Home garden of local community in Pancasila Village for Biodiversity conservation and ecotourism sites development in Tambora Geopark, Sumbawa Island

Abstract

Home gardens in villages near conservation areas play an important role, both in ecological and socio-economical aspects. The aim of this research was to identify plant species diversity in home gardens in Pancasila Village, Tambora Geopark in the Sumbawa Islands. Floristic surveys were conducted at 25 home gardens in the local community. In-depth interviews with informants were conducted to generate information related to species value and home garden management. Results of the study show that 87 plant species (46 families) were grown in home gardens. These plants consisted of 49.56% Phanerophytes, 8.90% Chamaephytes, 25.28% Hemicryptophytes and 6.70% Cryptophytes. According to phytogeographical origins, 24.41% of the species were exclusively Asian-Tropical species. These plants had numerous purposes, including staple food, spices and vegetables, fruit trees, shading trees and ornamental plants. Among all species in home gardens, some plants had high frequency percentages, including Nephelium lappaceum (52%), Bougainvillea spectabilis (40%), Mangifera indica (36%), Musa paradisiaca (36%) and Coffea sp. (32%). Most of the species were identified as exotic plant species and, therefore, attention to such species groups is needed to protect the environment and biodiversity of Tambora Geopark. Home gardens in Pancasila are ideal sites for biodiversity conservation. It is also crucial environmental component in rural tourism development.