Ecotourism development as a community-based conservation effort in Ayah Mangrove Forest, Kebumen, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Afifah RN, Putri A, Hartanti AN, Negari SIT, Pratama MSR, Zuaini PAK, Al Madani AR, Muryanto BS, Muhammad F, Astikasari L, Indriyani S, Kurniawati I, Sunarto, Kusumaningrum Budiharta Flores AB, Setyawan AD. 2023. Ecotourism development as a community-based conservation effort in Ayah Mangrove Forest, Kebumen, Central Java, Indonesia. Asian J For 7: 37-44. The mangrove ecosystem is transition between terrestrial and marine zones affected by tidal waves, water inundation, high saline soil. forest plays an important role physical, ecological socio-economic aspects. One potential function of forests from the aspect ecotourism. Forest Village, Kebumen District, Java Province, Indonesia, has to be developed mangrove-based ecotourism area that combines objective income generation conservation. This research was conducted examine efforts people Village assess local community's perception November 2022. Primary data were collected using field observation interviews with 100 respondents aged 17-60 years snowball sampling method, while secondary literature review. results showed protect included establishing for protection, rehabilitation, utilization forest. There are also rehabilitation involve community form establishment nurseries, planting, maintenance planted seedlings. carry out garbage cleaning program public outreach. Besides aspect, utilized objects generate selling tickets, boats, foods, beverages souvenirs, tour guides, parking attendants. Most good perceptions agreed on area. They willing involved planning activities. participate guide activities, providing homestays, participating counseling. maintain sustainability Nonetheless, support government required, especially promotion programs Forest.