ABSTRACT

Analysis of Potential Development of Ecotourism in the Protected Forest Area Wehea

Subdistrict of Muara Wahau East Kutai Regency

This study aims to determine the potential for ecotourism, especially the potential flora and
fauna, makes an engineering based on the potential biological and natural potential for
ecotourism development in the forest landing Wehea. Information from this research can be
useful as a consideration for the manager in carrying out development of nature tourism in
protected forests Wehea. The primary data captured includes, landscape condition visually,
direct exploration for observation of flora and fauna, as well as public opinion about the
development of ecotourism at the study sites were measured using a questionnaire. Secondary
data that have the potential of natural tourist attraction, namely the flora and fauna, as well as
other supporting data. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis method, which
is displayed in tables, images (maps) and writing.

Potential of existing flora in protected forests Wehea very unique and interesting to a tourist
attraction. The uniqueness can be seen from the high biodiversity of flora and fauna. For the
flora there are still many types of natural tropical forests, especially from the family
Dipterocarpaceae, as well as woody plants do not peg the earth, black orchid, and so forth and
some species of plants, which are efficacious for the drug. For there is potential for a variety of
fauna ranging from primates, mammals, reptiles and bird species as well as nuances of natural
tropical rain forest with many Pacet which can be found in protected forests Wehea. Potential
landscape is also very attractive, so that capital can be a basis for ecotourism development and
management efforts that can bring both local and foreign tourists.

There are four lines that ecotourism can be prepared, that is the path to the location of four six
two five facilities flying fox, giant tree with tree house facilities, canopy bridges, waterfalls bats
with the bridge facility on either side of the waterfall, and the Tower of View. Of the four lines
each ecotourism has a rich and unique flora and fauna and diverse landscape conditions to be
explored. Development potential of ecotourism in Wehea directed at achieving a balance
between conservation and recreation function, by bringing forward environmental tourism
activities.

Keywords: Ecotourism, Flora and Fauna of Potential, Forest Wehea