Lecturer Back to The Village from IPB University Facilitates Tourism Landscape Arrangement in Kasepuhan Girijaya
Tourism development can not be separated from good landscape arrangement. Realising this moment, the Lecturer Back to The Village (Dospulkam) program led by Dr Eva Rachmawati facilitates the arrangement of the tourist landscape for Kasepuhan Girijaya, Cidahu District, Sukabumi. This activity is guided by Vera Dian Damayanti, SP, MLA, who has expertise in landscape arrangement.
Vera explained, in this program the Girijaya indigenous people are invited to get to know and analyse the existing conditions of the landscape through mental mapping methods. The method helps communities to describe the conditions and potential of their village landscape based on their respective memories and perceptions.
“The process continued with a brainstorming session involving traditional figures, youth, and people who know Girijaya Village well. They discussed about the potential and development of tourist facilities that can be done,” she said.
Some result from this activity is a map of the potential division of tourist space which is arranged based on various activities that can be done in Girijaya Village. The map includes a detailed landscape plan, especially regarding the tourist facilities to be developed. This plan is expected to be a guide in the development of Girijaya Village tourism, which still maintains and supports the principle of Triloka: culture, religion, and nature.
“The development of tourist facilities is carried out by recognising the landscape of the village first. Therefore, I introduce how to judge the landscape simply,” said Vera.
This simple introduction and assessment of landscapes helps people to understand the importance of landscapes in the development of tourism. They are taught how to identify potential areas for various tourist activities, such as areas for camping, tracking, or cultural activities. The assessment also includes the identification of important points that can be a tourist attraction, such as waterfalls, rice fields and unspoiled forests.
This activity received a positive response from the Girijaya indigenous people. Vera said the planned landscape development also considers environmental sustainability. The community is invited to design tourist facilities that are environmentally friendly and do not damage the existing ecosystem. They are also taught how to maintain cleanliness and environmental sustainability, so that tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of Girijaya in the long term.
“With this potential map and landscape plan, Girijaya Village now has a clear guide to develop their tourism. This map not only helps in the arrangement of tourist spaces, but also in the management and promotion of tourist destinations,” she explained.
In addition, the community now has a clearer vision of how to develop their village into an interesting and sustainable tourist destination. (*/Rz) (IAAS/IAN)
