Community Participation and Environmental Sustainability in Ecotourism Development: A SWOT-Based Strategy for Mengeruda Hot Spring, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: The development of nature-based ecotourism requires a balance between environmental utilisation and conservation, along with active involvement from local communities. The increasing number of tourist visits to the Mengeruda Hot Springs area has the potential to place pressure on the environment, making sustainable management essential. Aim: This study aims to analyse the environmental conditions of the area and the level of community participation, as well as to formulate strategies for sustainable, community-based ecotourism development. Study Design: This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses to obtain a comprehensive understanding of environmental conditions and community participation. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from November 2024 to January 2025 in the Mengeruda Hot Springs area, located in Mengeruda Village, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Methodology: Environmental data were collected through field observations and water quality analysis, including parameters such as temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), turbidity, and total coliform. Community participation data were gathered using questionnaires based on the participation models propounded by Cohen and Uphoff (1980). The data were analysed descriptively and further examined using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis, to formulate development strategies based on the area’s internal and external factors. Results: The results show that the overall environmental condition of the area remains good, as indicated by water quality that meets established standards and vegetation that supports site comfort. However, increasing tourism activities have begun to place pressure on the environment, particularly in waste management. Community participation is relatively high at the implementation stage, but remains low in decision-making, benefit-sharing, and evaluation. The SWOT analysis indicates that the development of the area requires an approach that utilises internal strengths to address external threats. Conclusion: The development of ecotourism in the Mengeruda Hot Springs area requires strengthening community participation and controlling environmental pressures through a balanced environmental and social management approach to ensure long-term sustainability.