Ecotourism as A Source of Science Learning in Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
10.65622/jbee.v2i1.271Downloads
Abstract
One relevant concept in supporting contextual learning is the use of ecotourism as a learning resource. Ecotourism serves not only as a recreational activity but also as an educational medium that integrates environmental, social, and cultural aspects. This study aims to comprehensively examine the use of ecotourism as a science learning resource in Indonesia through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. The method follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, including identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages. A total of 20 selected articles from the Scopus and SINTA databases, published between 2016 and 2025, were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that ecotourism has significant potential as a resource for contextual and experiential learning. Its implementation has been proven to enhance students’ scientific literacy, critical thinking skills, and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, integrating ecotourism into learning supports the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by strengthening ecological awareness and sustainability values. However, the application of ecotourism as a learning resource still faces several challenges, including limited curriculum integration, policy support, and the readiness of educational resources. Therefore, it is necessary to develop systematic, innovative, and technology-based learning models to optimize the use of ecotourism in science education.
Keywords:
Ecotourism Learning resources Science education Environmental education Education for Sustainable DevelopmentReferences
Afifah, K. N., Yoo, R., & Suhirman, S. (2024). Fostering environmental stewardship through mangrove ecotourism: A study on Gili Sulat’s educational impact. International Journal of Ethnoscience and Technology in Education, 1(1), 55–75. https://doi.org/10.33394/ijete.v1i1.10882
Ahmad, A., Kristian, A., & Saputri, R. T. (2025). Local wisdom–driven mangrove ecotourism for sustainable coastal management. Indonesian Law Reform Journal, 5(3), 210–225. https://doi.org/10.22219/ilrej.v5i3.41989
Annam, S., Naf’atuzzahrah, N., & Syuzita, A. (2024). Mangrove ecotourism as a science learning resource in Lembar Selatan Village. Hamzanwadi Journal of Science Education, 1(2), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.29408/hijase.v1i2.26940
Ardoin, N. M., Bowers, A. W., & Gaillard, E. (2020). Environmental education outcomes for conservation: A systematic review. Biological Conservation, 241, 108224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108224
Armayadi, D., Afifah, N., & Rifai, R. (2025). Sustainable ecotourism management based on environmental education. Journal of Character and Environment, 2(2), 85–97. https://doi.org/10.61511/jocae.v2i2.1448
Aswita, D. (2018). Environmental education and ecotourism in improving students’ environmental awareness. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 6(3), 345–356. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v6i3.255
Ballantyne, R., & Packer, J. (2019). International handbook on ecotourism and environmental education. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(9), 1321–1336. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1607368
Batubara, F. Y., Siregar, M., & Harahap, R. (2025). Public policy and ecotourism sustainability in Indonesia. TOFEDU: The Future of Education Journal, 4(1), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.61445/tofedu.v4i1.1236
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
Fang, W. T., Hassan, A., & Horng, J. S. (2025). Ecotourism, environmental education, and sustainability: A global perspective. International Journal of Spa and Wellness, 8(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/24721735.2025.2518850
Halim, R., & Anggraini, D. (2021). Ecotourism as an educational tool for tropical forest conservation. Jurnal STUPA, 3(2), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.24912/stupa.v3i2.12551
Harinie, L. T., Utami, S., & Rahmawati, D. (2025). Sociopreneurship development through community-based ecotourism. Humaniora, 16(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.21512/humaniora.v16i1.13433
Himmah, M., & Laila, R. I. W. D. (2024). Integrating community-based ecotourism into educational development: Empowering local communities and enhancing sustainable practices. Journal of Educational Management Research, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.61987/jemr.v4i4.1118
Jaya, V. W., AR, M. M., Jannah, L., & Rofiana, W. (2025). Ecotourism as a learning resource to foster environmental awareness through nature-based education. Jurnal Ilmiah Penelitian Mahasiswa, 3(1), 516–528. https://doi.org/10.61722/jipm.v3i1.747
Kelana, J. B., Wardani, D. S., & Wulandari, M. A. (2021). Ethnoscience-based learning as a source of knowledge in elementary education. JIKAP PGSD: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Kependidikan, 5(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.26858/jkp.v5i1.16822
Kitchenham, B., Brereton, O. P., Budgen, D., Turner, M., Bailey, J., & Linkman, S. (2009). Systematic literature reviews in software engineering: A systematic literature review. Information and Software Technology, 51(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2008.09.009
Kurniawan, N. P., & Komara, L. L. (2025). Biodiversity-based ecotourism strategy for sustainable education. Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability, 6(2), 101–112.
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine, 6(7), e1000097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Prihanta, W., & Baiduri, B. (2025). Trends in ecotourism and sustainability education in Asia: A systematic review. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 50(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v50i112700
Rasyid, S., & Cahyanto, T. (2023). Ecotourism and cultural-based natural learning center development. Jurnal Ekologi, Masyarakat dan Sains, 4(2), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.55448/ems.v4i2.98
Ruiz, M. U. (2024). Exploring the ecotourism paradox: Perspective of local residents in accredited ecotourism sites. Media Konservasi, 29(3), 392–405. https://doi.org/10.29244/medkon.29.3.392
Siregar, O. M., Selwendri, S., & Nasution, M. D. T. P. (2024). Visitor preferences on ecotourism attributes: A study on Indonesian ecotourism destinations. Journal of Management World, 4, 393–401. https://doi.org/10.53935/jomw.v2024i4.402
Sitompul, S. S. (2024). Ecotourism as tourist attraction development: Systematic literature review. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(8), 606–612. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i8.8376
Sucilestari, R., & Arizona, K. (2024). Ecotourism-based science learning to improve environmental literacy. Jurnal Tatsqif, 22(1), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.20414/jtq.v22i1.8478
Sudirman, S. (2022). Development of environment-based ecotourism as a science character education medium. Tirai Edukasi, 5(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.37824/tirai.v5i1.419
Walter, P. G. (2020). Ecotourism and environmental learning: A critical review. Environmental Education Research, 26(5), 673–689. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2019.1569200
Wulandari, A. Y. R., Sari, D. P., & Nugroho, A. (2025). Beach edutourism to enhance students’ scientific literacy. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA, 11(1), 35–47. https://doi.org/10.21831/jipi.v11i1.77539
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Syarful Annam

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.









