A strategy for the sustainable development of the karst area in Wonogiri

Abstract

The karst area is a strategic area with economic, scientific, and humanitarian values related to livelihood. The karst area of Wonogiri is part of the Gunung Sewu Area, a Global Geopark established by the UNESCO Global Geopark Network. The local inhabitants have not gained any benefit from the potential natural resources. Meanwhile, they are constrained by the harsh nature and the obligation to preserve the karst area. This leads to the question of how spatial planning could intervene inthe socio-economic conditions of the inhabitant by utilizing the natural resources of the karst. The study first describes the characteristics of karst areas from their potentials, problems, opportunities, challenges, and trends. The result of the study is the spatial arrangement of the karst area in Wonogiri based on karst classification and its nature. The karst area can be developed based on its natural resources, such as for agriculture, livestock, special tourism attractions utilizing the landscape and natural formations, including the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources. It can also be used and a source of knowledge. The challenge faced is the obligation to protect its uniqueness related to its geology, geomorphology, paleontology, hydrology, flora and fauna, and the development of knowledge repertoire.