Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 24, Issue 3 2018; Page No.(1422-1429)

ENHANCING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF SMALL ISLANDS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: CASE STUDY OF DERAWAN ISLAND, EAST KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA

Luchman Hakim, Mardiany and Sun-Kee Hong

Abstract

Recent tourism development in small islands has been identified as contributing to the local economic earning of island dwellers, but tourism also contributes to environmental problems. This issue is especially important because islands have fragile ecosystems, and sustainable tourism development in small islands is a prerequisite. The aims of this study were to describe the history of tourism and infrastructure development, current vegetation, and waste management by local dwellers in Derawan Island, East Kalimantan. This paper conceptualizes a possible mechanism to create a sustainable and competitive tourism destination on a small island. The field study was carried out in Derawan Island through direct observations, interviews with informants, and secondary data analysis. Results of the study show that Derawan Island first was known and had grown as a tourism destination in the 2000s, and its tourism sectors recently have grown significantly. Underwater ecosystem richness is the main attraction for tourism. The development of tourism in Derawan, however, has been implemented without proper planning and community involvement. Among the significant problems related to tourism development on the island are the growth of cottages in coastal areas, loss of native vegetation and an increase in open spaces, and waste management. Exotic plants species found along village streets and in home gardens represent the human intensity to change the native vegetation on the small island. There are potential mechanisms to reduce and recycle waste, turning it into compost to increase soil quality. Management of exotic plant species is important in island ecosystem sustainability. Ecosystem sustainability is tied to sustainable tourism development in Derawan Island.

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