Perpustakaan Digital ITB

Balancing economic development with ecological conservation presents a persistent challenge for many developing nations, particularly in regions reliant on forest resources. Among the promising solutions, ecotourism emerges as a sustainable alternative that promotes environmental stewardship while generating income for local communities. According to The International Ecotourism Society (2015), ecotourism entails responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustain the well-being of local people, and involve interpretation and education. This model minimizes negative ecological impacts, enhances cultural understanding, and generates funding essential for conservation initiatives. However, without careful planning and regulation, tourism can become a doubleedged sword, contributing to environmental degradation through overcrowding, waste generation, and habitat disturbance. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights tourism as a significant threat to protected areas globally. To support sustainable tourism management, this study evaluates the carrying capacity of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (GGPNP) in Indonesia using Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC) and Real Carrying Capacity (RCC). By incorporating slope constraints via GIS analysis and social correction factors, the study determines site-specific visitor limits across hiking trails, camping areas, and recreation zones. Daily RCC thresholds were established as 275 for Cibodas, 256 for Gunungputeri, and 205 for Salabintana, with additional restrictions on two camping and recreation areas at 200, 318, and 1,088 visitors, respectively. These figures—often reduced by more than 90% due to ecological and social considerations—highlight the need for differentiated visitor management. Ultimately, adaptive regulation is crucial to safeguarding national park ecosystems while ensuring meaningful visitor experiences.