RINJANI TREK ECOTOURISM PROGRAMME, INDONESIA

Finalist Destination Stewardship Award 2008 and 2005

The Rinjani Trek Ecotourism Programme, located in Lombok, Indonesia, began in 1999. It was created to strengthen conservation and to ensure that communities on the boundary of the National Park benefited from tourism revenues. Community-run co-operatives coordinate the Trek at the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru and the Rinjani Information Centre in Sembalun Lawang. Each has roster systems for guides and porters, village tour activities and handicraft sales. Revenue from tourism activities and entry fees is used for conservation, training, management and assisting the National Park with maintenance of the Rinjani Trek, thus working towards sustainability. Overseeing and supporting these activities is the Rinjani Trek Management Board. It combines the authorities of central and local governments with the voices of Lombok's private tourism sector and boundary communities. This institutional model is unique in Indonesia and with the success of the programme, has come expansion into other village communities on the border of the National Park where small business enterprises and the practical ideals of ecotourism are being implemented.