Visitors' Awareness to Maintain and Preserve the Biodiversity and Environment at Bantimurung Nature Tourism Object, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

Abstract

Bantimurung Nature Tourism Object is one of the famous destinations in South Sulawesi Province. This research aims to determine the level of visitor awareness to preserve this destination's biodiversity and environment. Data collection about the levels of visitor awareness was conducted using the interview method. The result of the study showed that most visitors are aware of the biodiversity and the environment. However, the lack of knowledge and fewer visitors information about protected butterfly species declined their environmentally friendly behavior and awareness. Therefore, persuading visitors that their behavior will affect the destination's biological and non-biological natural resources is necessary. Moreover, it is required to improve visitors' knowledge about friendly environmental behavior and how to maintain this potential so they can enjoy it sustainably.