ECOTOURISM AWARENESS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ACTION PROGRAMS BY THE BENGKEL PULAU LOCAL COMMUNITY IN TERNATE CITY, NORTH MALUKU

Abstract

Community-based education and environmental action programs are essential strategies for raising public awareness of ecotourism, particularly in regions with rich natural attractions such as Ternate City. This community engagement project aims to enhance local understanding and concern for ecotourism principles through a series of educational and conservation activities conducted by the Bengkel Pulau Community. The methods implemented include online and offline educational initiatives such as webinars, film-based discussions, radio broadcasts, guest lectures, and ecotourism guide training. Additionally, environmental action activities were carried out through coastal clean-up efforts in the Tolire Lake area and waste collection activities around Kalamata Fort, involving youth groups, local residents, and visitors. The results show a significant increase in participants’ understanding of ecotourism concepts, environmental conservation, and eco-friendly behavior. Participants reported adopting practices such as waste sorting, reducing plastic use, and maintaining cleanliness in tourist areas. The environmental actions also generated tangible impacts, with 180 kg of plastic waste collected at Tolire and 5 sacks of mixed waste gathered at Kalamata Fort. These findings indicate that community-based education and action programs can effectively foster positive behavioral change and strengthen community collaboration in supporting sustainable destination management. This model can be replicated by other communities or adopted by local governments as an effort to improve ecotourism awareness in various regions.