Recreational Value of Mangrove Ecotourism: A Case Study in Jerowaru East Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

Mangrove forest ecosystems confer various advantages to human populations, including but not limited to safeguarding against tsunamis and abrasion, sequestering carbon, serving as fish breeding grounds, and providing recreational opportunities. The provision of welfare and stimulation of economic growth for local population can be facilitated by the recreational or tourism value. Nevertheless, the significance of mangrove forests, encompassing their recreational value, is sometimes overlooked. This research examines the various elements that impact tourists' inclination to engage in the preservation of Mangrove Ecotourism, using Jerowaru Village in East Lombok as a case study. This study employed the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to determine the average Willingness to Pay (WTP) of tourists in Mangrove Ecotourism, which was determined to be IDR 10,416.67 (0.68 USD) per visit. The total amount is contingent upon factors such as environmental awareness, educational attainment, and income level.