Indonesian Archipelago is characterized with long coastline and thousands small islands and high marine biodiversity. These resources are amongst... » More

Indonesian Archipelago is characterized with long coastline and thousands small islands and high marine biodiversity. These resources are amongst attractions to be offered as Indonesia targets tourism as one of country's main economic sector. Marine ecotourism in Indonesia is developing and becoming more popular for travellers, and marine protected areas are amongst places being more visited as ecotourism sites. Indonesia established marine protected areas throughout the country; many are located in the less developed remote areas that relatively far from urban activities. Yet there are marine protected areas located in or very close to the urban areas, which are facing many challenges in term not only daily management but also future sustainability. Because their close proximity to city center, urban protected areas can be easily reached by visitors, so there are opportunities for them to become an hands-on learning center. This paper will first offer the overview of marine protected areas and ecotourism in Indonesia. The author then look at activities taken place in urban coastal and marine protected areas related to environmental education. Finally this paper will conclude by discussing how marine ecotourism in urban protected areas can facilitate public environmental awareness and coastal and marine conservation.

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