POTENTIAL AND PERCEPTION OF COMMUNITY IN MANAGING LATUPPA AGRO-ECOTOURISM AREA IN PALOPPO

Abstract

Latuppa Area has great natural resources potential to develop. There has been environmental damage happening lately. Agro-ecotourism concept can be used to reduce the damage. Latuppa Area is located in Palopo City and it belongs to protected forest and recharge area at an elevation of 200 meters above sea level (masl). Besides that, this area is also a water resource for Palopo people. The development of Latuppa potential should be well managed by prioritizing environmental education and local community empowerment. In order to achieve a well management of area, data collection about the perception of the local community, visitors and stakeholders is needed. This study aims to describe potential and support of Latuppa Agro-ecotourism and to know the perception of the local community and the practitioners in managing Latuppa agro-ecotourism area in Palopo City.

Keywords

• Agro-ecotourism
• Latuppa potential
• community's perception
• Palopo City