Talaga Paca Village: Turning Natural Beauty into Economic Boost

Nestled in the Halmahera Utara regency, Talaga Paca Village is a gem of natural tourism, boasting a stunning lake, caves, forests, and biodiversity. Yet, despite this natural wealth, the village struggles with poverty, with a stunning 75% of its residents below the poverty line. The question lingers: why aren't the locals reaping the benefits of their natural surroundings? In 2019, Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry granted Talaga Paca Village management rights over an 865-hectare state forest for 35 years. This is part of the country's Social Forestry program. The Halmahera University Community Service (CS) Team noticed that the community struggled to manage their tourism potential effectively.The CS initiative, running from April to October 2022, aimed to equip the community with the skills to manage ecotourism. Through collaboration, the project has seen success. Now, tourists from both within and outside the country are visiting, bringing much-needed economic benefits to the village. But the journey isn't over. While they've begun to see returns, the real challenge lies in sustaining this growth and ensuring the community can fully take advantage of their natural resources without compromising the environment. What's the next step for Talaga Paca Village in its quest to turn natural beauty into economic prosperity?