Community-based ecotourism for sustainable livelihood in karst areas

Abstract Madura has significant karst formations extending from Bangkalan to Sumenep, offering substantial potential for development as a source of sustainable livelihood for surrounding communities. This research addresses issues related to the management of karst areas as a source of sustainable livelihood and conservation through community-based ecotourism. The study objectives are to: (1) identify the characteristics and ecotourism potential of karst areas in Bangkalan, (2) examine the role of karst areas in household livelihood strategy, and (3) assess the roles of stakeholders in promoting karst areas as sustainable livelihoods while prioritizing conservation. The research was conducted in three karst areas within Bangkalan Regency: Socah, Geger, and Arosbaya Districts. Data collection included observation, interviews, and document analysis. To achieve the first objective, karst area classification and landscape visual analysis were performed. The second objective was analyzed using the sustainable livelihood framework, while stakeholder mapping and analysis addressed the third objective. Findings indicate that all three research sites hold strong potential for conservation-focused ecotourism development. Karst areas play an essential role in household livelihood, primarily supporting marginal agriculture. In addition, the karst regions contain mining potential, though mining activities frequently conflict with conservation and contribute to environmental degradation. The ecological benefits of karst areas are significant, though often underappreciated by local communities. Therefore, ecotourism emerges as an alternative use of karst areas, balancing environmental preservation with sustainable livelihood creation.