Indigenous environmental perceptions on the use of cultural keystone species for tourism development

Abstract

Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) including animals and plants, are inseparable from their use in culture by indigenous peoples. The existence of CKS can encourage community participation in efforts to preserve biodiversity, for instance through tourism. The approach of CKS is not only the steps to maintain a culture but also impacts environmental sustainability and increases income through tourism. This study aims to identify indigenous peoples’ ecological perception in using CKS for tourism development. The research was conducted in Lempur Mudik Village, Gunung Raya District, Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province, at Lekuk 50 Tumbi community and Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS). This research was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. The data collection method is interviewing using questionnaire instruments with three statements related to the environmental perception of indigenous peoples—nonprobability sampling with 90 respondents representing three areas in Lempur Mudik Village. The results showed that all communities (100%) agreed that CKS plants were developed for tourism development. However, only 95.5% of people agree that the animal decree is developed for tourism development. Most (97.7%) have a perception that tourism development will have a positive impact on species sustainability. It is due to knowledge factors and environmental situations that affect their perception.