KAJIAN LITERATUR POTENSI EKOWISATA BERBASIS EDUKASI LINGKUNGAN PADA KAWASAN HUTAN MANGROVE DI KOTA BAUBAU: Literature Review on the Potential of Environmental Education-Based Ecotourism in the Mangrove Forest Ecosystems of Baubau City

Abstrak

Mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of coastal environments through their ecological, economic, and social functions. In recent years, the utilization of mangrove ecosystems has expanded beyond conservation purposes to include ecotourism development that supports environmental education and sustainable development. Baubau City, located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, possesses mangrove areas with considerable ecological and economic potential; however, studies integrating ecotourism and environmental education aspects remain limited. This study aims to analyze the potential of environmental education-based ecotourism in the mangrove forest areas of Baubau City through a literature review approach. The study employed a descriptive qualitative literature review method. Data were collected from various national and international scientific publications related to mangrove ecotourism, environmental education, coastal conservation, and the condition of mangrove ecosystems in Baubau City. The analysis was conducted through the processes of identification, selection, synthesis, and interpretation of relevant research findings. The results indicate that the mangrove areas in Baubau City have substantial potential to be developed as environmental education-based ecotourism destinations, supported by diverse mangrove vegetation, ecological functions as coastal protectors and carbon sinks, and economic values that benefit local communities. Furthermore, these mangrove ecosystems have the potential to serve as natural laboratories for environmental education activities and conservation awareness enhancement. Therefore, the development of environmental education-based ecotourism in the mangrove areas of Baubau City can serve as a strategic approach to supporting ecosystem conservation while simultaneously generating sustainable social and economic benefits

Kata kunci

• Baubau City
• Literature Review
• coastal conservation
• environmental education
• mangrove ecotourism