Complex Solutions Collaborative-Based Mangrove Ecosystem Management Model for Development Ecotourism in South Coastal East Java Indonesia

3.1 Research site

This research was conducted at community-based ecotourism sites located in East Java (Figure 1). The study focused on six observation points: Clungup Beach, Tiga Warna Beach, Gatra Beach, Sapana Sanctuary, Mini Beach, and Watu Pecah Beach within the Clungup Mangrove Conservation (CMC) Tiga Warna Ecotourism area. The selection of this specific location is driven by its unique combination of ecological significance and active community involvement in sustainable tourism practices. CMC Tiga Warna not only showcases a diverse mangrove ecosystem that attracts tourists, but it also represents a successful model of community-based ecotourism, where local stakeholders collaborate effectively to promote both environmental conservation and socio-economic development.

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3.2 Respondent selection technique

The information gathering for this research involved several expert respondents who were directly involved and deliberately selected due to their expertise and specific knowledge (purposive sampling) [18]. These respondents were chosen based on their direct involvement in ecotourism and mangrove ecosystem management along the south coast of East Java, ensuring that they possess relevant insights and experiences that are critical to the study's objectives. Respondents are individuals considered to be well-informed about the issues related to the research problem and willing to provide information.

Their selection was purposeful to ensure the data collected reflected the practical realities of the region, enhancing the study’s credibility. The number of population members selected purposively is based on the objectives of the research, considering that respondents have a direct relationship and involvement in the research area. The total number of respondents in the sustainability management analysis was 110, comprising 10 individuals from the Department of Tourism and Culture, 10 from the Department of Forestry, 10 from the Department of Environmental Affairs, 10 from the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, 3 from Village Government, 7 academics, 10 economic actors, 20 tourists, and 20 from the local community around the ecotourism area. These individuals were selected based on their expertise, practical experience, and relevance to the study area. Selected respondents must have in-depth knowledge in the field related to mangrove ecosystem management for community-based ecotourism development. Some considerations in selecting expert respondents include: (1) having experience and competence in research, (2) holding positions and having expertise in the research field, and (3) having high credibility and residing in the research area.

3.3 Data collection technique

Research data were collected directly at the research site through structured observation and interviews with respondents using a research questionnaire instrument. In this study, observations and questionnaires were conducted to obtain causal condition data forming success in mangrove ecosystem management for ecotourism development. Therefore, the type of questionnaire used in this study is a closed-ended questionnaire consisting of questions and a number of answer alternatives. In answering the questions, respondents are bound by the given answers.

In this study, data analysis was conducted using the PROMETHEE (Preference Rangking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation) and FsQCA (Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis) approaches. The PROMETHEE approach was applied to rank and prioritize alternative solutions in the management of mangrove ecosystems for sustainable ecotourism development by evaluating multiple conflicting criteria, such as environmental, social, economic, infrastructure, institutional, conservation, technological, and regulatory dimensions (Figure 2). The method is particularly useful in decision-making processes where trade-offs between different factors must be considered, and it helps to identify the most balanced and feasible options for the study region [19, 20], while FsQCA is employed to identify complex solutions by examining the combination of causal conditions that lead to particular outcomes, such as the successful implementation of ecotourism models in mangrove areas (Figure 3). FsQCA allows for the analysis of different pathways that may lead to the same outcome, reflecting the diverse realities and challenges faced in different parts of the south coast of East Java [21].

Therefore, it is necessary to test both approaches for necessary and sufficient conditions. Consistency tests for necessary conditions are conducted to determine the degree when the membership score in the outcome ($Y i$) is consistently less than or equal to the membership in the causal condition ($X i$) or $Y i \leq X i$. In other words, the outcome is a subset of the causal condition. The threshold value for consistency testing for necessary conditions is 0.75. Meanwhile, consistency tests for sufficient conditions measure the degree when the membership in the outcome is consistently greater than or equal to the membership in the causal condition ($Y i \geq X i$), or they measure how often a causal condition appears and becomes a superset of the outcome. The following is the research analysis flow:

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Figure 3. Data analysis of FsQCA

Table 1. Dimensions and research variable

3.5 Research framework

The complex solution model for community-based ecotourism management is a framework that presents a holistic and integrated approach to managing destinations sustainably with various complex aspects. Through this model, ecotourism management in the area is confronted with multidimensional challenges, such as environmental, social, economic, infrastructure, institutional, conservation, technological, and regulatory dimensions (Table 1). This model aims to provide comprehensive and sustainable solutions to optimize tourism potential and ensure that management is carried out while considering sustainability dimensions in a balanced manner.

By implementing the complex solution management model, it is hoped that sustainability in tourism management can be achieved, providing long-term benefits to local communities, the environment, and visitors. (Figure 4) presents a conceptual framework for the success of Community-Based Ecotourism Management (CBEM) influenced by two theories: Terror Management Theory and Norm Activation Model (NAM). At the center of the framework is CBEM Success (CBEMs), surrounded by action priorities that serve as essential steps to achieve success. Factors such as Risk Communication (RC), Cognitive Risk Perception (CRP), and Affective Risk Perception (ARP) derive from Terror Management Theory, emphasizing the importance of risk perception and communication in community-based ecotourism management.

Meanwhile, the factors from the Norm Activation Model (NAM), including Environmental Concern (EC), Environmental Responsibility (ER), Environmental Moral Obligation (EMO), Social Influence (SI), and Pro-environmental Behavior (PeB), illustrate the impact of moral responsibility, environmental awareness, and social norms in promoting pro-environmental behavior. The combination of risk perception and pro-environmental behavior creates pathways to the successful management of community-based ecotourism through structured priority actions.

5.1 Priority of community-based ecotourism management

The prioritized actions in community-based ecotourism management highlight the importance of a holistic and sustainable approach to management. In the environmental dimension, emphasis is placed on maintaining environmental quality consistency, cleanliness of tourist attractions, and carrying capacity for the protection and preservation of the natural environment. On the social side, the main focus is on improving community welfare, job opportunities, community participation, and resolving social conflicts to create a sustainable and harmonious social environment. In terms of economics, efficient budget allocation for nature conservation, infrastructure development, and local economic empowerment are crucial steps. Meanwhile, in the infrastructure dimension, improving worship facilities, health facilities, and road accessibility is the top priority to enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility for visitors and the local community [2, 28-30].

Moreover, it is important to consider the dimensions of institutions, conservation, technology, and regulations as vital pillars in ecotourism management. In the institutional dimension, enhancing coordination between managers and relevant authorities is prioritized. The conservation dimension emphasizes ecosystem rehabilitation and efforts to prevent species extinction. In the technology dimension, enhancing the ability to implement environmentally friendly and marketing technologies is the primary focus. As for the regulatory dimension, the importance of legal education, policy harmonization, and compliance with ecotourism area management documents is stressed [31-34]. By integrating priority actions from these eight dimensions, community-based ecotourism management can achieve holistic sustainable goals. A holistic and collaborative approach to ecotourism management is expected to strengthen environmental preservation, enhance local community welfare, and provide fair economic benefits to local and global communities [35, 36].

5.2 Complex solutions pathway

The complex solutions in meeting the phenomenon of successful community-based ecotourism management consist of 5 pathways. From the results (Figure 7), it can be observed that the causal conditions of environmental moral obligation (EMO) and social influence (SI) always appear in every complex solutions pathway. This means that the sense of moral concern for the environment and social influence from the surrounding environment can act as causal conditions for success in implementing priority actions in community-based ecotourism management, thereby achieving management success based on sustainability dimensions.

7.1.png	:	Core Condition - The essential factors or elements that must be present for success
7.2.png	:	Absence Condition - Describes the scenario where necessary elements are missing, leading to potential failure
7.3.png	:	Edge Condition - The boundary or extreme situations that test the system’s limits

In the first pathway, the complexity of successful community-based ecotourism management is influenced by several factors, including priority management actions involving high levels of risk communication (RC), cognitive risk perception (CRP), environmental concern (EC), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), and social influence (SI). Effective communication about environmental risks to stakeholders, accurate understanding of risks by individuals, environmental concern from all involved parties, strong environmental responsibility, moral obligation towards the environment, and motivating social influence are key factors reinforcing successful ecotourism management efforts. However, in this first pathway, where affective risk perception (ARP) is low and pro-environmental behavior (PeB) is absent, it's still possible to achieve management success. This is because even though individuals may not emotionally perceive risks or directly engage in pro-environmental behaviors, other factors contributing to management success, such as effective communication, strong understanding, and significant social support, are still strong enough to support sustainable management practices and successful environmental conservation [16, 37]. Thus, while factors like ARP and PeB may be important in some contexts, this first pathway shows that other factors related to effective management can also play a significant role in achieving environmental conservation goals.

In the second pathway, the success of community-based ecotourism management is highly influenced by priority management actions with high levels of risk communication (RC), cognitive risk perception (CRP), affective risk perception (ARP), environmental concern (EC), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), social influence (SI), and pro-environmental behavior (PeB). Effective communication about environmental risks, strong understanding of risks by individuals, emotional support for environmental conservation, high environmental concern, environmental responsibility, strong social influence, and environmentally supportive behavior are key factors reinforcing ecotourism management efforts. However, in this second pathway where environmental responsibility (ER) is absent, it's still possible to achieve management success. This is because even though direct responsibility towards the environment may not be internalized by individuals or groups involved, other factors related to effective management, such as effective communication, strong understanding, significant social support, and high pro-environmental behavior, are still strong enough to support sustainable management practices and successful environmental conservation [38]. Thus, while environmental responsibility (ER) may be an important factor in some contexts, this second pathway shows that other factors related to effective management can also play a significant role in achieving environmental conservation goals.

In the third pathway, the success of community-based ecotourism management is highly influenced by priority management actions with high levels of risk communication (RC), cognitive risk perception (CRP), affective risk perception (ARP), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), social influence (SI), and pro-environmental behavior (PeB). Effective communication about environmental risks, strong understanding of risks by individuals, emotional support for environmental conservation, direct responsibility towards the environment, moral obligation towards the environment, strong social influence, and environmentally supportive behavior are key factors reinforcing ecotourism management efforts. However, in this third pathway where the level of environmental concern (EC) is absent, it's still possible to achieve management success. This is because even though the level of environmental concern may not be sufficiently high, other factors related to effective management, such as effective communication, strong understanding, significant social support, strong environmental responsibility, moral obligation towards the environment, and high pro-environmental behavior, are still strong enough to support sustainable management practices and successful environmental conservation [17]. Thus, while environmental concern (EC) may be an important factor in some contexts, this third pathway shows that other factors related to effective management can also play a significant role in achieving environmental conservation goals.

In the fourth pathway, the success of community-based ecotourism management is highly influenced by priority management actions with high levels of risk communication (RC), affective risk perception (ARP), environmental concern (EC), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), social influence (SI), and pro-environmental behavior (PeB). Effective communication about environmental risks, emotional support for environmental conservation, high environmental concern, strong environmental responsibility, moral obligation towards the environment, strong social influence, and environmentally supportive behavior are key factors reinforcing ecotourism management efforts. However, in this fourth pathway where cognitive risk perception (CRP) is absent, it's still possible to achieve management success. This is because even though individuals may not have a deep cognitive understanding of environmental risks, other factors related to effective management, such as effective communication, strong emotional support, high environmental concern, strong environmental responsibility, moral obligation towards the environment, strong social influence, and high pro-environmental behavior, are still strong enough to support sustainable management practices and successful environmental conservation [15]. Thus, while cognitive risk perception (CRP) may be an important factor in some contexts, this fourth pathway shows that other factors related to effective management can also play a significant role in achieving environmental conservation goals.

In the fifth pathway, the success of community-based ecotourism management is highly influenced by priority management actions with high levels of cognitive risk perception (CRP), affective risk perception (ARP), environmental concern (EC), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), social influence (SI), and pro-environmental behavior (PeB). Although risk communication (RC) is absent in this pathway, management success is still possible because other factors involved in the management process have significant impacts. High cognitive and affective risk perceptions, strong environmental concern, environmental responsibility and moral obligation, strong social influence, and high pro-environmental behavior can provide a solid foundation for sustainable management practices. Even though risk communication (RC) is absent in this pathway, information about environmental risks can still be conveyed through alternative means such as direct experience, observation, or informal sources. With strong support from other factors, such as interpersonal communication and social influence, awareness and actions to protect the environment can still be realized [14]. Therefore, even though risk communication (RC) is absent, this pathway indicates that other factors supporting environmental awareness and pro-environmental actions can play a crucial role in achieving the success of ecotourism management.

5.3 Complex solutions model for community-based ecotourism management (CBEM)

The research findings elaborate that complex-solutions for community-based ecotourism management must have a clear legal foundation. Furthermore, actor grouping is divided based on their status and role in the social structure. The numbering on Figure 8, signifies the development foundation of ecotourism starting from the smallest scope, which is the local community stratum, then leading to the formation of a management institution named Yayasan Bhakti Alam Sendang Biru (Bhakti Alam Sendang Biru Foundation) that oversees the management of CMC Tiga Warna Ecotourism. The number one (1) represents the institutional scope, signifying that the impact of relationships has given birth to new capacities by providing binding interaction concepts. The number two (2) is occupied by seven communities such as KTH (Forest Farmer Group), LKDPH (Village Cooperation Institution for Forest Development), POKMASWAS (Community Group for Fisheries Supervision), POKDARWIS (Awareness Tourism Group), LMDH (Village Forest Community Institution), Karang Taruna (Youth Organization), and HNSI (Indonesian Fishermen Association), which have produced concepts bridging the interaction between institutions and similar community groups in efforts to maintain sustainability and the success of ecotourism destinations through collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. Furthermore, the establishment of the CMC Tiga Warna Foundation also impacts the formation of other communities such as economic actors and visitors.

The number three (3) is occupied by government and academic institutions. These five government and academic institutions are evidence of the highest centralist hierarchy. The interaction concept within this hierarchy is called linking interaction. Strong interactions will create harmony among stakeholder networks. Stakeholders in ecotourism management implementation face opposition to sustainable management. Therefore, key variables and sustainability status become the basis for determining management actions. Each management action will be evaluated based on effectiveness, efficiency, sufficiency, benefits, responsiveness, and future reliability criteria to produce priority actions [13, 39, 40]. These management actions are undoubtedly based on sustainability dimensions. This complex solutions model offers a framework for addressing management issues based on their forming dimensions. An interesting finding in this model is that ecotourism management solutions must integrate various sustainability dimensions such as environmental, social, economic, infrastructure, institutional, conservation, technology, and regulatory dimensions that affect holistic and sustainable ecotourism management [41].

The integration results within this complex solutions model are further detailed into priority actions. In the environmental dimension, maintaining and preserving environmental quality consistency, cleanliness of tourist attractions, and carrying capacity become the focus of priority actions. This demonstrates that the model recognizes the importance of maintaining consistent environmental quality, preserving cleanliness of tourist attractions, and understanding environmental capacity limits to ensure destination sustainability [42]. Meanwhile, in the social dimension, priority actions include improving community welfare, job opportunities, local business opportunities, community participation, and reducing social conflicts. This reaffirms that the model emphasizes the importance of considering the welfare and participation of local communities and creating sustainable economic opportunities [43].

The economic dimension includes increasing conservation budget allocations and facilities, highlighting the importance of adequate budget allocation for nature conservation and infrastructure development supporting ecotourism. In the infrastructure dimension, the model emphasizes improving worship facilities, health facilities, and road access to ecotourism locations, indicating awareness of the basic needs of visitors and local residents, as well as the importance of comfort and safety in accessing destinations [44]. The institutional dimension highlights the need to improve coordination between destination managers and related agencies, as well as the importance of effective governance systems to ensure integrated and sustainable management. In the conservation dimension, emphasis on activities to maintain or increase sustainable rehabilitation efforts, prevent species extinction, and balance nature management demonstrates commitment to preserving biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability [45].

On the technological side, the model indicates the ability to enhance the application of environmentally friendly technology, mastery of marketing technology, and use of institutional databases, emphasizing the importance of technology in improving ecotourism management efficiency and effectiveness [46]. Lastly, the regulatory dimension highlights the need to increase legal education activities related to natural resource management and policy harmonization to create a supportive legal environment for sustainable ecotourism management [47].

This complex-solutions model not only offers priority actions to address existing issues but also suggests how these priority actions can be effectively implemented by all stakeholders involved to achieve management success. In this model, to achieve management success based on priority actions, five pathways are proposed. The first pathway involves enhancing risk communication (RC), cognitive risk perception (CRP), environmental concern (EC), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), and social influence (SI), despite affective risk perception (ARP). The second pathway involves enhancing risk communication (RC), cognitive risk perception (CRP), affective risk perception (ARP), environmental concern (EC), environmental moral obligation (EMO), social influence (SI), and pro-environmental behavior (PeB). The third pathway involves enhancing risk communication (RC), cognitive risk perception (CRP), affective risk perception (ARP), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), social influence (SI), and pro-environmental behavior (PeB). The fourth pathway involves enhancing risk communication (RC), affective risk perception (ARP), environmental concern (EC), environmental responsibility (ER), environmental moral obligation (EMO), social influence (SI), and pro-environmental behavior (PeB).