Local Wisdom Driven Mangrove Ecotourism: Comparative and Socio Legal Insights for Advancing the Green Economy

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems in Tangerang, Indonesia, play critical roles in coastal defense, carbon absorption, and biodiversity conservation.  Despite their ecological importance, these places are at risk of habitat loss, poor law enforcement, and fragmented institutional coordination.  This study investigates the roles of communities, local ecological knowledge, and policy in promoting mangrove ecotourism to support sustainable environmental management and an inclusive economy.  A qualitative socio-legal approach was employed, with research data obtained from in-depth interviews, field observations, and legal reflections conducted in Ketapang and Tanjung Burung, as well as observations from studies in the Philippines and Thailand. The findings show that local culture-based conservation, such as Awig-Awig and traditional ceremonies, can helpimprove the ecological sustainability and tourism of mangroves, particularly with the support of many stakeholders. However, significant obstacles remain, including inadequate legal protection, tangled governmental authority, and minimal stakeholder cooperation. The study emphasizes the need for clear land tenure, decentralized governance, and societal involvement in mangrove conservation. The study underlines the importance of aligning formal legislation with community practices, improving institutional coordination, and incorporating cultural values into environmental policies. Mangrove ecotourism has the potential to be a green development pathway, but its long-term benefits depend heavily on proper planning to avoid environmental and social consequences