River ecotourism development as a sustainable socio entrepreneurship on The Gajah Wong River Bank community in Yogyakarta City

Communities living on the banks of rivers have very complex problems, especially economic problems. However, the presence of river ecotourism is a breakthrough to improve the economy of riverbank communities. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the development of river ecotourism as a sustainable socio entrepreneurship on the Gajah Wong River Bank Community, Yogyakarta City. The design of this study is a qualitative research applying case study approach which was conducted on the bank of the Gajah Wong River located in Giwangan Village, Umbulharjo District, Yogyakarta City. The authors implemented observations, interviews, and documentation studies as the data collection techniques to collect primary and secondary data. The Triple Bottom Line theory by John Elkington’s is used in this study. The results of the study indicate that the development of river ecotourism has had a significant impact on the economy of riverbank communities as sustainable socio entrepreneurship, including; 1) Creating new jobs and development of MSMEs through ecotourism, 2) Alleviating poverty and slum settlements along rivers, 3) As well as raising public awareness through river ecotourism.. The study can be used as a basis for making public policies in the development of river ecotourism. The value of this study is that humans can balance the use of nature to meet human needs (profit) but must pay attention to the balance of the ecosystem (environment).