Development of Geotourism Module Focusing on the Historical Aspects of the Unesco Global Geopark Area (Uggp) Ijen Banyuwangi

Abstract

Objective :The purpose of developing the Geotourism Module in the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) Ijen Banyuwangi area is to increase understanding and appreciation of the geological and historical richness of the area, expand environmental education and awareness, empower local communities, and ensure conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. With this approach, it is hoped that geotourism in UGGp Ijen can develop sustainably, provide maximum benefits to local communities, and preserve the geological and historical richness for future generations.

Design/methodology/approach :This study uses a qualitative method with thematic analysis to understand the development of the Geotourism Module in the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) Ijen Banyuwangi area. The subjects of the study included local communities, tourism managers, tourists, and historians and geologists, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Analysis was carried out through data transcription, coding, and triangulation to ensure validity. This study also complies with ethics with participant consent and data confidentiality. The expected results are an understanding of the integration of history in geotourism as well as recommendations for sustainable development and empowerment of local communities.

Findings:Research on the Geotourism Module at UGGp Ijen Banyuwangi shows that integrating historical elements in this module enriches tourists' understanding of the area's geological and historical richness. This module offers an educational tourism experience that connects history with geology, increases environmental education and awareness, and empowers local communities through training and economic opportunities. In addition, the module supports conservation and sustainable management by implementing responsible tourism practices, maintaining a balance between tourism visits and site preservation. This approach ensures sustainable benefits for the community and the preservation of geological and historical richness.

Research limitations/implications:This study has two main limitations. First, the number of participants interviewed is limited, which may affect the representativeness of the research results. Second, the focus of the study is centered on local government arguments and the analysis is only conducted using thematic analysis. These limitations may affect the depth of understanding of broader perspectives and the variety of data in the study.

Originality/value :This study shows that the geotourism module that focuses on the historical aspects of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) Ijen Banyuwangi area deepens understanding and appreciation of the geological and historical richness of the area. This module also expands environmental education and awareness, empowers local communities, and supports conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. With this approach, it is hoped that geotourism in UGGp Ijen can develop sustainably, provide maximum benefits to local communities, and preserve the geological and historical richness for future generations.