Talaga Paca: Turning Nature into Cash

Deep in the heart of Halmahera Utara, there's a village named Talaga Paca, known for its breathtaking lakes, caves, forests, and an abundance of wildlife. Ironically, the villagers face high poverty rates, with nearly three-quarters living below the poverty line. Despite their natural riches, they hadn’t seen any economic benefits. In 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry handed over management of an 865-hectare state forest to the village, aiming to improve conditions through a Social Forestry program. The Community Service (CS) team from Halmahera University recognized the main hurdle: the villagers’ struggle to manage their tourism potential effectively. Their mission was clear—help the community take charge of ecotourism to boost their income. From April to October 2022, the CS team worked to enhance ecotourism management. With collaborative efforts, tourism began to flourish, attracting both domestic and international visitors. As a result, the villagers started seeing the fruits of their natural wealth.