Marine Tourism Profile from the Perspective of Ecotourism and Marine Conservation in the Manswar Archipelago, Gam Island and the South Waigeo Coastal Area, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua

Abstract

Raja Ampat is one of the areas with the highest marine biodiversity in the world and is a leading tourism destination in Indonesia. This research focuses on several locations in the Manswar Archipelago, Gam Island, and the South Waigeo Coastal Area, Raja Ampat, Papua. The objectives of this study are to identify the potential for natural and cultural tourism in Mansuar, Gam, and South Waigeo, assess the problems and challenges of community-based tourism management, and develop a participatory action plan for sustainable tourism development. This study will also analyze the tourism profile of Raja Ampat through a qualitative descriptive approach, covering natural potential, tourism activities, socio-cultural aspects, accessibility, and conservation dynamics. This study uses the PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) method, which is an approach and collection of participatory techniques used to involve local communities in the process of problem identification, potential analysis, program planning, and decision-making, especially in rural areas or local communities (including small islands such as Mansuar, Gam, and South Waigeo). The results of the study indicate that Raja Ampat tourism is highly dependent on the sustainability of marine ecosystems, so ecotourism-based management is a primary strategy. Despite its significant contribution to the local economy, tourism development also faces challenges in the form of environmental pressures and the need for sustainable regulation