Ecotourism for Life: Strengthening Synergy and Boosting Sustainable Tourism in Southwest Papua

In an effort to promote community-based sustainable tourism development in the Bird’s Head Seascape, Southwest Papua Province, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) and its partners continue to strengthen initiatives through various activities. One of these initiatives was realized through a series of talk shows, exhibitions, and trial ecotourism packages under the theme “Ekowisata untuk Kehidupan: Dari Alam untuk Masyarakat (Ecotourism for Life: From Nature to People)”. This event took place from May 6 to May 9, 2026, in Sorong.

This event served as a collaborative platform, uniting diverse stakeholders such as local government, tourism businesses, associations, and community-based ecotourism groups from throughout the Bird’s Head Seascape.

The forum aimed to introduce ecotourism initiatives developed by local community groups to stakeholders, with the hope of strengthening synergy in developing sustainable tourism and establishing links between community-based ecotourism packages and tourism operators.

“Southwest Papua’s natural and cultural richness is extraordinary. However, without proper management, tourism can put pressure on the environment. Therefore, an ecotourism approach is important to ensure economic benefits go hand in hand with conservation efforts,” said Yusdi Lamatenggo, Head of the Southwest Papua Provincial Tourism and Creative Economy Office.

Yusdi emphasized that developing ecotourism requires cross-sector synergy, including strengthening community capacity, ensuring sustainable destination management, and enhancing market connectivity.

These efforts are crucial to address one of the main challenges in ecotourism today: bridging local initiatives with broader markets so that community-based ecotourism packages can grow sustainably and remain competitive.

The three-session talk show delved into strategic issues, including the challenges of mass tourism, the principles and values of ecotourism, and the potential for destination development. Industry practitioners and professionals also shared insights on service standards, market demand, and strategies for creating appealing and competitive tourism products.

Representatives of tourism business associations highlighted that current travel trends are moving toward authentic and meaningful experiences.

“Today’s travelers are not just looking for destinations but for experiences that leave a deep impression. Community-based ecotourism has great potential, as long as it is developed with quality service standards and packaged to meet market needs,” said Ranny Tumundo, representing tour operators.

Meanwhile, actor and environmental advocate Ramon Y. Tungka added a tourist perspective, stressing the value of interacting with local communities and having personal experiences.

“The most memorable journeys are not about how far we go, but how deeply we connect. In Southwest Papua, I see how tourism can become a meeting space between people and nature. By always evoking a sense of connection, community-based ecotourism will become more meaningful and mindful,” he said.

During the presentation session, YKAN-supported community groups from villages in Malaumkarta and North Misool showcased the ecotourism packages they developed. These highlighted local uniqueness, from coastal beauty and traditional practices like sasi to special-interest activities such as birdwatching and cultural experiences with local communities.

Ribka Botot, Chair of the Joom Jak Sasi Group from Aduwei Village, North Misool District, Raja Ampat Regency, highlighted the crucial role of women in preserving resources.

“Sasi is not just a customary rule, but our way of protecting our lifeline. Women in the village play an important role in safeguarding this. Through ecotourism, we want to show that protecting nature can also provide livelihoods while preserving our heritage for future generations,” she said.

Ecotourism Package Trial

As part of the series of activities, the Gauksuak Ecotourism Group conducted a trial ecotourism package in Malaumkarta, Makbon District, Sorong Regency.

The Gauksuak Ecotourism Group is a community group developing ecotourism based on local customs, community involvement, and conservation. Leveraging the coastal and cultural richness of the Moi Tribe, the group offers beach and marine tourism, snorkeling, birdwatching, local food preservation, and traditional cultural practices.

Since 2024, this group has been supported by YKAN through training in ecotourism management, strengthening local guide capacity, homestay management, and marine and coastal conservation education. The program also encourages the involvement of women and youth in ecotourism activities.

Lambert Mobalen, Chair of the Gauksuak Ecotourism Group, emphasized that tourism development cannot be separated from conservation.

“For us, ecotourism is not just about welcoming guests, but about how we keep our seas and land alive. What we offer is the experience of living with us, understanding how we protect nature, and seeing firsthand that conservation is part of our daily life,” he said.

Through these activities, it is hoped that collaborative ecotourism networks can be established to improve community livelihoods while preserving the natural environment in Southwest Papua.

Muhammad Ilman, YKAN’s Ocean Program Director, stated that ecotourism is part of the blue economy approach, which balances resource use and protection.

“Ecotourism not only provides travel experiences but also serves as a tool to protect ecosystems while improving community welfare,” he concluded.