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Collaborative Environmental Project in Indonesia ENVIRONMENTAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT |
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The
Present Status and Potential of Ecotourism
in the Togean Islands, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia by: Mohamad Agus Rahmat Thesis
for Master of Environmental Studies Degree University
of Waterloo, 2000 This
research examines the current status and the potential of ecotourism in
the Togean Islands, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
An evaluation was conducted at the regional and local levels
using SWOT analysis. Data
were gathered through secondary sources study, fieldwork observation,
interviews with the key informants, questionnaires and photographic
techniques. The
combination of a beautiful landscape, numerous endemic species and a
variety of local cultures provides the Togean Islands with significant
ecotourism potential. However,
several barriers to the development of this ecotourism potential exist at
both the regional and local levels. For
example, lack of infrastructure, inadequate funding, and unstable
political situation, and fishing with bombs and animal poaching have
severely hampered ecotourism development in the region.
Ecotourism goals to maintain the environment, benefit the local
residents and satisfy visitors have yet to be achieved. Since
ecotourism is at a relatively early stage of development, the industry has
not had a significant impact to date in the Togean Islands.
Benefits from ecotourism are limited and accrue to a small section
of the local communities. Nevertheless,
attitudes of the local community towards ecotourism are positive.
In the absence of significant government involvement, local
non-governmental organizations have been active in promoting the
importance of ecotourism in the local community. Ecotourism
should be developed together with other important sectors in the Togean
Islands, such as fisheries and agriculture.
Several recommendations are made both to promote ecotourism in the
Togean Islands and to guide its development.
Conducting training for local people to raise the level of tourism
management is viewed as a priority. Involving
local people in all aspects of tourism planning and management is
significant requirement. Other
recommendations include: (1) promoting cooperation among stakeholders; (2)
conducting traditional events; (3) enforcing strict environmental
regulations; and (4) instituting an environmental award.
In addition, increasing fishery and agriculture production is also
considered important to support ecotourism development in the region. Finally,
issues for further research are also suggested, including: (1) studying
tourism impacts on various endemic species; (2) developing strategies to
minimize coral destruction and animal poaching; (3) examining the
distribution of tourism benefits; (4) undertaking an EIA of ecotourism
development; (5) assessing the environmental, economic and social impacts
of foreign fishing ships, the pearl oyster companies and logging companies
in the region; (6) studying the traditional practices of the Bobongko and
the Bajau people; and (7) evaluating the interaction of endemic animals
(pig deer and Togean macaque) with the local people in Malenge. |
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