As environmental impacts become increasingly felt by communities worldwide, particularly in rapidly developing nations like Indonesia, the need for a shift toward more sustainable development practices has grown significantly. One of the sectors responding to this ‘call for sustainability’ is tourism—a sector that, while contributing substantially to local economies, also plays a significant role in numerous environmental challenges at the local level.

In light of this, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) has developed guidelines on what sustainable tourism entails and how it can be practically implemented. The concept of sustainable tourism, which has evolved further into the concept of ecotourism, emerged as a response to the uncontrolled and excessive exploitation of tourism resources and attractions, often leading to the degradation of local ecosystems and the displacement of livelihoods for local communities. In contrast, ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel to natural areas, with the aim of preserving local ecosystems and enhancing the welfare of local communities. Ecotourism is more than just ‘nature-based tourism’—its deeper objectives include educating travelers, allocating funds for ecosystem conservation, and empowering local communities.

Ecotourism aligns seamlessly with the characteristics of tourism in Indonesia, which is predominantly based on its environmental and natural attractions and often implemented through community-based approaches. Indonesia’s exotic landscapes and hospitable people hold immense potential to attract both domestic and international tourists. This is where our expertise comes into play.

Over the past decade, Ripta Jagabhumi’s team of experts has established a strong reputation and extensive experience in planning, developing, and managing ecotourism programs across various regions in Indonesia. These include prominent areas such as Halimun Salak National Park, Gede-Pangrango National Park, Labuan Bajo, and Komodo National Park. We collaborate with conservation area managers and local communities to jointly develop the most effective tourism plans, testing them within sustainable business models.