Mangrove Tracking Ecotourism Feasibility in Marisa, Pohuwato Regency, Tomini Bay Area

Abstract

The mangrove environment is a distinctive sort of forest ecosystem that is primarily located in tidal areas along coastlines, including beaches and small islands. It possesses significant potential as a natural resource. The exploration of the potential of natural resources, particularly mangrove forest ecosystems, for the purpose of mangrove ecotourism is a topic of great interest. One of the areas in Gorontalo Province that has quite extensive mangrove resources is in Pohuwato Regency. In order to enhance mangrove tourism, a village in Pohuwato Regency has designated a specific area for mangrove tracking ecotourism. This area is situated in East Pohuwato Village, Marisa District. This study was conducted between December 2018 and April 2019, employing a random sample procedure. The collected data was subsequently subjected to quantitative analysis, using the Guidelines for Analysis of Areas of Operation of Natural Tourism Objects and Attractions (ADO-ODTWA). This study examines four variables: attractiveness, accessibility, accommodation, and facilities and infrastructure. The findings indicated that the mangrove tracking ecotourism area in Pohuwato Timur Village possesses the potential to be transformed into a nature tourism destination. The feasibility assessment was conducted based on the established criteria for each category, which demonstrated that each category met the required standards. Specifically, the power pull scored 960, accessibility scored 600, accommodation scored 150, andfacilities and infrastructure scored 300, thereby affirming their suitability for their respective categories.