Improving visitor preferences through environmental management strategies in the urban forest during COVID-19

Abstract

Urban forests are designed to meet community needs for green open spaces and recreational activities. Biotic and abiotic factors play a crucial role in urban forest management to support these communities' needs. Bogor has more than one urban forest, including the Bogor Botanical Gardens and Cibodas Botanical Gardens. During the pandemic of COVID-19, the urban forests in Bogor continue to improve so that they are comfortable for visitors without leaving the concept of environmental sustainability. This study focuses on environmental management strategies in the Bogor Botanical Gardens regarding visitor preferences for abiotic factors. The research method is carried out through grounded theory with qualitative exploratory methods. The data collection was performed by distributing open-ended online questionnaires and non-random sampling techniques. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed using three stages. Five aspects of environments become visitors' preference to the Bogor Botanical Gardens, namely atmosphere, research sounds and noise, facilities, and edges. The environmental management strategy is related to visitor preference aspects, namely the availability of rain and water harvesting facilities, composting and waste recycling areas, environmental thematic virtual tours, and placement of solar system-based lighting.