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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]

Natural tourism objects and attractions (NTOA) can be developed as tourist destinations to improve the regional economy and community welfare. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the priority of NTOA development. This study aimed to determine the classification of NTOA development potential and formulate the development directions of natural tourism destinations in Lohia District, Muna Regency. Analysis of NTOA development potential based on modifications to the Guidelines for Operational Area Analysis - Objects and Natural Tourism Attractions (OAA-ONTA) and formulation of development directions was using SWOT analysis. The results showed that the classification of NTOA Meleura Beach, Napabale Lake, and Motonuno Lake was classified as very potential, while the NTOA Wakila Peak and Liangkabori Cave were classified as potential. The direction of NTOA development in Lohia District, namely: (1) development according to NTOA potential; (2) improving the information media and tourism promotion; (3) preparation of the NTOA management plan; (4) inviting investors for NTOA development; (5) monitoring and evaluation of tourism impacts; (6) involving the community as a driver of tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark (CPG) is designated by UNESCO as a geopark area and has become a tourist destination. Most of Ciletuh is used for mass tourism, so this research is carried out to determine the impact of tourism. According to the concept of CPG development, the main concept is conservation so the preservation of geological and biological diversity needs to be maintained and managed properly to avoid damage. This study aims to identify the impact of tourism activities on the physical, biological, socio-economic, and sociocultural aspects of CPG. Interviews and field observations have been done to collect data at research sites (tourism sites) and the determined comparison sites. Data were analyzed descriptively with qualitative and quantitative by comparing the results at the two study sites and the Mann-Whitney Test to determine differences in community income. Tourism activities impact physical changes in water, soil compaction, landfill, temperature increase, and humidity decrease. Biological impacts are changes in the composition of plant species, the composition of encounters of animal species with a decrease in the value of H '(1.4) and Dmg (4.2), and the destruction of wildlife. The socio-economic impact was identified from the availability of livelihoods, business opportunities, and increased income. Another impact is giving opportunities for the public to contribute and opening access to technological and information developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]