Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

COMMUNITY PERCEPTION AND PARTICIPATION IN MANGROVE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LEMBAR AREA WEST LOMBOK REGENCY

Sukuryadi, Nuddin Harahab, Mimit Primyastanto and Bambang Semedi

Abstract

In 2015 the area was developed into a mangrove ecotourism area as a form of proper management to ensure the conservation and economic sustainability of local communities. Community perception and participation will determine the success of developing a mangrove ecosystem area for ecotourism activities. Community participation in management is not always high for each coastal region due to differences in community characteristics that can affect the level of community perception and participation. This study aims to determine and describe the community perception and participation in mangrove ecotourism development in the Lembar Village of West Lombok regency. The research method was carried out through a qualitative research approach with the technique of determining informants based on purposive sampling techniques. The results showed that the overall community perception and participation in mangrove ecotourism development in the Lembar area be categorized low was caused by the community characteristics who did not have good knowledge and understanding of the mangrove ecosystem and the benefits of its development. Low community perception has an impact on the low level of community participation.