Coral Reef Assesment For Developing Marine Ecotourism at Dodinga Bay, West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province

Abstract

This research is aimed to formulate a zonation of conservation area and development plan of marine ecotourism in Dodinga Bay, West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province. The primary data consist of biophysical condition, social economic, accessibility, and level of tourist visits, which were collected by survey method, observation and interview with local community, tourist and other stakeholders at 7 observation station. Analysis data consisted of two approaches; geographyc information system (GIS) for formulating zonation area and analitycal hierarchy process (AHP) for formulating development plan of marine ecotourism. Based on zonation analysis, this area was devided using ecologycal, social and economical criteria approach into 3 management zones: sanctuary zone (station 5) with the total areas 141.86 ha, utilization zone spreaded on station 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 with the total areas 1 383.51 ha and suistainable utilization zone (station 3) with the total areas 138.01 ha. The total area for diving tourism is 96.44 ha with 75.91% of coral cover 71.73% and its carrying capacity is 189 people/area/day. The total area of snorkeling tourism is 53.93 ha with 70.98% of coral cover and its carrying capacity is 535 people/area/day. The economic value of tourism is $US. 5 957 562.67/year. Based on AHP analysis, alternative of tourism development provided the highest scoring of 70.25% on the full community involvement. Its involvement was collaboration between private sector and community which is facilitated by local government with the scoring value 14.77% and 14.99% respectively. Based on zonation analysis using ecological criteria, economical and social criteria, Dodinga Bay area was devided on three zones ; sanctuary zone located at 0⁰ 52' 11.82" N - 127⁰ 33' 15.66" E, utilization zone located at 0⁰ 52' 44.00" N – 127o 35' 5.57" E and suistainable utilization zone located at 0⁰ 51' 11.27" N – 127o 37' 28.81" E. Management policy and development of Dodinga Bay as a marine ecotourism must be supported by its community or community based management.