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FOREST-BASED ECOTOURISM IN INDONESIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF POLICY CHALLENGES, DIVERSE PRACTICES, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, CONSERVATION EFFORTS, AND SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS.

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Title: FOREST-BASED ECOTOURISM IN INDONESIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF POLICY CHALLENGES, DIVERSE PRACTICES, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, CONSERVATION EFFORTS, AND SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS.
Authors: LAWASI, Moh. Andika, KENDA, Ndoheba, YUSNIKUSUMAH, Tri Rizkiana, PRATAMA, Boby Bagja, PRATIWI, Dian, SEPTINA, Ane Dwi, ASRAWIJAYA, Enkin
Source: GeoJournal of Tourism & Geosites; 2025 Supplement, Vol. 60, p1041-1056, 16p
Subject Terms: SUSTAINABILITY, ECOLOGICAL carrying capacity, RAIN forests, SUSTAINABLE tourism, FOREST conservation, GREEN infrastructure
Abstract: Forest-based ecotourism in Indonesia has great potential to support conservation and economic growth. However, the multidimensional dynamics surrounding it remain poorly mapped. This study fills this gap by conducting a comprehensive literature review of 71 articles from Scopus and Google Scholar (2014-2024) and critically examining several key dimensions, including the interplay between policy issues, management practices, stakeholder engagement, conservation initiatives, and socio-economic impacts. Findings show that previous research remains fragmented on partial aspects such as policy issues (overlapping regulations), inconsistencies in management practices, and inequalities in stakeholder participation. While forestbased ecotourism can enhance community livelihoods and biodiversity protection (particularly in mangroves, tropical rainforests, and peri-urban settings), its development is hindered by fragmented governance, infrastructure disparities (notably between western-central and eastern regions), land tenure conflicts, urbanization, and stakeholder disputes. The study also identified three important policy pillars from the literature synthesis: (1) collaborative adaptive governance through a penta-helix approach (government, community, academia, private sector, media); (2) incentive-based eco-label certification schemes for sustainable practices such as waste management and habitat restoration; (3) environmental education programs for tourists and operators. In addition, the review highlights the importance of spatial justice, participatory planning, and ecological carrying capacity, especially in mangrove and forest village contexts. Local culture, wellness-based tourism, and conservation education are also identified as transformative elements for long-term sustainability. Empirical examples show how diversified ecotourism models (from urban forests to wildlife-based tourism) can promote inclusive development and local resilience. Community empowerment, benefit-sharing, and green infrastructure investment are repeatedly emphasized as drivers of sustainability. The conclusion confirms that the success of forest-based ecotourism depends on balancing ecological regeneration and tourism use. Multidimensional policy synergies are needed to position ecotourism as a catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
Description
Abstract:Forest-based ecotourism in Indonesia has great potential to support conservation and economic growth. However, the multidimensional dynamics surrounding it remain poorly mapped. This study fills this gap by conducting a comprehensive literature review of 71 articles from Scopus and Google Scholar (2014-2024) and critically examining several key dimensions, including the interplay between policy issues, management practices, stakeholder engagement, conservation initiatives, and socio-economic impacts. Findings show that previous research remains fragmented on partial aspects such as policy issues (overlapping regulations), inconsistencies in management practices, and inequalities in stakeholder participation. While forestbased ecotourism can enhance community livelihoods and biodiversity protection (particularly in mangroves, tropical rainforests, and peri-urban settings), its development is hindered by fragmented governance, infrastructure disparities (notably between western-central and eastern regions), land tenure conflicts, urbanization, and stakeholder disputes. The study also identified three important policy pillars from the literature synthesis: (1) collaborative adaptive governance through a penta-helix approach (government, community, academia, private sector, media); (2) incentive-based eco-label certification schemes for sustainable practices such as waste management and habitat restoration; (3) environmental education programs for tourists and operators. In addition, the review highlights the importance of spatial justice, participatory planning, and ecological carrying capacity, especially in mangrove and forest village contexts. Local culture, wellness-based tourism, and conservation education are also identified as transformative elements for long-term sustainability. Empirical examples show how diversified ecotourism models (from urban forests to wildlife-based tourism) can promote inclusive development and local resilience. Community empowerment, benefit-sharing, and green infrastructure investment are repeatedly emphasized as drivers of sustainability. The conclusion confirms that the success of forest-based ecotourism depends on balancing ecological regeneration and tourism use. Multidimensional policy synergies are needed to position ecotourism as a catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:20650817
DOI:10.30892/gtg.602spl02-1478