Potential and Strategy of Ecotourism Management in the Lore Lindu National Park (Case study in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia)

The Lore Lindu National Park has high potential of natural resources such as endemic flora and fauna as well as cultural heritage which is suitable for tourism industry. However, some problems including lack of facilities, the increase in population, lack of awareness and poverty have hampered the prospect of tourism in the Park. The purpose of this research are to analyze ecotourism potency in the Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL) including villages surrounding the park, to analyze local communities opinion on ecotourism, to determine position of ecotourism in the SWOT diagram and to formulate strategy for ecotourism development. Data collected by primary and secondary survey. The analysis used are: Potential analysis and object of tourist attraction (ODTW) which consists of tourism attraction, accessibility, economy and social environment, accommodation, supporting facilities, and water availability, perception analysis and Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat (SWOT) analysis. Based on the assessment of tourism potential and object of tourism attraction (ODTW), shows that the TNLL, has high potency of natural resources for ecotourism destination such as tropical forest where endemic flora and fauna could be found. Beside that other natural attractions are also available including caves, waterfalls, springs, Lindu Lake, and megalith stones. Local culture near the Park is also well maintained. The analysis also shows that six villages (Toro, Anca, Pakuli, Kamarora A, Karunia and Tuva) are appropriate to become ecotourism site. Pakuli village has the highest score of ODTW. Furthermore, based on accumulative analysis all research sites are categorized appropriate. Likewise, perception of respondents in all villages also supports ecotourism program in their region. Based on SWOT analysis suggests ecotourism program is located in quadrant I, which means that ecotourism has high prospect to be applied in the TNLL. Nevertheless, the park is facing several problems such as limited accessibility and facilities, low level of education, poverty and also the increase in population surrounding the park. Based on IFAS and EFAS analysis it shows that ecotourism in the TNLL is located in quadrant 1, which means that ecotourism has strengths and opportunities to be developed. Furthermore, strategy given is SO. Key words: Ecotourism, potential, perception and strategy, Lore Lindu National Par