‘Birdwatching’ di Tanah Flores: Studi Peluang dan Tantangan Pengembangan Ekowisata di Manggarai Timur

Abstrak

This study examines the potential and strategic pathways for developing birdwatching ecotourism in the Rana Mese Lake and Poco Ndeki Hill areas, East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), within the Wallacea biodiversity hotspot. The region hosts a wide variety of endemic and migratory bird species, positioning it as a key avitourism destination. A qualitative-descriptive approach was employed, supported by quantitative data from bird surveys and participatory tourism assessments conducted in 2023–2024.A SWOT analysis reveals key strengths, including high avian diversity—such as the Flores Monarch, Bare-throated Whistler, and Flores Scops Owl—well-preserved natural habitats, and growing interest in nature-based tourism. Challenges include limited infrastructure, a lack of trained bird guides, and low conservation awareness. Opportunities arise from global birdwatching trends, biodiversity conservation frameworks, and potential partnerships. Threats include environmental degradation, land-use conflicts, and unregulated tourism.Strategic recommendations include integrating birdwatching into regional tourism policies, enhancing community capacity through guide training and certification, establishing conservation-tourism corridors, and implementing multi-stakeholder governance involving local authorities, NGOs, and indigenous groups. Citizen science and education are also emphasized to support long-term conservation. With inclusive, participatory, and conservation-oriented approaches, birdwatching ecotourism could become a sustainable driver for both ecological preservation and local economic development.