Review: Community-based Participatory learning for Ecotourism Development: A Case of Bunaken National Park

Lagarense, Bet El Silisna (2012) Review: Community-based Participatory learning for Ecotourism Development: A Case of Bunaken National Park. In: Hospitality and Tourism Development and Education: Research and Practice. AITTEI (Association of the Indonesian Tourism Tertiary Education Institutions) and Publisher Perhimpunan Anak Bangsa, Jakarta, pp. 33-53. ISBN 978-602-17019-0-4

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Abstract

The introduction of ecotourism in North Sulawesi has created an improved relationship between local people and protected areas by providing alternative development for local people.As a result, entrepreneurship within communities of Bunaken Island is evidence that ecotourism appears to have the capacity to make local economic contribution in North Sulawesi. However, the elementof ecotourism that has potential to introduce the economic benefits both for the region and the local communities in BNP remain uncertain. Local government has perceived BNP as a centre for tourism development and has tended to concentrate on this, without adequately considering conservation and livelihoods of local communities.It is also apparent that the majority of host communities in Bunaken island have not been able to access the benefits of ecotourism development in BNP equitably, even though it has contributed to both the regional economy and local communities. Community involvement in tourism activities is at the best seasonal labour only and the distribution of tourism revenues in the area primarily flows to certain groups such as dive operators and/or accommodation providers. However, one initiative, homestay that surround BNP are generally family operated and the benefits are thus spread throughout the extended family.There has been limited research on practical ways of empowering the local communities of Bunaken Island to equip and enable them to directly build confidence and capability through ecotourism projects. This research examines ecotourism development by host communities and provides a model that will ensure the outcomes from tourism will be returned to strengthen the local economy as well the quality of life of local communities.

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