Community Empowerment as a Catalyst for Marine Ecotourism: The Case of Spermonde Archipelago, Makassar

https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v6i2.2421
Published: Jan 7, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the development of marine ecotourism and the community’s participation in marine ecotourism development in the Spermonde Archipelago. The findings were used as a foundation to create a conceptual framework for community empowerment in marine ecotourism in the Spermonde Archipelago.

Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted on several islands in the Spermonde Archipelago, Makassar City, including Samalona Island, Kodingareng Keke Island, Barrang Caddi Island, and Lanjukang Island. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through interviews, observations, documentation, and a literature review. The informants included local communities, government officials, the private sector, and academics. The data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.

Results/Findings: The research developed a framework for community empowerment in marine ecotourism, focusing on improving political, economic, and environmental quality of life. Based on findings from the Spermonde Archipelago, it showed that ecotourism transformed natural resources into tourism products, leading to diverse community perceptions about its impacts. Community involvement was driven by economic motives but limited by knowledge and skills in integrating tourism and conservation. Nonetheless, communities had opportunities to participate in development, planning, and benefit distribution.

Limitations: This research did not provide a detailed set of practical strategies based on the formulated community empowerment model.

Contribution: This study contributed to the conceptual understanding by proposing a community empowerment model in the Spermonde Archipelago. This model was expected to serve as a theoretical reference for implementing community empowerment focused on social and environmental justice.

Keywords:
1. ecotourism
2. coastal destination
3. community empowerment
4. tourism impacts
5. community participation
Authors:
1 . Yudha Prakasa
Udayana University, Indonesia
2 . Michael Rudolfus Sawu
Udayana University, Indonesia
3 . M. Farid Ulinnuha
Udayana University, Indonesia
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How to Cite
Prakasa, Y., Sawu, M. R., & Ulinnuha, M. F. (2025). Community Empowerment as a Catalyst for Marine Ecotourism: The Case of Spermonde Archipelago, Makassar. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 6(2), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v6i2.2421
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Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): January
Articles
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References

    References

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    Arida, S. (2017). Ekowisata: pengembangan, partisipasi lokal, dan tantangan ekowisata: Cakra Press.

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    Casimiro, D., Ventura, M. A., Botelho, A. Z., & Guerreiro, J. (2023). Ecotourism in Marine Protected Areas as a tool to valuate natural capital and enhance good marine governance: A review. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, 1002677.

    Chin, S., & Hampton, M. (2020). The Relationship between Destination Competitiveness and Residents’ Quality of Life: Lessons from Bali. Tourism and hospitality management, 26, 311-336. doi:10.20867/thm.26.2.3

    Cole, S. (2006). Information and empowerment: The keys to achieving sustainable tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 14(6), 629-644.

    Cooper, C. (2005). Tourism: Principles and Practice: Pearson Education.

    Cornwall, A. (2003). Whose voices? Whose choices? Reflections on gender and participatory development. World development, 31(8), 1325-1342.

    Dangi, T. B., & Jamal, T. (2016). An integrated approach to “sustainable community-based tourism”. Sustainability, 8(5), 475.

    Daris, L., Massiseng, A. N. A., Jaya, J., Wahyuti, W., & Zaenab, S. (2023). The Status of Diversity of Coral Reefs and Reef Fish Supporting Marine Tourism on Kodingareng Keke Island, Makassar City. International Journal of Applied Biology, 7(1), 35-46.

    Das, M., & Chatterjee, B. (2015). Ecotourism: A panacea or a predicament? Tourism Management Perspectives, 14, 3-16.

    Ekpah, O. (2021). Wildlife status and ecotourism potentials of Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 2(4), 199-212.

    Faizal, A., Samawi, F., & Hamzah, H. (2016). Studi Awal: Desain Jejaring Kawasan Konservasi Perairan di Pantai Barat Sulawesi Selatan. Jurnal Administrasi dan Kebijakan Kesehatan Indonesia, 2(2), 110665.

    Febriandhika, I., & Kurniawan, T. (2019). Membingkai Konsep Pariwisata Yang Berkelanjutan Melalui Community-Based Tourism: Sebuah Review Literatur. JPSI (Journal of Public Sector Innovations), 3(2), 50-56.

    Fennell, D. A. (2014). Ecotourism: Routledge.

    Foy, N. (1997). Empowering People at Work: Gower.

    Garrod, B., Wilson, J. C., & Bruce, D. M. (2003). Defining marine ecotourism: a Delphi study. Marine Ecotourism: Issues and Experiences. Channel View, Clevedon, Australia, 17-36.

    Gills, B. (2020). Deep restoration: From the great implosion to the great awakening (Vol. 17, pp. 577-579): Taylor & Francis.

    Goodwin, H. (1995). In pursuit of ecotourism.

    Haya, L. O. M. Y., & Fujii, M. (2019). Assessing economic values of coral reefs in the Pangkajene and Kepulauan Regency, Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia. Journal of coastal conservation, 23(3), 699-711.

    Hui, X., Raza, S. H., Khan, S. W., Zaman, U., & Ogadimma, E. C. (2023). Exploring regenerative tourism using media richness theory: emerging role of immersive journalism, metaverse-based promotion, eco-literacy, and pro-environmental behavior. Sustainability, 15(6), 5046.

    Hung, K., Sirakaya-Turk, E., & Ingram, L. J. (2011). Testing the efficacy of an integrative model for community participation. Journal of Travel Research, 50(3), 276-288.

    Jamal, T. B., & Getz, D. (1995). Collaboration theory and community tourism planning. Annals of tourism research, 22(1), 186-204.

    Kench, P. S., & Mann, T. (2017). Reef island evolution and dynamics: insights from the Indian and Pacific Oceans and perspectives for the Spermonde Archipelago. Frontiers in Marine Science, 4, 145.

    Koroy, K., Yulianda, F., & Butet, N. A. (2017). PENGEMBANGAN EKOWISATA BAHARI BERBASIS SUMBERDAYA PULAU-PULAU KECIL DI PULAU SAYAFI DAN LIWO, KABUPATEN HALMAHERA TENGAH. Jurnal Teknologi Perikanan Dan Kelautan, 8(1), 1-17.

    Lamberti, L., Noci, G., Guo, J., & Zhu, S. (2011). Mega-events as drivers of community participation in developing countries: The case of Shanghai World Expo. Tourism Management, 32(6), 1474-1483.

    Milne, S., Thorburn, E., Rosin, C., & Deuchar, C. (2021). Developing marine ecotourism for a sustainable blue economy: a literature review. Retrieved from https://www.sustainableseaschallenge.co.nz/assets/dms/Reports/Developing-marine-ecotourism-for-a-sustainable-blue-economy-a-literature-review-/Marine-ecotourism-literature-review_May-2021_For-Upload-to-WEB.pdf

    Nickerson, N. P., Jorgenson, J., & Boley, B. B. (2016). Are sustainable tourists a higher spending market? Tourism Management, 54, 170-177.

    Orea-Giner, A., Gonzalez-Reverte, F., & Fuentes-Moraleda, L. (2022). Impacts of a health crisis on music festivals: a qualitative approach. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 13(2), 125-143.

    Pretty, J. (1995). The many interpretations of participation. Focus, 16, 4-5.

    Rani, C., Nessa, M. N., Jompa, J., Thoaha, S., & Faizal, A. (2014). Aplikasi model dinamik dampak eutrofikasi dan sedimentasi bagi pengendalian kerusakan terumbu karang di perairan Sulawesi Selatan. Jurnal Perikanan Universitas Gadjah Mada, 16(1), 1-9.

    Ratnah, R., Rinda, R., & Sarira, M. T. (2022). Strategi Pengembangan Gugusan Pulau-Pulau di Kepulauan Spermonde dalam Perencanaan Produk Perjalanan Wisata Berbasis Maritim. La Geografia, 20(3).

    Sadan, E. (1997). Empowerment and Community Planning (R. Flantz, Trans.): Hakibbutz Hameuchad Publishers.

    Scheyvens, R. (1999). Ecotourism and the empowerment of local communities. Tourism Management, 20(2), 245-249.

    Steven, R., Castley, J. G., & Buckley, R. (2013). Tourism revenue as a conservation tool for threatened birds in protected areas. PloS one, 8(5), e62598.

    Stronza, A. L., Hunt, C. A., & Fitzgerald, L. A. (2019). Ecotourism for conservation? Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 44(1), 229-253.

    Tiimub, B. M., Gbolo, B., Tiimob, R. W., Tiimob, E. L., Kumedzro, V., & Tiimob, E. (2019). Impact of community participation in adaptive wildlife resources management at Mole National Park, Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 1(2), 139-149.

    Tiimub, B. M., Kuffour, R. A., Tiimob, R. W., Kuuyeni, C. A., Tiimob, E. L., & Tiimob, E. N. (2020). Sacred groves as potential ecotourism sites at Tolon and Diare in Northern Region, Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 1(3), 195-215.

    Timothy, D. J. (1999). Participatory planningA view of tourism in Indonesia. Annals of tourism research, 26(2), 371-391.

    Timothy, D. J. (2000). Building community awareness of tourism in a developing country destination. Tourism Recreation Research, 25(2), 111-116.

    Timothy, D. J. (2006). Empowerment and stakeholder participation in tourism destination communities Tourism, power and space (pp. 213-230): Routledge.

    Tosun, C. (2000). Limits to community participation in the tourism development process in developing countries. Tourism Management, 21(6), 613-633.

    UN. (2021). The Rising Tide: Mapping Ocean Finance for a New Decade. Retrieved from https://www.unepfi.org/publications/rising-tide/#:~:text=The%20Rising%20Tide%20report%20maps,and%20gaps%20in%20the%20market.

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    Wood, D. J., & Gray, B. (1991). Toward a comprehensive theory of collaboration. The Journal of applied behavioral science, 27(2), 139-162.

    Xu, H., Jiang, F., Wall, G., & Wang, Y. (2019). The evolving path of community participation in tourism in China. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(8), 1239-1258.

    Yeboah, T., Afram, C. S., Quampah, B., & Kulega, A. (2019). Adaptation to risks related to ecotourism: development at Boabeng in the Bono East Region, Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 1(2), 105-121.

    Yin, R. K. (2008). Studi kasus: Desain & metode.

    Zakaria, A. (2021). Assessing the effectiveness of local community leaders in managing forest resources in the Mole National Park. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 3(1), 1-16.

  1. References
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  3. Arida, S. (2017). Ekowisata: pengembangan, partisipasi lokal, dan tantangan ekowisata: Cakra Press.
  4. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
  5. Buckley, R. C., Castley, J. G., Pegas, F. d. V., Mossaz, A. C., & Steven, R. (2012). A population accounting approach to assess tourism contributions to conservation of IUCN-redlisted mammal species.
  6. Buckley, R. C., Morrison, C., & Castley, J. G. (2016). Net effects of ecotourism on threatened species survival. PloS one, 11(2), e0147988.
  7. Casimiro, D., Ventura, M. A., Botelho, A. Z., & Guerreiro, J. (2023). Ecotourism in Marine Protected Areas as a tool to valuate natural capital and enhance good marine governance: A review. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, 1002677.
  8. Chin, S., & Hampton, M. (2020). The Relationship between Destination Competitiveness and Residents’ Quality of Life: Lessons from Bali. Tourism and hospitality management, 26, 311-336. doi:10.20867/thm.26.2.3
  9. Cole, S. (2006). Information and empowerment: The keys to achieving sustainable tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 14(6), 629-644.
  10. Cooper, C. (2005). Tourism: Principles and Practice: Pearson Education.
  11. Cornwall, A. (2003). Whose voices? Whose choices? Reflections on gender and participatory development. World development, 31(8), 1325-1342.
  12. Dangi, T. B., & Jamal, T. (2016). An integrated approach to “sustainable community-based tourism”. Sustainability, 8(5), 475.
  13. Daris, L., Massiseng, A. N. A., Jaya, J., Wahyuti, W., & Zaenab, S. (2023). The Status of Diversity of Coral Reefs and Reef Fish Supporting Marine Tourism on Kodingareng Keke Island, Makassar City. International Journal of Applied Biology, 7(1), 35-46.
  14. Das, M., & Chatterjee, B. (2015). Ecotourism: A panacea or a predicament? Tourism Management Perspectives, 14, 3-16.
  15. Ekpah, O. (2021). Wildlife status and ecotourism potentials of Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 2(4), 199-212.
  16. Faizal, A., Samawi, F., & Hamzah, H. (2016). Studi Awal: Desain Jejaring Kawasan Konservasi Perairan di Pantai Barat Sulawesi Selatan. Jurnal Administrasi dan Kebijakan Kesehatan Indonesia, 2(2), 110665.
  17. Febriandhika, I., & Kurniawan, T. (2019). Membingkai Konsep Pariwisata Yang Berkelanjutan Melalui Community-Based Tourism: Sebuah Review Literatur. JPSI (Journal of Public Sector Innovations), 3(2), 50-56.
  18. Fennell, D. A. (2014). Ecotourism: Routledge.
  19. Foy, N. (1997). Empowering People at Work: Gower.
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  21. Gills, B. (2020). Deep restoration: From the great implosion to the great awakening (Vol. 17, pp. 577-579): Taylor & Francis.
  22. Goodwin, H. (1995). In pursuit of ecotourism.
  23. Haya, L. O. M. Y., & Fujii, M. (2019). Assessing economic values of coral reefs in the Pangkajene and Kepulauan Regency, Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia. Journal of coastal conservation, 23(3), 699-711.
  24. Hui, X., Raza, S. H., Khan, S. W., Zaman, U., & Ogadimma, E. C. (2023). Exploring regenerative tourism using media richness theory: emerging role of immersive journalism, metaverse-based promotion, eco-literacy, and pro-environmental behavior. Sustainability, 15(6), 5046.
  25. Hung, K., Sirakaya-Turk, E., & Ingram, L. J. (2011). Testing the efficacy of an integrative model for community participation. Journal of Travel Research, 50(3), 276-288.
  26. Jamal, T. B., & Getz, D. (1995). Collaboration theory and community tourism planning. Annals of tourism research, 22(1), 186-204.
  27. Kench, P. S., & Mann, T. (2017). Reef island evolution and dynamics: insights from the Indian and Pacific Oceans and perspectives for the Spermonde Archipelago. Frontiers in Marine Science, 4, 145.
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  30. Milne, S., Thorburn, E., Rosin, C., & Deuchar, C. (2021). Developing marine ecotourism for a sustainable blue economy: a literature review. Retrieved from https://www.sustainableseaschallenge.co.nz/assets/dms/Reports/Developing-marine-ecotourism-for-a-sustainable-blue-economy-a-literature-review-/Marine-ecotourism-literature-review_May-2021_For-Upload-to-WEB.pdf
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  32. Orea-Giner, A., Gonzalez-Reverte, F., & Fuentes-Moraleda, L. (2022). Impacts of a health crisis on music festivals: a qualitative approach. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 13(2), 125-143.
  33. Pretty, J. (1995). The many interpretations of participation. Focus, 16, 4-5.
  34. Rani, C., Nessa, M. N., Jompa, J., Thoaha, S., & Faizal, A. (2014). Aplikasi model dinamik dampak eutrofikasi dan sedimentasi bagi pengendalian kerusakan terumbu karang di perairan Sulawesi Selatan. Jurnal Perikanan Universitas Gadjah Mada, 16(1), 1-9.
  35. Ratnah, R., Rinda, R., & Sarira, M. T. (2022). Strategi Pengembangan Gugusan Pulau-Pulau di Kepulauan Spermonde dalam Perencanaan Produk Perjalanan Wisata Berbasis Maritim. La Geografia, 20(3).
  36. Sadan, E. (1997). Empowerment and Community Planning (R. Flantz, Trans.): Hakibbutz Hameuchad Publishers.
  37. Scheyvens, R. (1999). Ecotourism and the empowerment of local communities. Tourism Management, 20(2), 245-249.
  38. Steven, R., Castley, J. G., & Buckley, R. (2013). Tourism revenue as a conservation tool for threatened birds in protected areas. PloS one, 8(5), e62598.
  39. Stronza, A. L., Hunt, C. A., & Fitzgerald, L. A. (2019). Ecotourism for conservation? Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 44(1), 229-253.
  40. Tiimub, B. M., Gbolo, B., Tiimob, R. W., Tiimob, E. L., Kumedzro, V., & Tiimob, E. (2019). Impact of community participation in adaptive wildlife resources management at Mole National Park, Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 1(2), 139-149.
  41. Tiimub, B. M., Kuffour, R. A., Tiimob, R. W., Kuuyeni, C. A., Tiimob, E. L., & Tiimob, E. N. (2020). Sacred groves as potential ecotourism sites at Tolon and Diare in Northern Region, Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 1(3), 195-215.
  42. Timothy, D. J. (1999). Participatory planningA view of tourism in Indonesia. Annals of tourism research, 26(2), 371-391.
  43. Timothy, D. J. (2000). Building community awareness of tourism in a developing country destination. Tourism Recreation Research, 25(2), 111-116.
  44. Timothy, D. J. (2006). Empowerment and stakeholder participation in tourism destination communities Tourism, power and space (pp. 213-230): Routledge.
  45. Tosun, C. (2000). Limits to community participation in the tourism development process in developing countries. Tourism Management, 21(6), 613-633.
  46. UN. (2021). The Rising Tide: Mapping Ocean Finance for a New Decade. Retrieved from https://www.unepfi.org/publications/rising-tide/#:~:text=The%20Rising%20Tide%20report%20maps,and%20gaps%20in%20the%20market.
  47. Wondirad, A. (2019). Does ecotourism contribute to sustainable destination development, or is it just a marketing hoax? Analyzing twenty-five years contested journey of ecotourism through a meta-analysis of tourism journal publications. Asia pacific journal of tourism research, 24(11), 1047-1065.
  48. Wood, D. J., & Gray, B. (1991). Toward a comprehensive theory of collaboration. The Journal of applied behavioral science, 27(2), 139-162.
  49. Xu, H., Jiang, F., Wall, G., & Wang, Y. (2019). The evolving path of community participation in tourism in China. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(8), 1239-1258.
  50. Yeboah, T., Afram, C. S., Quampah, B., & Kulega, A. (2019). Adaptation to risks related to ecotourism: development at Boabeng in the Bono East Region, Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 1(2), 105-121.
  51. Yin, R. K. (2008). Studi kasus: Desain & metode.
  52. Zakaria, A. (2021). Assessing the effectiveness of local community leaders in managing forest resources in the Mole National Park. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 3(1), 1-16.