The physical carrying capacity of mangrove ecotourism in Blanakan, Subang Regency, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Blanakan mangrove forest is a form of biodiversity wealth owned by Indonesia. This forest has several tourism objects both in terms of nature and culture. Natural attraction such as mangrove diversity, crocodile breeding sites, and mangrove zonation. Cultural attraction such as Nadran ceremonies (sea party) and Sisingaan. Based on tourist visit data, the number of tourists has increase from year to year. However, it is feared to cause environmental damage and inconvenience for visitors. Therefore, the physical carrying capacity as the maximum number of tourists in tourist area needs to be taken into account. This research aims to analyze the physical carrying capacity of Blanakan mangrove ecotourism. The method of the research is quantitative method. This research analyzed by physical carrying capacity method. The result is the physical carrying capacity is 77.000 visitors/day. Relative carrying capacity is 2.750 visitors/day and effective carrying capacity is 825 visitors/day. While, the average tourist visit rate per day is 57 people. This research that the carrying capacity of the Blanakan mangrove ecotourism has not been exceeded.