Environmental Carrying Capacity and Community-Based Governance of Mangrove Ecotourism in Tomini Bay
Abstract
Mangrove ecotourism is increasingly promoted as a pathway to reconcile conservation, livelihood diversification, and coastal resilience, yet destination growth often outpaces ecological thresholds, institutional capacity, and community readiness. Building on the literature review in the International Journals and incorporating recent studies compiled in Journals, this article presents an updated integrative review on the role of carrying capacity in sustainable mangrove ecotourism, with strategic implications for Tomini Bay, Indonesia. Using only the uploaded extraction sources, the review synthesizes advances in ecological suitability assessment, physical-real-effective carrying capacity, community participation, governance arrangements, social feasibility, and tourism management innovation across Indonesia and comparable settings. The synthesis shows that carrying capacity should not be treated merely as a visitor quota; it functions as a multidimensional governance instrument linking ecosystem integrity, visitor experience, local welfare, infrastructure limits, and enforcement capacity. Recent studies also reveal a persistent gap between technical suitability analysis and day-to-day management, especially in zoning, monitoring, promotion, digital visitor control, and benefit sharing. For Tomini Bay, the review proposes a conservation-first, community-based, and adaptive-capacity model that combines spatial zoning, phased visitor limits, ecosystem monitoring, participatory governance, and blue-economy livelihood integration. The article contributes a comparative evidence base, a strategic framework, and a research agenda for emerging mangrove destinations.
Downloads
References
M. Cifuentes, "Determinación de capacidad de carga turística en áreas protegidas (Informe Técnico No. 194)," 1992.
H. M. Donohoe and R. D. Needham, "Ecotourism: The evolving contemporary definition," Journal of Ecotourism, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 192-210, 2006.
J. Clifton and A. Benson, "Planning for sustainable ecotourism: The case for ecotourism research in developing country destinations," Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 14, no. 3, 2006.
M. E. Wood, Ecotourism: Principles, Practices & Policies for Sustainability. 2002.
A. Tuwo, Pengelolaan Ekowisata Pesisir dan Laut: Pendekatan Ekologi, Sosial-Ekonomi, Kelembagaan, dan Sarana Wilayah. 2011.
Blanton, A., Ewane, E.B., McTavish, F., Watt, M.S., Rogers, K., Daneil, R., et al., "Ecotourism and mangrove conservation in Southeast Asia: Current trends and perspectives," (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121529
Moussa, L.G., Mohan, M., Burmeister, N., King, S.A.L., Burt, J.A., Rog, S.M., et al., "Mangrove Ecotourism along the Coasts of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Systematic Review," (2024). https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091351
Vipriyanti, N.U., Semadi, I.G.N.M.D., Fauzi, A., "Developing mangrove ecotourism in Nusa Penida Sacred Island, Bali, Indonesia," Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26 (1), pp. 535 - 548. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02721-9
Ewaldo, K., Karuniasa, M., Takarina, N.D., "Carrying capacity of mangrove ecotourism area in Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta, Indonesia," Biodiversitas, 24 (10), pp. 5808 - 5819. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d241063
Faubiany, V., Rahmania, R., Suharti, S., Karlina, E., Yeny, I., Rahmila, Y.I., "The suitability and carrying capacity analysis of the mangrove ecosystem to support ecotourism in the Paljaya mangrove restoration and learning center, Bekasi Regency, Indonesia," BIO Web of Conferences, 89, art. no. 05001. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20248905001
Mirza, M., Anggoro, S., Muhammad, F., "Supporting Capacity of Tugurejo Tread Mangrove Ecotourism," E3S Web of Conferences, 448, art. no. 03071. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202344803071
Nugraha, W.A., Ambariyanto, A., "The mangrove ecosystems on the north coast of Bangkalan, Indonesia, and its potential for mangrove ecotourism," Biodiversitas, 25 (2), pp. 859 - 868. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d250246
Syah, A.F., Basyuni, M., Fernanda, O., Rahmawati, E., "Assessment of mangrove ecosystem conditions in Sepulu District, Bangkalan," E3S Web of Conferences, 499, art. no. 01011. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202449901011
Saru, A., Lanuru, M., "The suitability analysis of mangrove ecotourism in Balang Baru Village, Jeneponto District," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 860 (1), art. no. 012051. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/860/1/012051
Garsetiasih, R., Takandjandji, M., Gunawan, H., Yuskianti, V., Karlina, E., "Mangrove potential and community characteristics for strengthening the utilization of environmental services based on ecotourism: A case study in Karangsong, Indramayu, West Java," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 914 (1), art. no. 012021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/914/1/012021
Prihadi, D.J., Zhang, G., Lahbar, G.M., Pasaribu, B., "Integration of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Index and Biophysical Assessment for Sustainable Ecotourism Mangrove: A Case Study of Karangsong, Indonesia," Sustainability (Switzerland) , 16 (7), art. no. 2806, Cited 14 times. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072806
Musa, F., Fozi, N.M., Hamdan, D.D.M., "Coastal communities' willingness to pay for mangrove ecotourism in Marudu Bay, Sabah, Malaysia," Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, 15 (4), pp. 130 - 140. https://doi.org/10.46754/jssm.2020.06.013
Renjaan, M.R., Hungan, M., Betaubun, K.D., "Mangrove Ecotourism Development in Letvuan Village Southeast Maluku Regency," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 517 (1), art. no. 012013. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/517/1/012013
Arfan, A., Nyompa, S., Rakib, M., Juanda, M.F., "The Analysis of Mangrove Area as a Marine Eco-Fisherytourism Area in Luwu Regency South Sulawesi, Indonesia," Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2123 (1), art. no. 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2123/1/012009
Daris, L., Yusuf, M., Riana, A.D., Massiseng, A.N.A., Sabiq, M., "Coastal area management strategy priority of mangrove ecotourism in makassar city and its impact on aquatic organisms," AACL Bioflux, 14 (4), pp. 2343 - 2353
Massiseng, A.N.A., Tuwo, A., Fachry, M.E., Bahar, A., "A dynamic simulation of mangrove ecotourism management at the Lantebung of Makassar City," (2020). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/584/1/012039
Srifitriani, A., Soeprobowati, T.R., Puryono, S., "Empowering communities in mangrove ecotourism: a pathway to sustainability and climate resilience in Bengkulu City," E3S Web of Conferences, 605, art. no. 03039. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202560503039
Nugroho, R.A., Quevedo, J.M.D., Kohsaka, R., "Are the local communities in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesia ready for Mangrove ecotourism? A theory of planned behavior informed study," Socio-Ecological Practice Research, 7 (4), pp. 439 - 460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42532-025-00233-0
Daulay, F.I., Wahyuningsih, H., Hardiansyah, A., "Society Perception and Participation in Mangrove Ecotourism in Pasar Rawa Village, Gebang District, Langkat Regency," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1452 (1), art. no. 012001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1452/1/012001
Patawari, A.M.Y., Tuwo, A., Tahang, H., Fakhriyyah, S., "Socio-Economic Feasibility Analysis of Babana Mangrove Tourism, Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia," Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 29 (3), pp. 1751 - 1772. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejabf.2025.431133
Widyaputri, W., Qurniati, R., "The influence of branding on tourist interest in Petengoran Mangrove Ecotourism," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1315 (1), art. no. 012037. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1315/1/012037
Budisusanto, Y., Fathimah, F.N., "Study Of Mangrove Ecotourism Gunung Anyar And Medokan Sawah Using The Concept Of RRR (Right, Restriction, Responsibility)," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1418 (1), art. no. 012018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1418/1/012018
Sakina, N.C., Handayani, T., Susiloningtyas, D., "Coastal communities mobility pattern around mangrove ecotourism sukakerta village, cilamaya wetan, karawang regency," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1089 (1), art. no. 012052. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1089/1/012052
A Rachman, B., Yoswaty, D., Siregar, Y.I., Hendri, R., "The potential of mangrove ecotourism and the attraction of the flat boat in Pekan Arba Subdistrict Indragiri Hilir Regency Riau Province," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1581 (1), art. no. 012018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1581/1/012018
Aji, K.B., Sugiyanto, C., Sushartami, W., "Multiple governmentalities and mangrove ecotourism destination governance in the Batam Islands," Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2026.2613423
Bachri, S., Mutia, T., Sholeha, A.W., Rahmasyah, P.I., Shrestha, R.P., "MANGROVE FOREST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN BEDUL, BANYUWANGI: COLLABORATION BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND ALAS PURWO NATIONAL PARK FOR SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT," Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites , 52 (1), pp. 85 - 97. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.52103-1185
Budhi, M.K.S., Yasa, I.N.M., Saskara, I.A.N., Lestari, N.P.N.E., Suasih, N.N.R., Rustini, N.K.A., et al., "Sustainability of community-based mangrove ecotourism in Bali, Indonesia," Decision Science Letters, 14 (3), pp. 699 - 706. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.dsl.2025.3.010
Daris, L., Massiseng, A.N.A., Ummung, A., Anggraeni, D., "Toward a Green Economy: Stakeholder Perspectives on Sustainable Mangrove Ecotourism," Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 29 (4), pp. 2107 - 2123. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejabf.2025.445337
Nurlukman, A.D., Fadli, Y., Wahyono, E., "Linking Community-Based Tourism and Sustainable Outcomes: Evidence from a Mangrove Ecotourism Ketapang Aquaculture Community in Coastal Indonesia," International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 20 (12), pp. 5427 - 5439. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.201233
Triyanti, R., Wijaya, R.A., Priyatmoko, R., Rahmawati, E., Asih, T.S., NUGRAHA, R.B.A., et al., "THE TRANSFORMATION OF COMMUNITY-BASED MANGROVE CONSERVATION TO COASTAL TOURISM ON THE NORTHERN COAST OF JAVA, INDONESIA," International Journal of Conservation Science, 16 (1), pp. 207 - 226. https://doi.org/10.36868/IJCS.2025.01.14
Islam, D., As, F., "Mangrove ecotourism and social entrepreneurship: An integrated solution for sustainable community development," (2025). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1441/1/012036
Zallesa, S., Ihsan, Y.N., Pribadi, T.D.K., Qiang, Y.X., "Potential of Mangrove Ecotourism in Pangandaran, West Java Indonesia Case Study: Bulaksetra, Bojongsalawe, Batukaras," (2025). https://doi.org/10.21608/ejabf.2025.402935
Zallesa, S., Ihsan, Y.N., Pribadi, T.D.K., Qiang, Y.X., Syamsudin, M.L., Irawan, B., "Assessing the Carrying Capacity of Mangrove Ecosystems for Sustainable Ecotourism Development in Pangandaran, Indonesia," International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences, 15 (1), pp. 69 - 76. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.ijab/2025.142
Elida, F., Anggoro, S., Putro, S.P., Wardhani, W.N.R., "Conceptual framework for assessing the ecotourism carrying capacity of mangrove areas at ujung piring beach, Mlonggo," E3S Web of Conferences, 605, art. no. 03007. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202560503007
Tahir, M.A., Biantoro, A.W., Soewarno, A.A., Lanontji, M., "Development of Sustainable Pedestrian Path Concept in Mangrove Area to Support Ecotourism," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1543 (1), art. no. 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1543/1/012009
Nasution, M.S., Hussin, H.B., Rusli, Z., Mayarni, M., Mashur, D., Zulkarnaini, Z., et al., "Integration of Environmental Policies in Sustainable Management of Mangrove Ecotourism," (2025). https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202561104003
Nisaa, F., Rismawati, R., Azwar, W., Zabua, B.H., "Women’s Environmental Governance Roles in Mangrove Ecotourism," (2025). https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202567105009
Copyright (c) 2026 Rustam Anwar, Abdurahman Kano Mohamad , Syaiful Umela , Romi Djafar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
