UPAYA KONSERVASI DAN PENGEMBANGAN EKOWISATA DI KAWASAN HUTAN MANGROVE TARAKAN KALIMANTAN UTARA

Within 5 years there has been a decrease in the area of ​​mangrove forests by 51.73%. This condition has implications for the emergence of problems in the coastal areas of Tarakan City, including the potential for quite high abrasion, reduced mangrove vegetation on the east coast of Tarakan City, causing the coastline to approach land. Various losses due to coastal erosion are especially felt by people who live along the coast, such as people who have to move their houses because they are eroded by tidal waves. The destruction of mangrove and coral reef ecosystems has resulted in a decline in the environmental quality of fish resources, resulting in a decline in fisheries production. The aim of this research is to identify conservation and ecotourism development efforts in the Tarakan mangrove forest, North Kalimantan. This research uses a case study method, where data collection is carried out through in-depth interviews and involved observation. The collected data was then analyzed using cultural capital theory by Berkes & Folke (1992; 1994) by examining traditional ecological knowledge and local institutions that exist in the local community. The results of the research show that conservation efforts in communities around the Tarakan Mangrove Forest, North Kalimantan, include awareness of conservation efforts in caring for mangrove vegetation and preventing mangrove damage. The government's support and commitment is to issue a ban on forest burning and form a special team to guard mangrove forest areas together with the community. Efforts to develop ecotourism include the local community forming a tourism manager for the mangrove area, playing an active role in promoting ecotourism, participating in guiding visitors and maintaining the cleanliness of the mangrove area.