Potensi dan Strategi Pengembangan Ekowisata di Kawasan Hutan Desa Simanuk-Manuk Kabupaten Toba

Abstract

Simanuk-manuk forest is a protected forest area managed by a village forest management institution located in Jangga Village, Lumban Julu Distric, Toba Regency, North Sumatera Province. that has natural and non-biological natural resources and can be developed for ecotourism activities. As an area that has the potential to develop ecotourism activities, it is necessary to study potentials and development strategies that are in accordance with the functions of the Tahura WAR as a Conservation Forest. This study aims to: (1) Determine the potential value of natural tourist attraction of the Simanuk-manuk village forest in toba Regency, (2) analyze the strategy for developing natural village forest ecotourism in Toba Regency. This research conducted in January-March 2023. The approach of this study used qualitative descriptive method and SWOT analysis. Data collection through field observations, literature studies and Focus Group Discussions. The results of the assessment of the Simanuk-manuk Village Forest Tourism said that the value of each criterion for the attractiveness of the Simanuk-manuk Village Forest, a natural tourism area, received a score of 57,13%, which means it is not yet feasible to develop. The strategies obtained in the SWOT analysis are: a) Collaborating with the local government in managing tourism, b) Arranging ODTWA to attract more visitors, c) Inviting investors to collaborate, d) Carrying out promotions through social media, e) Socializing to improve human resources , f) Counseling regarding the importance of protecting nature, g) Highlighting the unique characteristics of the Simanuk-manuk Forest, h) Carrying out forest security by involving local communities, and i) Involving stakeholders for intensive management.