| Abstrakt: |
The protected forest of Mount Mekongga is the headwaters of three major rivers which flow into Kolaka and North Kolaka Regencies, play an important role in the lives of the surrounding communities. The current condition is that the community is carrying out inappropriate area utilization activities. This is a threat that will cause forest area degradation in the future. This study aims to identify and assess the potential of tourism resources in the protected forest of Mount Mekongga. Data collection was carried out in March–July 2022, the data collection method was carried out by means of field observations, and in-depth interviews were conducted with the community and managers, as well as a literature study. Data analysis was carried out by evaluating tourist objects based on established criteria. The results of the assessment of ecotourism resources obtained from the protected forest area of Mount Mekongga have several natural tourist attractions. Natural phenomena get the highest score above >4 in the uniqueness and beauty aspects, the type of flora is endemic to Sulawesi orchids, one of which is the Sorume orchid (Dendrobium utile), and the endemic fauna of Sulawesi, including mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi) and hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix). Therefore, this potential needs to be packaged in a special interest tourism program (ecotourism, as the main attraction of the Mount Mekongga Protected Forest area). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
