, Cd and Cr due to the high baseline values in comparison with SQGs, and Cu and Zn due to their potential risk, should be of special attention.Graphical abstract