Community perspectives on ecotourism carrying capacity: case studies from three bordering villages of Kayan Mentarang National Park, Indonesia

• Published in: Sustainable Tourism
• Main Authors: Iiyama, Y, Susanti, R
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2004
• Subjects: Indonesia
• ISBN: 9781853127243; 1853127248

Too often tourism development adds to the difficulties faced by local people. In particular when the development of tourism exceeds the carrying capacity of the local community, it causes a variety of negative impacts. Upper Pujungan region located in and around Kayan Mentarang National Park (KMNP) which possesses great natural beauty, cultural traditions, and archaeological remains, offers high potential as an eco-tourism destination. Thus far, its difficult accessibility has limited the number of tourists, so that the region's carrying capacity has not yet become a significant issue. However, in a few years time, the District Government of Malinau will complete road construction which, when it reaches the region, will increase accessibility to the National Park. In participatory workshops, the risks and implications of exceeding carrying capacity were discussed and analyzed with community members.