Ecotourism development in Java, Indonesia: Case studies from around the world

The illegal wildlife trade, combined with deforestation and anthropogenic land use, are the main causes for the endangerment of Java’s primates. While there are a variety of organisations working towards the preservation of these species, the high revenues needed to rehabilitate animals, conduct long-term research, or manage protected areas is often a drawback. Furthermore, organisations that focus on less charismatic species, such as the small-bodied primates of Java, often have difficulty receiving funding. The implementation of an ecotourism package would allow these organisations be to self-sustaining, and would have a positive impact on the wildlife, local communities, and visitors involved. Here we present six case studies focusing on different criteria for ecotourism. The term “ecotourism” is often utilised inappropriately, particularly when tourism management fails to consider the welfare of wildlife, viability of the environment, or livelihoods of local communities. More often, the desire to raise revenue under the guise of “conservation” overcomes concerns for animal welfare or the preservation of the landscape. We will use these case studies to build a criteria assessment, which will allow for the evaluation and assessment of ecotourism feasibility at five existing rescue centres and national parks in Java. An ecotourism package developed between these partnering organisations will then strive to meet ideal standards of ecotourism