The Sustainable Ecotourism Potential Development With Special Reference to Oliveridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Along Bantul Beaches, Indonesia

Abstract

All seven species of sea turtle are endangered species, Olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea is listed as red list of threatened species by the IUCN. From 2012 until 2018 only L. Olivacea that can be found landing at Bantul Beaches. Bantul has four beaches for sea turtle conservations; Pandansimo, Goa Cemara, Samas, and Pelangi. The purpose of this study was to obtain information on the perception of general tourists about the potential development of turtle conservation based ecotourism in Bantul. A questionnaire by random sampling used to collect data to respondents (200 visitors). The data processed using quantitative descriptive. SWOT analysis methods use to evaluate the possibility of sea turtle based sustainable ecotourism developtment. The results show that almost of tourist perception about: the condition of the beach in Bantul that is positive; the responses of the beach operators were good; approve of turtle conservation based ecotourism development; agree with the policy to donate for the efforts of turtle conservation; have the perception that the turtle has its attractiveness for beach tourism; agree that giving an explanation of the importance of turtle conservation before the release of hatchlings open to the tourists' insight about the importance of turtle conservation. The area of the beach during the release of hatchlings is very supportive because of limited visitors when release hatchlings. The presence of donations by tourists in conservation efforts can be used as a source of funding for turtle conservation. From SWOT analysis, the sea turtle conservation in Bantul is potential to be developed into sustainable ecotourism.