The Potential and Carrying Capacity of Lusi Sidoarjo Island as An Education and Conservation-Based Tourism

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystem of Lusi Sidoarjo Island has uniqueness and beauty with great potential to be developed as an education and conservation-based tourism. The main step that can be taken in efforts to develop mangrove tourism is identifying regional conditions and potentials through carrying capacity analysis. Carrying capacity analysis is needed to anticipate excess visitors who can potentially cause damage to the tourism environment. This study carried out in June – July 2022, aimed to analyze the potential and carrying capacity of mangrove ecosystems on Lusi Island as an education and conservation-based tourism. The method used in this study is descriptive quantitative by collecting data through observation, interviews, and field surveys. The calculation was made to determine the carrying capacity of the area. The results showed that the area's carrying capacity was 360 visitors/day with a diverse potential for mangroves, flora, fauna, and abundant content of metals and minerals based on XRD and XRF analysis, and literature studies. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be interpreted that Lusi Sidoarjo Island has a great amount of potential to be developed as an education and conservation-based tourism.