Increase youth participation in the planning and evaluation stage

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 53 views

Youth Participation in the Development of Mangrove Ecotourism: Environmental Geography Perspective in Kuala Langsa Village

Introduction

The development of mangrove ecotourism in Kuala Langsa Village, West Langsa District, Langsa City, is a crucial aspect of environmental geography that requires the active participation of the younger generation. The involvement of youth in the development of ecotourism is essential to ensure the sustainability of this industry, which not only contributes to the local economy but also preserves the natural environment. This study aims to analyze the form of youth participation in the development of mangrove ecotourism and formulate strategies and policies that support their participation in the context of environmental geography.

Research Methodology

This research was conducted using a case study approach and qualitative methods. The chosen research location was Kuala Langsa Village, and primary data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews with key informants. With a qualitative approach, the authors analyze the suitability between theory and reality on the ground. To analyze the youth participation strategy, the authors use SWOT analysis, while for policies, the content analysis method is applied to examine the City Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARKA) in force in the City of Langsa.

Form of Youth Participation

Based on the results of the study, the forms of youth participation in the development of mangrove ecotourism in the village of Kuala Langsa were clearly visible. The youth were involved in the implementation stage by carrying out activities such as guarding tourist attractions, maintenance of tourist attractions, and the protection of mangrove forests from illegal logging. They are also active in planting mangrove forests, which contribute to environmental sustainability. However, what is interesting, at the planning and evaluation stage, youth do not get the opportunity to play a role, which is the point of attention in this study.

Youth Participation Strategy

To increase youth participation in the development of ecotourism, several strategies need to be applied. First, youth must be invited to be involved in every stage, from planning to evaluation. This can be done through socialization and participation in meetings related to ecotourism. Second, increasing the capacity of youth becomes important; Training on ecotourism and tourism management must be given so that they can contribute more effectively. Third, access to venture capital through loans can encourage youth to become tourism actors and entrepreneurs in the field of tourism.

It is also important to make young people aware of the importance of good service to visitors. Open attitude, friendly, and providing a sense of security is an added value in efforts to attract more tourists. By providing good service, youth can create a positive experience for visitors, which can lead to increased tourism revenue and a more sustainable ecotourism industry.

Government Policy

Government policies related to the development of mangrove ecotourism in Kuala Langsa Village are formulated in the City Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARKA). Through this policy, it is hoped that there will be greater attention to the involvement of youth in the planning and management of ecotourism, so that they not only become actors in the field but also have votes in the decision-making process.

The Role of Education in Youth Participation

Education plays a crucial role in increasing youth participation in the development of ecotourism. By providing education and training on ecotourism and tourism management, youth can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the development of ecotourism. Education can also raise awareness among youth about the importance of environmental sustainability and the role that they can play in preserving the natural environment.

Conclusion

Overall, youth participation in the development of mangrove ecotourism in Kuala Langsa Village has great potential. Although there is a significant involvement at the implementation stage, efforts to increase participation in the planning and evaluation phase still need to be done. With the right strategy and policy support from the government, youth can play an active role in maintaining and developing environment-based ecotourism in their area. The sustainability of mangrove ecotourism not only depends on good environmental management, but also on the active involvement of the younger generation who are committed to the future of their environment.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase youth participation in the planning and evaluation stage: Efforts should be made to involve youth in the planning and evaluation stage of ecotourism development, so that they can contribute to the decision-making process and have a say in the direction of ecotourism development.
Provide education and training on ecotourism and tourism management: Education and training programs should be provided to increase the capacity of youth to contribute effectively to the development of ecotourism.
Increase access to venture capital: Access to venture capital through loans can encourage youth to become tourism actors and entrepreneurs in the field of tourism.
Raise awareness among youth about the importance of environmental sustainability: Education and awareness-raising programs should be implemented to raise awareness among youth about the importance of environmental sustainability and the role that they can play in preserving the natural environment.

By implementing these recommendations, the potential of youth participation in the development of mangrove ecotourism in Kuala Langsa Village can be fully realized, and the sustainability of this industry can be ensured.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Youth Participation in Mangrove Ecotourism

Q: What is mangrove ecotourism?

A: Mangrove ecotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of mangrove forests, which are coastal ecosystems that provide habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Mangrove ecotourism involves activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, and can also include educational programs and community-based tourism initiatives.

Q: Why is youth participation in mangrove ecotourism important?

A: Youth participation in mangrove ecotourism is important because it can help to ensure the long-term sustainability of this industry. Young people are more likely to be interested in and invested in the conservation of mangrove forests, and can play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and education. Additionally, youth participation can help to increase the economic benefits of ecotourism for local communities.

Q: What are some of the challenges facing youth participation in mangrove ecotourism?

A: Some of the challenges facing youth participation in mangrove ecotourism include limited access to education and training, lack of opportunities for youth to participate in decision-making processes, and limited access to resources and funding. Additionally, youth may face cultural and social barriers that can limit their participation in ecotourism activities.

Q: How can youth participation in mangrove ecotourism be increased?

A: There are several ways to increase youth participation in mangrove ecotourism, including:

Providing education and training programs for youth on ecotourism and conservation
Creating opportunities for youth to participate in decision-making processes and leadership roles
Increasing access to resources and funding for youth-led ecotourism initiatives
Promoting cultural and social awareness and acceptance of youth participation in ecotourism

Q: What are some of the benefits of youth participation in mangrove ecotourism?

A: Some of the benefits of youth participation in mangrove ecotourism include:

Increased environmental awareness and education
Improved conservation outcomes
Increased economic benefits for local communities
Development of leadership and entrepreneurship skills among youth
Increased community engagement and participation in ecotourism activities

Q: How can communities support youth participation in mangrove ecotourism?

A: Communities can support youth participation in mangrove ecotourism by:

Providing resources and funding for youth-led ecotourism initiatives
Creating opportunities for youth to participate in decision-making processes and leadership roles
Promoting cultural and social awareness and acceptance of youth participation in ecotourism
Providing education and training programs for youth on ecotourism and conservation
Encouraging community-based tourism initiatives that involve youth

Q: What is the role of education in youth participation in mangrove ecotourism?

A: Education plays a crucial role in youth participation in mangrove ecotourism. Education can provide youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in ecotourism activities, and can also raise awareness among youth about the importance of environmental conservation. Education can also help to develop leadership and entrepreneurship skills among youth, and can provide opportunities for youth to participate in decision-making processes and leadership roles.

Q: How can governments support youth participation in mangrove ecotourism?

A: Governments can support youth participation in mangrove ecotourism by:

Providing resources and funding for youth-led ecotourism initiatives
Creating policies and regulations that support youth participation in ecotourism
Providing education and training programs for youth on ecotourism and conservation
Encouraging community-based tourism initiatives that involve youth
Promoting cultural and social awareness and acceptance of youth participation in ecotourism

Q: What is the future of youth participation in mangrove ecotourism?

A: The future of youth participation in mangrove ecotourism is promising. As more and more young people become involved in ecotourism activities, there is a growing recognition of the importance of youth participation in conservation and sustainable development. With the right support and resources, youth can play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and education, and can help to ensure the long-term sustainability of mangrove ecotourism.