Local Wisdom as the Basis for Infrastructure Management in the Tangkahan Ecotourism Area

Abstract

The management of ecotourism areas cannot be separated from the availability of infrastructure that supports tourism activities, environmental conservation, and local community livelihoods. However, technocratic approaches to infrastructure management often fail to align with the socio-cultural and ecological characteristics of nature-based tourism areas. Tangkahan Ecotourism Area represents a conservation-based tourism destination that has developed through community participation and local wisdom. This study aims to examine the role of local wisdom as the foundation for infrastructure management in ecotourism areas using a conceptual and normative perspective. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach through literature review and document analysis, drawing on national and international academic publications as well as relevant policy documents related to ecotourism management. Data analysis was conducted through the synthesis of findings from previous studies to identify key patterns, principles, and concepts of local wisdom-based infrastructure management. The results indicate that local wisdom serves as both a normative and operational foundation in managing infrastructure within ecotourism areas, guiding planning, utilization, and maintenance processes to remain aligned with environmental carrying capacity and local social structures. Local wisdom-based infrastructure management also contributes to the ecological, social, and economic sustainability of ecotourism areas. This study highlights the importance of integrating local wisdom into infrastructure management as a relevant and applicable approach for supporting the sustainability of community-based ecotourism destinations.