Spatial assessment of ecotourism potential in the mangrove area of Ujungalang Village, Cilacap District, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Santika YE, Arlysia V, Astuti AR, Putri DS, Puspitosari A, Budiharta S, Yap CK, Setyawan AD. 2025. Spatial assessment of ecotourism potential in the mangrove area of Ujungalang Village, Cilacap District, Central Java, Indonesia. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 15: 7-19. Mangrove ecosystem, with its diverse ecological and economic functions, is a vital provider of ecosystem services that benefit coastal communities, including the potential for ecotourism development, which is considered as win-win solution for conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources. Ujungalang Village, located in Kampung Laut Sub-district, Cilacap District, Central Java, is one area with significant mangrove potential that can be developed as an ecotourism destination. This study aims to identify potential mangrove ecotourism locations in Ujungalang Village and analyze the physical and social conditions that support the development of mangrove ecotourism in the region. The research was conducted using a quantitative method with a spatial approach, employing Geographic Information System tools and remote sensing data. The spatial analysis technique utilized is overlay, involving scoring and weighting several factors influencing ecotourism potential including slope, temperature, land use, conservation status, population density, elevation, as well as facilities and infrastructure. The study results show that the Ecotourism Potential Index of Ujungalang Village ranges from 3.03 to 156.16, which can be divided into three categories: non-potential, with values of 3.03-33.66 (174.02 ha); low potential, with values of 33.67-64.30 (1,292.52 ha); and highly potential, with values of 125.59-156.16 (5,290.43 ha). The findings of this study can assist tourism planners and government authorities in identifying appropriate locations for ecotourism development, instilling a sense of optimism and hope.