Mangrove Forest Utilization for Sustainable Livelihood through Community-Based Ecotourism in Kao Village of North Halmahera District

Abstract

This article aims to describe the mangrove forest utilization for sustainable livelihood through a community-based ecotourism approach. This research conduct in Kao Village, North Halmahera District of Indonesia. This study was done in a qualitative method using a life-history approach. The data was collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and document study. The data were analyzed using a triangulation method to obtain credible information. These research findings show that cultural value, known as Higaro was able to mobilize the capability to access resources such as natural and social capital. In its development, assimilation and acculturation caused changes in livelihood structure. In addition, The mining sector's existence in the Kao community custom area had the potential to limit access to natural and social capital due to ecological loss. However, the mining sector could mobilize human and physical capital through Social Performance programs in the education sector and infrastructure development. The adverse effects of the mining sector to the environment had become such a stimulus for the Kao Village community to adopt an environmentally friendly development approach that had economic value and was able to improve the community welfare. Thus, the Kao Village community managed to maintain and utilize the mangrove forest using a community-based ecotourism approach to endurance livelihood sustainability. These results could be developed into recommendations for regional policymakers, especially in the rural areas, to mobilize the capability of local community access to capitals through the tourism sector to maintain livelihood sustainability.

Spatial distribution of mangrove health index on three genera dominated zones in Benoa Bay, Bali, Indonesia

“…Mangrove ecosystems provide ecosystem goods such as wood, food and medicinal compounds (Walters et al 2008;Mojiol et al 2016). On the other hand, the aesthetic value of mangrove forests has potential for ecotourism purposes which support community livelihood (Friess 2017;Singgalen 2020). In terms of climate change, mangrove has been considered one of the most effective carbon sequestration areas for reducing greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere and mitigating global warming (Heriyanto and Subiandono 2016;Maher et al 2018).…”

Analysis and Design of Mangrove Ecotourism Management System (SIMANGROVE) of Dodola Island, Morotai Island Regency, Indonesia

“…The ecotourism model emphasizes collaboration between stakeholders. It indicates that a participatory approach is an essential part of realizing the goals of destination development [12], [26], [27]. Furthermore, [28] showed that the development of mangrove ecotourism areas would be effective if carried out with a participatory approach to reduce the possibility of damage to mangrove forests due to human negligence.…”

“…Tourists who visit mangrove tourism destinations generally have a goal of recreation or relaxation, considering the ecological conditions of the mangroves that produce fresh air, making it suitable for tourists who want to meditate or rest from busy work. According to an ecotourism approach, Indonesia is an archipelagic country with potential mangrove areas to be developed into tourist destinations [12]. Therefore, information systems management is needed to optimize the organizational goals that control the ecological, economic, and local socio-cultural balance.…”

Vegetation Index and Mangrove Forest Utilization through Ecotourism Development in Dodola and Guraping of North Maluku Province

“…Afterward, a collaborative approach can optimize the socio-economic and socio-ecological dimensions. Singgalen (2020) shows that in the context of North Maluku Province, especially the people in Kao Village-North Halmahera Regency, local norms and traditions can control collective behavior in utilizing mangrove forest resources. It is manifested in community support to rehabilitate mangroves and support the essential ecosystem zone or kawasan ekosistem esensial (KEE) program.…”