PROGRAM EDUKASI LINGKUNGANDAN WISATA BERKELANJUTAN: SEKOLAH SEBAGAI AGEN PERUBAHAN DESA WISATA

Abstract

The sustainability of tourism village ecosystems heavily relies on the environmental awareness of local communities, which is ideally instilled from an early age through educational institutions. This study/community service initiative aims to formulate and implement the "Environmental Education and Sustainable Tourism Program" by positioning schools as agents of change in tourism villages. The program's methodology employs a participatory approach, encompassing the integration of a localized green curriculum, waste segregation and nature conservation training for students and teachers, and the establishment of a Green Tourism Ambassador community within schools. The results indicate a significant increase in environmental knowledge, attitudes, and eco-friendly behaviors among the school community. Students successfully initiated plastic waste reduction movements within school grounds and surrounding destinations, while effectively educating visitors on the importance of preserving the village's natural environment. The implication of this program demonstrates that school’s function not only as academic institutions but also as strategic drivers of social and ecological transformation to maintain environmental carrying capacity and the sustainability of rural tourism.