Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Pulau Banyak Melalui Model Pariwisata Bahari Berkelanjutan Berbasis Ekonomi Biru

Abstract

Pulau Banyak District in Aceh Singkil Regency has significant potential in the marine tourism sector thanks to its natural wealth of beaches, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity. However, its utilization has not been optimal due to limited infrastructure, low community skills, and minimal awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism management. This Community Service Program (PkM) is designed to empower the community through a blue economy approach that emphasizes a balance between marine ecosystem conservation, welfare improvement, and social sustainability. The implementation method includes outreach, education, training, mentoring, and monitoring and evaluation involving 15 community members from Pulau Banyak. The results of the activity indicate an increase in community understanding of the concept of sustainable tourism, the formation of three tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis), improved skills in homestay management, tour packages, and digital marketing, and the growth of alternative businesses that encourage economic diversification. Furthermore, the community has begun implementing waste management based on waste banks and marine conservation practices. Consequently, community income increased by 20% within three months of the program, and a collective awareness of environmental protection emerged. This program demonstrates that integrating marine tourism and the blue economy can be a solution to poverty alleviation while preserving coastal ecosystems