Strengthening Local Community in Mangrove Ecotourism at Pangandaran, West Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This research aims to analyze Strengthening Local Community in Mangrove Ecotourism at Pangandaran, West Java Province, Indonesia. This research period was conducted in June - November 2022 Local Community in Mangrove Ecotourism at Pangandaran, West Java Province, Indonesia. The data used in this research are primary and secondary data. This research used a case study method with direct interviews using a questionnaire with ranting to scale. The sampling method used is purposive sampling method. The number of respondents in this research were 40 respondents.  Analysis tool used SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat).  Based on research results strengthening local community in mangrove ecotourism at Pangandaran, West Java Province, Indonesia in quadrant I, then produces a strategy of strengths – opportunities (S-O), strategy showed that strength can take advantage of existing opportunities; (1) increasing public awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as habitats and producers in the food chain for fish, shrimp and mollusk species; (2) mangroves are able to withstand and slow down currents and waves; (3) the marine ecosystem will be protected so that it does not mix with the mud, this is because mangrove plants have the ability to deposit mud; (4) it has an economic function as a natural tourist attraction which attracts tourists; (5) education is needed for the surrounding community and tourists who come to visit regarding the role of mangrove ecosystems in coastal areas. Based on the results of the research can be recommended Mangrove ecotourism is seen as synergizing with the conservation of fisheries and marine resource ecosystems by applying local wisdom in the community. The development of mangrove ecotourism is an effort to utilize environmental services from coastal areas sustainable by involving local institutions that aim to have socio-economic and cultural values for the community.