Efforts to Address Issues in Ecotourism in Sicanang Island Village, Medan Belawan District

Abstract

Sicanang Mangrove Ecotourism offers significant potential to strengthen the local economy and contribute to coastal habitat conservation in Pulau Sicanang Village, Medan Belawan Regency. However, significant barriers to its expansion exist, including waste accumulation, illegal logging, infrastructure damage, and the closure of tourist destinations. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, employing observations, semi-structured interviews with village officials, community leaders, and community members, and field documentation analyzed using data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing techniques, and validated through triangulation of sources and methods. The results indicate that the main causes of ecotourism problems include unclear governance, lack of government support, and lack of community awareness. Cooperative solutions involving infrastructure improvements, mangrove regeneration, and the formation of community-based management groups are needed to promote professional, sustainable, and participatory ecotourism.