Implementation of WISE (Wonderful Indonesia Sustainable Tourism) Trips - The Low Carbon Geotourism Activities in Raja Ampat Geopark
A R Septiana1, Y N Lamatenggo2, M Musa^ad3 and H Samodra4

1Management Body, Raja Ampat Geopark, Jl. Yos Sudarso, Waisai City, 98482
2Youth, Sport, Tourism and Creative Economy Office of Southwest Papua Province, Jl. Pendidikan, Sorong City, 98419
3Cenderawasih University, Jayapura, Papua 99351
4Research Centre for Geological Resources, The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Samaun Samadikun Science & Technology Centre Basics Tower 2, Jl. Sangkuriang, Bandung, Indonesia 40135

Abstract

Tourism is a sector that significantly impacts the Indonesian economy, contributing 8% of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Raja Ampat, renowned as one of the best diving destinations in the world, faces a serious threat due to the occurrence of coral bleaching events at several diving sites. As part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, the Encouraging the Implementation of the Manokwari Declaration program aims to implement national policies, including WISE Trips (Wonderful Indonesia Sustainable Experience Trips), which focus on low-carbon practices in tourism activities. In collaboration with CarbonEthics, carbon emissions related to geotourism are calculated by considering factors such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, and energy and waste from activities. Subsequently, responsible thematic tour packages are developed to optimize emission reductions and include offsets through activities like planting mangrove seedlings by tourists. The calculation results indicate that the Geotrail Cruising the Sea of The Legend carbon emissions of 0.098 tons of CO2e per person, and tourists are encouraged to plant at least one mangrove trees in areas managed by BUMDES. Through this initiative, local communities not only benefit economically but also become educated and directly involved in climate change mitigation and conservation of their villages, in accordance with the principles of the SDG^s where this program fulfills 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: geopark raja ampat, climate change, carbon, geotourism

Topic: Geotourism