Improving community knowledge

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 108 views

Perception and Community Participation on Ecotourism Management in Sipangan Bolon Village

Introduction

Sipangan Bolon Village, located in Girsang Sipangan Bolon District, Simalungun Regency, is one of the potential locations for ecotourism development. The village's unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for tourists. However, the success of ecotourism management in the village depends on the perception and participation of local communities. This article aims to explore the perception and participation of local communities on the management of ecotourism in Sipangan Bolon Village.

Public Perception of Ecotourism Management

The study found that the public perception of ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village was quite high, with 68.2% of respondents claiming to know about it. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that the community is aware of the potential of ecotourism in the village. However, there are several aspects that show the low knowledge of the public, such as regarding facilities and infrastructure that are only known by 59.1% of respondents. This suggests that there is a need to improve the awareness of the public about the facilities and infrastructure that support ecotourism in the village.

On the other hand, public perception of socio-cultural aspects showed a better number, with 48.5% of respondents knowing this. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that the community is aware of the cultural significance of ecotourism in the village. Likewise with government policy, which is seen from the perspective of the community has a moderate perception, where 56.1% of respondents feel hesitant. This suggests that there is a need to improve the awareness of the public about government policies that support ecotourism in the village.

Community Participation in Ecotourism Management

Data shows that participation in the potential of ecotourism is high, where 54.5% of respondents claim to understand this potential. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that the community is aware of the potential of ecotourism in the village. The same thing was seen in terms of facilities and infrastructure, where 50.0% of respondents participated actively. However, participation in the socio-cultural aspect is only at a medium level, with 47.0% of respondents expressed doubt, while participation in government policy is relatively low, with 51.5% of respondents do not know.

Factors Influencing Community Participation

The study found that several factors influence community participation in the management of ecotourism in Sipangan Bolon Village. These factors include knowledge, interpretation, tendencies, and job opportunities and participate. Knowledge is the most significant aspect because it provides a deeper understanding of the potential of existing ecotourism. People who have knowledge are more likely to participate in existing ecotourism activities.

The tendency also plays an important role. People who are interested in the environment and sustainability have more motivation to be involved. In addition, the existence of employment opportunities resulting from ecotourism management provides additional encouragement for the community to participate. Conversely, the low knowledge of the public about government policy is an optimal inhibiting participation.

Conclusion

From this data, it can be concluded that there is a great potential in the management of ecotourism in Sipangan Bolon Village, but it is necessary to make efforts to increase community knowledge and involvement, especially in understanding government policies and infrastructure that supports ecotourism. With an appropriate approach, both from the government and the manager, is expected to create a good synergy between the potential of ecotourism and community participation, so that ecotourism management can run sustainably and provide optimal benefits for all parties.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made to improve the management of ecotourism in Sipangan Bolon Village. These recommendations include:

Improving community knowledge: Efforts should be made to improve the knowledge of the public about ecotourism management, including facilities and infrastructure, socio-cultural aspects, and government policies.
Increasing community participation: Efforts should be made to increase community participation in ecotourism management, including providing employment opportunities and encouraging people to participate in existing ecotourism activities.
Improving government policies: Efforts should be made to improve government policies that support ecotourism in the village, including providing clear guidelines and regulations for ecotourism management.
Creating a good synergy: Efforts should be made to create a good synergy between the potential of ecotourism and community participation, so that ecotourism management can run sustainably and provide optimal benefits for all parties.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the management of ecotourism in Sipangan Bolon Village can be improved, and the benefits of ecotourism can be shared by all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Perception and Community Participation on Ecotourism Management in Sipangan Bolon Village

Q: What is ecotourism, and why is it important for Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: Ecotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on the conservation and appreciation of natural and cultural heritage. It is an important aspect of sustainable development, as it can provide economic benefits to local communities while also promoting the conservation of natural and cultural resources. In the case of Sipangan Bolon Village, ecotourism can help to promote the conservation of the village's natural and cultural heritage, while also providing economic benefits to local communities.

Q: What is the current state of ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: The current state of ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village is still in its early stages. While there are some efforts to promote ecotourism in the village, there is still a need for further development and improvement. The study found that the public perception of ecotourism management was quite high, but there are several aspects that show the low knowledge of the public, such as regarding facilities and infrastructure.

Q: What are the factors that influence community participation in ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: The study found that several factors influence community participation in ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village, including knowledge, interpretation, tendencies, and job opportunities and participate. Knowledge is the most significant aspect because it provides a deeper understanding of the potential of existing ecotourism. People who have knowledge are more likely to participate in existing ecotourism activities.

Q: How can community participation in ecotourism management be improved in Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: Community participation in ecotourism management can be improved by increasing community knowledge and involvement, especially in understanding government policies and infrastructure that supports ecotourism. This can be achieved through education and training programs, as well as by providing employment opportunities and encouraging people to participate in existing ecotourism activities.

Q: What is the role of government policies in ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: Government policies play a crucial role in ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village. Clear guidelines and regulations are needed to ensure that ecotourism is managed sustainably and that the benefits of ecotourism are shared by all parties involved. The study found that the public perception of government policies was moderate, with 56.1% of respondents feeling hesitant.

Q: How can ecotourism management be made more sustainable in Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: Ecotourism management can be made more sustainable in Sipangan Bolon Village by implementing sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Additionally, ecotourism management can be made more sustainable by promoting community participation and involving local communities in decision-making processes.

Q: What are the benefits of ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: The benefits of ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village include the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, the promotion of sustainable development, and the provision of economic benefits to local communities. Additionally, ecotourism management can help to promote cultural exchange and understanding between local communities and tourists.

Q: How can tourists contribute to the sustainability of ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village?

A: Tourists can contribute to the sustainability of ecotourism management in Sipangan Bolon Village by being mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities. This can be achieved by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and respecting local customs and traditions. Additionally, tourists can contribute to the sustainability of ecotourism management by supporting local businesses and communities, and by promoting sustainable tourism practices.