The Transformation of Community-Based Mangrove Conservation to Coastal Tourism on the Northern Coast of Java, Indonesia

Villages are a new focal point for economic growth through village-based tourism. As tourisminterest in villages increases, mangrove forests are viewed from an economic perspective,shifting their original role to a conservation perspective. Hence, the research aims to (1)analyze the conversion of the mangrove ecosystem for village ecotourism, (2) analyze theleverage factors and inhibit the development of coastal tourism and (3) formulate a strategyfor developing mangrove-based coastal tourism village areas as ecotourism destinations. Thisresearch uses a qualitative approach. A qualitative survey, in-depth interviews and focusgroup discussion were explored in the Cirebon and Brebes Regencies, Indonesia. The datawas analyzed descriptively using the business model canvas (BMC) model and Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunitie and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The research findings indicate thatthe socio-economic transformation from mangrove conservation to village ecotourismoccurred in several dynamics, including policy, management, institutional, business modelsand local community economic dynamics. Various supporting and inhibiting factors in thedevelopment of the coastal tourism economy are identified across multiple dimensions. Theparamount strategy for advancing mangrove-based coastal tourism villages involves thelegality of management of mangrove coastal tourism villages and strengthening the role ofstakeholders in the development of mangrove ecotourism villages.