Are the local communities in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesia ready for Mangrove ecotourism? A theory of planned behavior informed study

Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework, we examined the socio–ecological conditions and local community’s readiness to implement community-based ecotourism (CBET) in the mangrove forests of Balikpapan, Indonesia. Recognizing the ecological significance of mangrove ecosystems and the increasing threats they face owing to urban and industrial development, we aimed to evaluate the local community’s attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, which influence the intentions to engage in CBET. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative surveys with 100 respondents from coastal communities and qualitative interviews with representatives from each established mangrove center. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical analysis to evaluate the TPB constructs while qualitative insights were used to contextualize the findings and explore the readiness dimensions beyond the TPB framework. The results indicated that all three TPB components significantly affect community intentions toward CBET, with perceived behavioral control emerging as the strongest predictor. The study also revealed critical socio–ecological enablers and barriers that shape local readiness, including institutional support, environmental awareness, and economic incentives. Despite the general support for ecotourism development, gaps in technical capacity, inter-institutional coordination, and long-term planning are the main challenges. These findings underscore the need for integrated strategies that align with community engagement, environmental stewardship, and policy support to foster sustainable CBET initiatives and further contribute to the theoretical understanding of CBET models in developing countries.