Local Community Perspectives Research Articles

Empowering sustainability: bridging science, community, and youth for a brighter future

BackgroundSustainability science has become a crucial aspect of interdisciplinary research aimed at finding practical solutions and driving lasting change. This article examines the challenges facing sustainability science to move beyond the analysis of problems within interconnected systems and critically evaluate the interplay of social, political, and technological factors in the application of knowledge to action.ResultsThe study highlights the influence of innovation implemented by companies on their sustainability performance, the establishment of innovations that positively affect sustainability performance, and analyzes the youth and local community perspectives on scientific innovations for a sustainable future.ConclusionsThe main conclusion is that sustainable development needs to focus on four areas of research: the impact of values ​​on research and decisions; community perspectives on sustainability; fostering socio-technical progress; and promoting learning for sustainable development. By decoding science, positive change can be achieved through the implementation of strategies such as transparency, understandability, and openness to scientific knowledge.

Exploring the link between foresight and artificial intelligence methods to strengthen collective future-building in contexts of social instability

Purpose The study explores the connection between foresight and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in a community within an environment of social instability in Colombia. It aims to contribute to research on aligning these methods for future-shaping, with the goal of enhancing shared governance, peer learning and collective learning among traditional decision-makers and local communities in emerging countries. The study seeks to foster a community of social actors who are likely to engage constructively in strategic dialogues. To enhancing shared governance and learning a hybrid model is synthesized, combining foresight and computational intelligence. Design/methodology/approach The case study explores the integration of computational intelligence and foresight through Gaston Bachelard's (Bachelard, 1936) phenomenology concept of ante-perception. The mathematical representation of the cone of scenarios provides a structured way to explore multiple future pathways, allowing communities to visualize and compare different trajectories and make informed decisions amid uncertainty. The model facilitates critical reflections on present assumptions, deepening insights into future scenarios. Ante-perception challenges traditional approaches to foresight by encouraging a break from established experiences, allowing for novel insights into possible futures. When enriched by computational intelligence, this reflective process is further strengthened by quantitative approach scenario modeling. Findings This research develops and tests a proposal that includes the logic and methods for constructing a mathematical representation of the cone of scenarios. This process, which is interactive and deliberative, is driven by anticipation and combines qualitative and quantitative approaches within a context of high uncertainty. By combining the critical reflection facilitated by ante-perception with the predictive power of computational intelligence, the model allows communities to transcend established thought patterns and explore innovative future possibilities. This integrative approach helps them envision and work toward social self-transformation. Research limitations/implications The article aims to identify the creation of scenarios in contexts of high uncertainty, to respond to the needs of communities in emerging countries to manage change. Practical implications This article explores a novel approach to using foresight for address collective intelligence by developing a shared future vision in high-uncertainty contexts within local communities in emerging countries. The application of the hybrid model demonstrates that foresight is a key innovative social tool for developing long-term strategic reflection and planning for territories. Social implications In developing long-term reflective processes, explaining phenomena, mechanisms and correlations requires the use of value judgments. This set of value judgments requires a representation that facilitates their treatment, helps to account for their behavior during the inference process to form a shared future vision. Consequently, ensuring the recognition of the opinions of local communities through participatory discussion spaces and their subsequent refinement, from a technical perspective, aims to illustrate the development of this social construction process. While similarities exist, differences add value through a transfer process, often subconscious. This process stimulates collective learning and builds capacities as knowledge is developed through inquiry, evaluation, interpretation and generalization. Originality/value This research provides a unique hybrid model that fosters collective learning and engagement by integrating local community perspectives with advanced computational intelligence methods. By facilitating both reflective and quantitative approach future-shaping, it offers a practical framework for addressing uncertainty while empowering communities to shape their own futures. It underscores the importance of recognizing local community views through bottom-up participatory discussions, thereby widening the stakeholder community to active engagement in addressing broader societal issues. The case study focuses on community collaboration in Puerto Gaitán, a Colombian municipality.

Family Planning Policies in Peru (1995-2023): Ontological Problems on Fertility and Infertility in Andean and Amazonian Culture

The research proposes a historical analysis of family planning policies in force from 1995 to 2023, with the objective of understanding the problems derived from the Voluntary Surgical Contraception (VSC) program implemented between 1995 and 2000, as well as the current decline of the health system in relation to sexual health and family planning. It addresses the influence of conservative-oriented governments and policies, as well as the interaction with Andean, Amazonian and urban cultural conceptions of fertility and infertility. The methodology employed is historical in nature, with an anthropological and qualitative approach. The findings highlight that policies related to sexuality and family planning in the historical context of the country did not take into account the cultural values and perspectives of local communities, which has contributed to a social gap in the field of public health. It is evident that the mass sterilization policies implemented in Peru during the 1990s suffered from lack of informed consent, pressure and coercion on individuals, having a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable communities. Therefore, this study seeks to provide guidance and recommendations to address the current problem identified.

Perceptions of stakeholders on the use of a simplified, combined protocol for treatment of acute malnutrition in Central African Republic.

Treatment of acute malnutrition requires novel approaches to improve coverage, reduce costs and improve the efficiency of standard protocols that separate the management of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The use of simplified, combined protocols to treat both MAM and SAM has drawn research and policy interest among global, regional and national stakeholders. However, the perspectives of local communities and health care workers regarding the use of protocols to treat acute malnutrition in a routine health care system are generally lacking. This was a cross-sectional mixed-methods study aimed at assessing the perceptions of different stakeholders on the use of a simplified, combined protocol in two districts in the Central African Republic. Most of the respondents preferred the simplified, combined protocol over the standard protocol. They generally agreed that the protocol was easy to understand, allowed more children to receive treatment and was effective in treating acute malnutrition. The protocol modifications were well received, including the expanded admission criteria, use of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) only for admission and discharge criteria and reduced and simplified ready-to-use therapeutic food quantity to treat MAM and SAM. Some caregivers expressed concern with the use of MUAC only to declare recovery, flagging that underlying illnesses could still be present. The caregivers recommended the provision of other food basket interventions to improve the treatment. The support by caregivers and health care workers on the idea of training community health volunteers to treat acute malnutrition points to the potential of scaling up decentralized treatment to increase coverage in remote areas.

Reassessing water resource challenges in a changing climate in the Kagera transboundary river basin, Tanzania

The dynamic shifts in climatic patterns, particularly alterations in precipitation, have significantly impacted water resource availability and accessibility. These climate-induced changes affect hydrological processes, encompassing runoff, groundwater replenishment, water demand, and biophysical patterns within river basins. This study seeks to unravel the multifaceted implications encountered and challenges in water resource management within the river basin. It employed a survey-based approach for data collection, including Key informant interviews (KI), consultation methods and documentary reviews. The study utilized Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel for quantitative analysis and thematic synthesis for qualitative insights, including local community perspectives. The findings reveal substantial fluctuations in precipitation, protracted droughts, severe flooding, and other climatic extremes. The observed annual mean rainfall of 832 mm, with a standard deviation of 248, a standard error of 361, and a skewness of −945, accentuates the pronounced variability in mean precipitation, exhibiting a declining trend indicative of climatic shifts (R2 = 0.1797 and P = 0.002). The challenges are limited access to hydrological and meteorological data, undermining prediction accuracy, infrastructure planning, and response strategies for water resource allocation and management. The absence of unified approaches, influenced by the politics of riparian states, feeble coordination, conflicting sectoral policies, and ambiguous priorities, hinders effective transboundary water resource management. The study addresses these complexities and advocates for institutionalizing robust water management strategies that capitalize on existing resources and foster innovative capacities among critical stakeholders. Central to these efforts is harmonizing and enforcing policies, regulations, and laws governing water use, coupled with a concerted focus on inclusive governance to ensure the sustainability of water resource management. Such effort entails synchronized strategies, programs, plans, and livelihood practices underpinned by active stakeholder involvement in pivotal facets of water resources management.

Community Perspectives on the Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts of the Tomohon International Flower Festival

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the perceptions of the local community regarding the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF). Specifically, the study aims to understand how the residents of Tomohon view the festival's contributions to their economic well-being, social cohesion, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Research methodology: This research used an exploratory approach to analyse residents' perceptions of the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of festival activities in Tomohon. Results: The results of the research indicate that the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) is perceived positively by the local community across several dimensions. Economically, TIFF is seen as a significant contributor to local income, job creation, and regional revenue. Socio-culturally, the festival enhances social interactions, fosters cultural pride, and supports cultural and educational development. However, the community also expressed concerns about environmental sustainability, particularly regarding waste generation and its negative impact on the city’s aesthetics. Limitations: The data gathered reflects the views of the respondents at a specific point in time and may be influenced by personal experiences, biases, or limited knowledge about broader economic, socio-cultural, and environmental factors. Additionally, the sample size, though sufficient for exploratory analysis, may not be fully representative of the entire Tomohon population, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings. Contribution: This article contributes to the broader understanding of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of large-scale cultural events like the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) from the perspective of local communities. This research also serves as a guide for event organizers and policymakers in optimizing the benefits of festivals while addressing community concerns, thereby promoting more sustainable and inclusive event planning.

EMOTIONAL SOLIDARITY IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: HOW POLICY AND KNOWLEDGE DRIVE SUPPORT IN GILGIT BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN

The participation of local communities is vital in developing tourism, as their attitudes and behaviours can significantly impact the growth and success of a destination. As the primary recipients of future tourism developments, the perspectives of local communities should guide the creation of sustainable policies aimed at maximising benefits and minimising negative impacts. The study examines how government policy, tourism knowledge, emotional solidarity, and support for tourism development are interrelated among the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Based on a quantitative and cross-sectional research design with two sampling stages comprising quota and purposive sampling, 216 responses from the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan were collected and analysed through Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). It was revealed that government policy and tourism knowledge influence residents' welcoming nature and emotional closeness, and they contribute to their support for tourism development. The findings underscore the importance of establishing targeted and effective support systems between stakeholders to sustain the benefits of tourism development.

Emotional attachment and philosophical worldviews explain human connectedness to nature in abandoned rural Spain

Land abandonment and rural depopulation are escalating worldwide, presenting sustainability dilemmas for both rural and urban regions. However, there remains a dearth of research on the sociocultural dimensions of abandonment from a local standpoint. This investigation focuses on a case study conducted in southeastern Spain, wherein a social survey was used to evaluate the perspectives of local communities concerning human–nature interconnectedness, land abandonment, and their impacts on quality of life. A survey campaign was administered in the case study region during the spring of 2021, and 122 surveys were collected. The findings identify, in the context of the progressive abandonment of rural lands in Spain, key factors that explain the desire of local people to inhabit and not abandon rural regions in southeastern Spain. Our results also show a strong connection between people and nature in rural Spain, which is explained by the capacity of locals to form relational values in rural environments and the existence of philosophical worldviews and emotional attachments to rural lifestyles. However, barriers to not abandoning rural environments were also identified, including a lack of professional and economic opportunities. Our results suggest that the mitigation of depopulation in rural areas in Spain requires actions to foster land stewardship and address socioeconomic imbalances.

Unveiling the ecological alarm: People's perception towards exploring the impact of invasive plants on biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Western Himalaya

This paper presents the insights from both an ecological and people's perception study, aimed at understanding the ecological status of selected two common Invasive Alien Plants species (IAPs), i.e., Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) King & Robinson and Lantana camara L., and the perspectives of local communities towards their use, status, and influence on biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as controlling measures of these species. For the examination of the distribution and spread of these invasive species in the forests, a quadrat-based phytosociological assessment was conducted in the three dominant forest types [Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn f.), Chir-pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.), and Banj-oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus)] of Uttarakhand State. However, to assess the perception and awareness of local communities towards these IAPs and their impacts on local biodiversity, ecosystem services, and processes, a questionnaire-based study was conducted in seven villages of the Nainital district, spanning three different vegetation zones: Sal, Chir-pine, and Banj-oak forests. Perception data were gathered from 112 households through questionnaire surveys and interviews with key informants such as teachers, elders, community leaders, and researchers. The results of the ecological assessment indicate that the mid-elevation zone, particularly the Chir-pine forest, is highly prone to species invasion. However, findings from the perception study reveal that the people are aware of these invasive species, and their negative impacts on human and animal health, native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and ecological processes. Interestingly, over the past decade, invasive alien plant species (IAPs) have interfered with forests in the study area, leading to a decline in native species. According to local perceptions, factors such as deforestation, forest fires, climate change, increased transportation, no use of species in daily life, and grazing have contributed significantly to the spread of these IAPs. However, some people use these species as fencing wood, firewood, and for composting, etc. The results of this study indicate that awareness and educational initiatives could play a crucial role in mitigating and managing invasion in the Himalayan region.

Troubling masculinities: a feminist, relational approach to researching sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers

ABSTRACT This article reflects on my political and methodological choices around interviews and the empirical insights they have yielded into the causes and consequences of peacekeeper sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). I explore a feminist, relational approach that pursues generative, collaborative discussions with interlocutors during which inquiry and analysis are co-developed. I discuss how this approach created better spaces for collaborative dialogue and meaning-making with my interlocutors and set foundations for a relational analysis by allowing me to hear the discordant perspectives of institutions and local communities about the causes, consequences and experiences of SEA. I outline two empirical arguments this approach generated, to illustrate the method and its outcomes, and show that listening for how people experience the structures and power of peacekeeping generates robust analysis and can ground a dynamic relationship between researchers, communities and institutions which can be a valuable mechanism for challenging institutional preferences for instrumental analyses.

Defining and cultivating creative citizenship in northern Thailand: enhancing urban livability through sustainable tourism

Purpose This qualitative investigation is one of a series of sub-investigations under an umbrella project to develop Lampang Creative Livable Tourist City. The aim of this paper is to explore the integration of sustainable tourism into the development of Lampang, a city in northern Thailand. By collaborating with government and private agencies, academics, community leaders and the people of Lampang to reskill and upskill core community groups in the city, the researchers hope to enhance active citizenship, develop relevant skills and foster leadership networks that boost Lampang’s appeal as a sustainable tourism destination. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from brainstorming meetings, focus group discussions, observations and in-depth interviews. After identifying key characteristics required for creative citizens of Lampang city, the researchers developed and implemented pilot curricula with five target groups. Activities were developed to nurture creative leaders and promote innovative use of traditional culture and lifestyle. Findings The findings revealed that targeted local curricula can harness the cultural capital of the local community and equip locals with a modern toolkit to lay the foundations for a creative, livable tourist city. Originality/value This study’s originality lies in its grassroots approach to defining creative citizenship. It captures local community perspectives on what constitutes a creative citizen. Moreover, this research demonstrates how custom-designed educational initiatives can effectively nurture a creative and resilient urban ecosystem. This offers a blueprint for culturally informed urban regeneration, highlighting the role of sustainable tourism in enhancing the city’s attractiveness and livability for both residents and visitors.

Scoping the Role of LGBTQI+ Festivals in Regional Australia: A Local Community Perspective

Regional LGBTQI+ festivals and events are on the rise in Australia. They challenge the traditional perceptions of a regional destination that are often positioned and imagined as heteronormative, monoethnic, and monoindustrial. As the popularity of regional LGBTQI+ events increases, there is a need to understand the local community’s perspectives on these events. As such, by focusing on the Broken Heel Festival, hosted in Broken Hill, a regional town in Australia, this research note scopes and initiates discussion around the broader understanding of how regional LGBTQI+ events are transforming the traditional perceptions and values of and about the local community.

Local Community Perspectives on Naming the Mbombo Aukhu Tourism Destination in Oladano Village, Nias

Each tourism destination has unique characteristics that attract tourists' attention and interest. This research focuses on the naming of the Mbombo Aukhu tourism destination in Oladano village, Idanogawo-Nias subdistrict. The objective is to understand the local community's perspective on the naming of Mbombo Aukhu as a tourism destination. Using qualitative research methods, data were collected through observation and direct interviews with local community members. The findings reveal that the name Mbombo Aukhu originates from the naturally warm spring water in the area, which is believed to contain sulfur. The name "Mbombo Aukhu" is derived from the Nias language, where "Mbombo" translates to "gumbu idano" and "Aukhu" means "aukhu-aukhu." The local community supports this naming as it reflects the unique identity and cultural significance of the destination. The implications of this research highlight the importance of incorporating local cultural and linguistic elements in the naming and development of tourism destinations. Understanding and respecting local perspectives can enhance community support and contribute to the sustainable and socially responsible development of tourism.

Exploring local community perspectives on the development of river tourism along the Petagas-Putatan River in Sabah, Malaysia

The research delves into the perceptions regarding the necessary assistance and support required for the development of river tourism along the Petagas-Putatan River. An exploratory qualitative with a total of four focus group discussions consisting of a total of 13 local communities, two local authorities and two local representatives of the district. Assistances needed include financial, tourism trainings related to river tourism and safety, planning and itineraries, customer services, marketing, and promotion. Tourist facilities - jetties, roads, sidewalks, parking lots and retail stalls for food, drinks and souvenirs are vital support for developing river tourism. The condition of the river and local communities’ attitudes towards river cleanliness are the key issues. It contributes to the development of river tourism along river Petagas-Putatan, provide practical implications for river tourism development.

Tradisi Perkawinan pada Masyarakat Desa Tanete Kecamatan Tompobulu Kabupaten Gowa

This research examines the Marriage Tradition in the Tanete Village, Tompobulu Subdistrict, Gowa Regency. The problem in this research is how the marriage tradition is conducted in the Tanete Village community, Tompobulu Subdistrict, Gowa Regency. The type of research used in this study is field research or field research using a descriptive research method. The data sources for this research were obtained from informants through interviews and direct observations. The data in this research include interview results and written data obtained through observations, field notes, interviews, and documentation. The data processing and analysis techniques are carried out through three stages: identifying data, grouping data, and describing data. The research findings are as follows: firstly, the marriage tradition in the Tanete Village community, Tompobulu Subdistrict, Gowa Regency, is carried out with a sequence of Abboya (proposal), the tradition of Abboya in the Makassar community, especially in Tanete village, is one of the traditions in marriage that needs to be preserved because this tradition is a form of diversity in community life. Appatantu Allo (determining the wedding day), in the Tanete Village community, Tompobulu Subdistrict, Appattantu Allo is a fundamental part of the marriage tradition carried out before the marriage contract process takes place because it is related to choosing an auspicious day, which holds special significance according to the local community's perspective.

Barriers to people's participation in watershed intervention projects: perspectives of experts and local communities

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to identify and prioritize people's participation barriers (PPBs) in watershed intervention projects (WIPs), considering the perspectives of both experts and local people in the Dastgerd watershed, Iran. Thirteen important PPBs in the implementation of WIPs were identified in the study. The findings indicated that a lack of participatory guidelines, an expert-oriented decision-making process, and a deficiency in economic incentives during the implementation of WIPs constituted the most crucial PPBs. In addition, according to the two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, there is a significant difference in the perspectives of the two groups regarding the importance of 60% of PPBs. The biggest differences were observed concerning the two barriers of ‘ignoring people's benefit from the project’ and ‘lack of people consultation and attention to their suggestions’. Given the substantial impact of expert opinions on policy-making in watersheds, any misconceptions they hold regarding barriers and incentives for people's participation can lead to adverse outcomes in the planning of soil and water conservation projects. To address this issue, the establishment of think tanks and the facilitation of brainstorming sessions play a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding, aligning the perspectives of local people and experts, and making informed decisions to overcome challenges.

Identifying wildlife corridors to restore population connectivity: An integration approach involving multiple data sources

Identification of wildlife corridors usually prioritizes ecological data while often overlooking the perspectives of local communities despite their relevance. This oversight may contribute to human-wildlife conflicts in surrounding areas. This study aims to demonstrate how multiple data sources and aspects can be integrated to identify wildlife corridors using the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex as a case study. Suitable areas serving as additional wildlife corridors for the Asiatic black bear were identified, and appropriate management strategies to enhance the overall suitability of the wildlife corridor were determined. Firstly, road segments having the potential to serve as additional wildlife corridors were selected based on four criteria related to physical barriers. Then a Bayesian Belief Network was developed to assess the corridor suitability for each proposed road segment by including data from various sources and aspects (ecological data, the human dimension and landscape characteristics). Afterward, eight scenarios were tested to evaluate how they could impact the overall suitability. From seven potential road segments, only three segments showed high suitability to be additional wildlife corridors. Within the assessed 58 km2 area, 13 km2 (22%) were identified as highly suitable for wildlife corridors under current situations. Improving human attitudes toward wildlife corridor construction emerged as the scenario that could increase the overall suitability the most (from 13 to 29 km2) while increasing human threats (hunting, wildlife pet trade, and vehicle collisions) was the scenario that reduced overall suitability the most (from 13 to 4 km2). Our framework in this study is practical, adaptable, and flexible for various decision-making processes. It can also be adapted to other areas and focal species by making relevant adjustments to align with specific landscapes and contexts.

The Implementation of The Village SDGS Program: Factors and Importance Performance Analysis

The implementation of the Village SDGs program is expected to improve the welfare of village communities. However, the large number of SDGs indicators means that the implementation of this program is not focused and does not get optimal results. This research aims to find out what factors in the Village SDGs program are important issues for the people of the Kepulauan Meranti district and how the performance of the Village SDGs program compares with the expectations of the people of the Kepulauan Meranti District. The theory used is the Theory of Sustainable Development by Jeffrey Sachs in 2015. The method used is cross-sectional quantitative analysis with factor analysis and importance performance analysis techniques. The respondents in this research were the people of Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province, totaling 382 participants from each sub-district. The research results show that all variables in the Village SDGs program are priority factors and important problems for the people of Meranti Islands Regency, especially the SDGs (X1) program, namely the problem of poverty alleviation. The results of the important performance analysis show that the variables in quadrant I are X1, X6, X9, X12 and the variables in quadrant II are X2, X4, X5, X16. The variables in quadrant III are X8, X10, X11, X13, X15 and the variables in quadrant IV are X3, X7, X14, X17, X18. The novelty in this research is the implementation of the village SDGs program from the local community's perspective.

Analisis Kebijakan Pendaftaran Tanah Sistematis Lengkap dan Implikasinya terhadap Pembangunan Berkelanjutan di Kota Baubau

This study aims to examine the Complete Systematic Land Registration (CSLR) policy in Baubau City and its impact on sustainable development. This study used qualitative methods by using interviews, document analysis, and field observations to collect data. A sample of respondents consisting of government officials, community members, and community leaders was selected by purposive sampling. Based on the analysis conducted, this study concludes that the successful implementation of CSLR policies in Baubau City has significant implications for sustainable development, including inclusive economic growth, social stability, and increased community participation in the regional development process. Understanding the dynamics of this policy can assist the government and stakeholders in implementing appropriate measures to ensure its sustainable benefits to the people and environment in the city. This research makes a significant contribution to the field of public policy and sustainable development by increasing understanding of policy effectiveness approaches in the context of land registration policies at the local level. This research also provides insight into the factors that influence the successful implementation of CSLR policies. However, this study on CSLR policy and sustainable development in Baubau City has some limitations. The study focuses only on policy aspects without considering the perspectives of local communities, who have unique knowledge and experience and can provide valuable insights into policy implications. Therefore, future research needs to expand the scope of analysis to include policy results, implementation processes, and constraints faced by policy implementers and the public.

Community Perspectives in Developing Bat-Cave Tourism in Leang Londrong, Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park: Comparing The Locals & Tourists

Maros-Pangkep karst formation in South Sulawesi is one of the largest karst environments in the world. One cave located in the area is Leang Londrong and is a part of the management of Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park. The Leang Londrong area is known as tourism spot with water-based tourism as the main attraction and it is also known as the main ecosystem service provider in particular as water sources for many areas. This cave is inhabited by some species of bats. Even now the area is designated for water-based tourism, other potential tourism object such bats roosting inside the cave for tourism development has not been explored. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the perception of local community and tourists visiting the area towards nature, cave, bats and its conservation, as well as cave-bats tourism development. The study was conducted between January-April 2022 by distributing questionnaires to 86 respondents consisted of local community, tourists, and government’s representatives. The results indicated that in general the respondents had limited knowledge on nature, cave, bats and its conservation. In particular with bats, the majority of the respondents have not yet been familiar with bats, understood the roles of bats for the environment, and tended to ignore the existence of bats. However, in relation with nature and conservation, bat conservation, and the development of cave and bat tourism in Leang Londrong, all respondents from the tourist’s side agreed to support (>85%) and for the locals, the number was even higher (>90%). Therefore, from the perspectives of local community and tourists, the chance in developing cave and bat tourism in Leang Londrong can be considered possible.