JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government continues to promote the development of ecotourism as a model of sustainable forest management. The initiative aims not only to preserve nature but also to create new economic opportunities for indigenous communities living near forest areas.

Acting Head of the Papua Forestry Office, Aristoteles Ap, said Papua’s forests play a vital role as a source of life. Therefore, their utilization should not focus solely on timber but also on environmental services and non-timber forest products.

“Papua’s forests are like a mother to Papuans. From the forest, people live and obtain sustenance. We need to manage environmental services such as ecotourism and non-timber forest products so that the benefits are more sustainable,” Aristoteles said.

Several areas have already been developed with an ecotourism concept. In Hobong Village, Jayapura Regency, the community manages tourism based on Lake Sentani, offering trekking facilities. In Yoboy, visitors can learn directly about sago forests, while in Yokiwa, trekking routes allow them to enjoy natural panoramas and local culture.

Ecotourism facilities are also available at the Kali Biru in Genyem, which offers nature trails and a zip-line attraction, and in Biak through the construction of a floating bridge in the Fairy Tale Land tourism area. All of these are managed with technical assistance from the Forestry Office.

Aristoteles emphasized that ecotourism creates economic opportunities for communities without harming forests. “When visitors come, they can sell local food, handicrafts, or non-timber forest products. That way, the economy thrives without cutting down trees,” he said.

Beyond tourism, local communities are also being trained to manage non-timber forest products such as honey and eucalyptus oil. These programs are underway in several locations, including Jayapura and Biak, providing new, environmentally friendly sources of income.

The Papua Provincial Government is optimistic that this model can be expanded and serve as an example for other regions in Indonesia. “If we take care of nature, nature will sustain us. This model can be Papua’s contribution to building the national green economy,” Aristoteles said. ***