Strengthening Early Childhood Environmental Education and Community Awareness for Sustainable Marine Ecotourism in the Togean Islands National Park, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31571/ijcmasted.v1i1.1016Keywords:
Marine ecotourism, Community awareness, Environmental education, Community participation, sustainable livelihoodsAbstract
The development of marine ecotourism in Togean Islands National Park offers a strategic pathway to balance environmental conservation and local economic development. However, its sustainability is constrained by low community awareness, limited participation, and insufficient environmental understanding. This study aims to analyze the role of community awareness and early environmental education in supporting sustainable marine ecotourism development. This research employs a qualitative approach combined with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Data were collected through literature review, field observations, and stakeholder analysis, while comparative analysis was conducted with Komodo and Bunaken National Parks. The findings show that local livelihoods remain dependent on extractive activities, reflecting limited awareness of conservation benefits. Nevertheless, pilot ecotourism initiatives indicate that increased community engagement can reduce destructive practices and diversify income sources. Environmental education, particularly at an early stage, plays a crucial role in shaping pro-conservation behavior. AHP results identify environmental education as the top strategic priority, followed by community empowerment. This study proposes an integrated framework linking awareness, education, behavior, participation, and sustainable livelihoods. It concludes that sustainable marine ecotourism requires an integrated approach combining environmental education, community empowerment, and inclusive governance to align conservation objectives with socio-economic benefits.
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