Challenges and Reasons Behind the Low Community Participation

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 82 views

Community Participation in Ecotourism Development: A Case Study in Kenagarian Lasi, West Sumatra

Introduction

Kenagarian Lasi, a region located in Candung District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra Province, has been actively pursuing the development of its tourism potential, particularly in the form of ecotourism. This development process is crucial for the region's economic growth and the well-being of its local community. However, recent research has highlighted a significant challenge in this endeavor: the low level of community participation in ecotourism development. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and propose solutions to overcome the challenges faced by Kenagarian Lasi in its ecotourism development journey.

Challenges and Reasons Behind the Low Community Participation

The lack of community approval for tourism development in Kenagarian Lasi is a significant factor contributing to the low level of participation. This discrepancy between community expectations and the applied development vision highlights the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to ecotourism development. Furthermore, the Ecotourism Object Management Agency and the Nagari Community Empowerment Institute (LPMN) have not been functioning optimally, leading to a lack of readiness and ability to carry out their roles effectively. This has resulted in ecotourism development not aligning with the interests and desires of the community.

Deeper Analysis of the Implications of Low Community Participation

The low level of community participation in ecotourism development in Kenagarian Lasi has several far-reaching implications:

Lack of Community Support

The disagreement of tourism development can hinder the development process and potentially trigger conflict in the future. This can lead to a breakdown in community cohesion and a loss of trust in the development process.

Development Discrepancy

When development is not in accordance with the wishes of the community, the potential for conflict and rejection is higher. This can result in a lack of support for the development process, making it challenging to achieve sustainability.

Reduced Sustainability

Without community support, tourism development is difficult to sustain. People who feel that they are not involved will tend not to care about the success of tourism development, leading to a lack of investment and maintenance in the long term.

Solutions and Recommendations

To overcome the challenges faced by Kenagarian Lasi in its ecotourism development journey, strategic steps are needed involving all stakeholders:

Improvement of Communication and Transparency

The Nagari Government and the Ecotourism Object Management Agency need to improve communication and transparency with the community. The community must be given clear information about the plan and impact of ecotourism development, ensuring that they are informed and involved throughout the process.

Increasing the Role of LPMN

LPMN must be more active in facilitating communication and dialogue between the community and the government. LPMN must also play an important role in ensuring that ecotourism development is in accordance with the aspirations and needs of the community.

Strengthening Community Capacity

Training and education for the community regarding the management of tourism and creative economy is very important. This will increase public understanding and awareness of the importance of tourism and open up opportunities for them to be actively involved in the development process.

Community-Based Development

Ecotourism development must be designed with a participatory approach. The community must be involved in every stage, ranging from planning, implementation, to monitoring and evaluation. This will ensure that the development process is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to the local community.

Conclusion

Community participation is a key factor for the success of sustainable tourism development. In Kenagarian Lasi, there are still challenges in terms of community participation. The Nagari government, LPMN, and all stakeholders need to work together to build effective communication, increase the role of LPMN, and build community capacity in tourism management. By doing so, the development of ecotourism in Kenagarian Lasi can run in accordance with expectations and become a source of welfare for the local community.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study highlights the importance of community participation in ecotourism development. Future research should focus on:

Investigating the impact of community participation on ecotourism development in Kenagarian Lasi
Developing a participatory approach to ecotourism development that involves the community in every stage
Evaluating the effectiveness of LPMN in facilitating communication and dialogue between the community and the government
Identifying best practices in community-based ecotourism development that can be replicated in other regions

By addressing these research gaps, future studies can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of community participation in ecotourism development, ultimately contributing to the success of sustainable tourism development in Kenagarian Lasi and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Community Participation in Ecotourism Development in Kenagarian Lasi

Q: What is the significance of community participation in ecotourism development?

A: Community participation is crucial in ecotourism development as it ensures that the development process is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to the local community. It also helps to build trust and foster a sense of ownership among community members, leading to a more successful and sustainable development outcome.

Q: What are the challenges faced by Kenagarian Lasi in its ecotourism development journey?

A: The challenges faced by Kenagarian Lasi include low community participation, lack of approval for tourism development, and inadequate functioning of the Ecotourism Object Management Agency and the Nagari Community Empowerment Institute (LPMN).

Q: How can the Nagari government and LPMN improve communication and transparency with the community?

A: The Nagari government and LPMN can improve communication and transparency with the community by providing clear information about the plan and impact of ecotourism development, holding regular community meetings and consultations, and using various communication channels to reach a wider audience.

Q: What is the role of LPMN in facilitating communication and dialogue between the community and the government?

A: LPMN plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and dialogue between the community and the government by acting as a bridge between the two parties, providing a platform for community members to express their concerns and aspirations, and helping to build trust and understanding between the community and the government.

Q: How can community capacity be strengthened in tourism management?

A: Community capacity can be strengthened in tourism management through training and education programs that focus on the management of tourism and creative economy, as well as through the provision of resources and support to community members to help them develop their skills and knowledge.

Q: What is community-based development, and how can it be applied in ecotourism development?

A: Community-based development is a participatory approach to development that involves the community in every stage of the development process, from planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. This approach can be applied in ecotourism development by involving community members in the planning and decision-making process, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are taken into account.

Q: What are the benefits of community participation in ecotourism development?

A: The benefits of community participation in ecotourism development include increased community ownership and control, improved sustainability and environmental management, and enhanced economic benefits for the local community.

Q: How can the success of community participation in ecotourism development be measured?

A: The success of community participation in ecotourism development can be measured through various indicators, including community satisfaction and engagement, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability.

Q: What are the implications of low community participation in ecotourism development?

A: The implications of low community participation in ecotourism development include a lack of community support, development discrepancy, and reduced sustainability.

Q: How can the challenges faced by Kenagarian Lasi in its ecotourism development journey be addressed?

A: The challenges faced by Kenagarian Lasi can be addressed through a combination of strategies, including improving communication and transparency, increasing the role of LPMN, strengthening community capacity, and applying a community-based development approach.

Q: What is the future of community participation in ecotourism development in Kenagarian Lasi?

A: The future of community participation in ecotourism development in Kenagarian Lasi is promising, with a growing recognition of the importance of community participation in sustainable tourism development. However, continued efforts are needed to address the challenges faced by the region and to build a more inclusive and sustainable tourism development process.