STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION FOR COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT OF ECOTOURISM AND PROBOSCIS CONSERVATION

Abstract

In developing countries, ecotourism naturally involves many j with contrary interests which could potentially disrupt ecotourism plans and programs. Therefore, stakeholder collaboration is essential. The Hitam river is located in Borneo Island of Indonesia where proboscis monkeys are naturally inhabited. Hitam River Ecotourism Destination (HRED) has been established by a group of local people since 2010. However, limited number of tourist visits have caused lack of budget to develop HRED as well as proboscis monkey conservation and income provision for local people. This study aims to identify potential stakeholders and recognize their position and roles for HRED improvement and proboscis monkey conservation. The research method in this study are field observations, literature studies and in-depth interviews. The results show that most of the Hitam riverbank areas are owned by individuals instead of protected areas. Influence source dominantly owned by stakeholders in this study was organization, while almost all stakeholders show their interest to information function. There are 20 stakeholders identified in this study: 6 key players, 10 subjects, 4 crowds. In conclusion, there are potential stakeholders for collaboration to develop ecotourism in Hitam River, to conserve proboscis monkeys and to provide alternative income for local people.