Public Perceptions of the Prospective Birdwatching Ecotourism in the Bagek Kembar Mangrove Essential Ecosystem Area (EEA), Sekotong District, West Lombok

Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Mataram, Indonesia

^* Corresponding Author: enisuyantri@unram.ac.id

Abstract

Birdwatching is one of the conservation education techniques used to increase awareness related to the importance of bird conservation. EEA Bagek Kembar is an area with the potential to be developed as a Birdwatching Ecotourism site. This research aims to understand the public’s perception, especially visitors, regarding the potential development of Birdwatching Ecotourism in EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar. Data on the public’s perceptions of EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar were collected using questionnaires and observations. The data analysis method used in this research is qualitative descriptive analysis. Based on the research findings, the areas with potential for development as Birdwatching Ecotourism in EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar are the coastal and rehabilitated mangrove areas. This is supported by birdwatching activities previously conducted by visitors to EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar. Visitors to EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar, predominantly students, have identified more than 5 bird species in the EEA Bagek Kembar area. Visitors show a high interest in birdwatching activities and support the development of birdwatching ecotourism in EEA Bagek Kembar.