Eco-edu tourism is a form of utilization of environmental services that can be implemented in partnership with communities around forests. However, in order to offer ecotourism services through eco-edu tourism, adequate sufficient management, tour guides and implementers are needed, both in terms of their number and quality. In this regard, the field of human resources needs to be further developed in order to improve the quality of the available tourism products and services. In line with this goal, the Makassar Environmental and Forestry Education and Training Center (BDLHK), supported by FORCLIME, organized a study visit for the Tabo-Tabo Tourism Village Group (Deswita) in order to learn about independent tourism management to the Bodogol Nature Conservation Education Center (PPKAB) on 4 – 7 October 2022. This ecotourism area is managed by individuals who are supported by the owner of the area, in this case, the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP).

The management scheme for the Bodogol tourist area does not differ significantly from the management structures that are employed in the ecotourism area of the Tabo-Tabo Education and Training Forest (KHDTK) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, which is set to be managed by the Tabo-Tabo Deswita Group.

During the recent study visit, the participants talked and shared experiences with the national park (TNGGP), the ecotourism manager (PPKAB) and the Bodogol Group of Kampung Hoya. Bodogol Hoya Village is one of the community empowerment programmes around the PPKAB and grows Hoya plants as its main commodity. Hoya comprises a group of tropical plants that boast unique and beautiful flower shapes. As a result of their beautiful flowers and their waxy porcelain-like appearance, Hoya plants are also known as Porcelain Flowers. The Hoya plant species includes Hoya cinnamomifolia.

As a follow-up to this study visit, the institutional strengthening of Deswita Tabo-Tabo will be implemented. In addition, a cooperation agreement between Deswita Tabo-Tabo and BDLHK Makassar that addresses ecotourism development partnerships within the Tabo-Tabo Education and Training Forest is set to be drafted.

For more information, please contact:
Wira Hakim, Advisor for Human Capacity Development
Edy Marbyanto, Strategic Area Manager for Human Capacity Development