Aceptación de las partes interesadas del desarrollo del ecoturismo adaptativo: un estudio de caso del Parque Nacional de Komodo

Adaptive ecotourism has emerged as an innovative strategy to address tourism challenges — especially those intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic — by emphasizing flexibility, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. In the context of Parque Nacional de Komodo (KNP) — a globally recognized conservation and tourism destination — understanding stakeholder acceptance of adaptive ecotourism is key to crafting resilient and sustainable development strategies.

Fondo

Parque Nacional de Komodo, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its endemic Komodo dragon population, scenic marine ecosystems, and unique cultural heritage. While tourism brings economic benefits, recent global disruptions such as the pandemic have exposed vulnerabilities in traditional tourism models, underscoring the need for approaches that can adapt to changing conditions.

Adaptive ecotourism integrates environmental conservation with socio-economic objectives, emphasizing responsiveness to change, community involvement, y sustainable use of natural resources. Successfully implementing this model in KNP depends on how well it is accepted by stakeholders — including park managers, local communities, educators, government agencies, and tourism operators.

Methodology

The study employed qualitative research methods, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) y in-depth interviews, to gather insights from stakeholders across multiple sectors. This approach helped capture perceptions, concerns, opportunities, and constraints related to adaptive ecotourism development in the park.

Hallazgos clave

1. Stakeholder Acceptability and Perspectives

Overall, stakeholders expressed broad acceptance of adaptive ecotourism as a concept that can enhance tourism resilience, leverage local education opportunities, and support sustainable livelihoods. Many recognized that alternative tourism strategies are necessary to adapt to fluctuations in visitor numbers and external shocks like pandemics.

Opportunities highlighted by stakeholders included:

• Desarrollo educational programs that encourage learning activities for students and tourists alike within the park.
• Expanding tourism offerings beyond sightseeing, such as knowledge-based experiences y community-led nature activities.

However, stakeholders also identified challenges, such as:

• Limited current participation of local schools in educational programs.
• The need for stronger coordination among regulatory bodies, communities, and tourism entrepreneurs to ensure balanced development.

2. Policy and Regulatory Context

Stakeholders pointed out that existing laws and regulations — established by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry to guide development within protected areas — function as a supportive baseline for adaptive ecotourism. These regulatory frameworks help ensure that land use and tourism activities are managed responsibly, balancing conservation with visitor engagement.

3. SWOT-Based Strategic Insights

Using SWOT analysis, researchers identified strategic recommendations to enhance stakeholder acceptance and overcome development barriers:

• Emphasis on WT strategies (Weakness-Threat) to minimize weaknesses and avoid potential threats posed by rapid or unmanaged tourism growth.
• Focus on strengthening institutional support and community involvement in program planning and execution.

Implications for Komodo National Park Management

Understanding stakeholder acceptance helps managers tailor adaptive ecotourism programs that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to change. Key implications include:

• The importance of community empowerment and active involvement in tourism planning.
• Integrating learning-oriented tourism that enriches visitor experiences while promoting environmental stewardship.
• Maintaining collaborative governance structures that align conservation goals with socio-economic benefits.

Conclusión

Adaptive ecotourism holds promise as a sustainable tourism strategy for Parque Nacional de Komodo, particularly in a post-pandemic world. While stakeholders generally support the concept, realizing its full potential requires strengthened cooperation, enhanced educational initiatives, and strategic policy implementation. By fostering stakeholder acceptance and addressing identified constraints, KNP can become a model for adaptive ecotourism that benefits both people and nature.

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