Local Community Participation on Ecotourism/Marine Tourism and Impact on Their Economy in Simakakkang Island, Mentawai Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the potentials of ecotourism at Simakakang Island, Mentawai Regency and the economic participation of the local community. This study was done inn August - October 2012. The data were collected by survey method and analysis data used by descriptive and qualitative. The result of the study shows that Simakakang Island has high potentials of ecotourism. It’s supported with complexity ecosystem biodiversity e.g. mangrove, coral reefs and others coastal ecosystem. The priority potentials for ecotourism in this island i.e ; sandy beach, swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing and hiking. This potential had been supported an economic benefit into goverment and the local community. Based on tourism zonation, have devided on ; sandy beach zone, snorkeling and diving, surfing and hiking zone. From the ecotourism/marine tourism potentials has gave an impact to the government around Rp1 Billion/year as tax revenue. And the ecotourism/marine tourism services have given the economic benefit an average Rp1,830,000.-/month for the local community. To development of ecotourism in this Island, easy transportation, information and communication services are very important.