Tourism is one of the attractions owned by Central Papua Province to carry out the economic activities of the community. The natural landscape in the form of waters such as the sea and beaches are tourist destinations for tourists from various regions. Therefore, the economic activities of the community in Central Papua Province can be said to be quite dependent on the tourism sector. The Regional Government fully supports these positive activities by providing assistance related to the development of tourist attractions that can provide a sense of security and comfort for visitors. The disbursement of funds given to tourist attraction managers is expected to continue to increase tourist visits.
One of the tourist destinations that is a concern for tourists to come to Central Papua Province is the mangrove forest. Mangrove forest conservation has been carried out since long ago and even before it was used as a tourist spot. The function of the mangrove forest is to prevent abrasion and to create a natural ecosystem for living things around the forest. The Regional Government provides assistance in the form of funds to manage mangrove forests so that they remain sustainable, repair any damage, and also build various facilities that can support tourism activities such as road repairs and other facilities.
Mangrove forests are environmentally friendly tourist destinations. The Central Papua Provincial Government indeed wants the development of tourist destinations that are in line with the preservation of nature and environmentally friendly. Papuan people who are accustomed to living side by side with nature certainly have the same desire regarding nature conservation. In addition, when mangrove forests are used as one of the environmentally friendly tourist destinations, tourists will also be given education regarding how to protect nature together without ignoring the function of mangrove forests.
The economic activities of the community are expected to continue and actually increase which will lead to community welfare. The Central Papua Provincial Government is trying to provide the best facilities for environmentally friendly tourist destinations. The purpose of government assistance is so that all parties feel satisfied when they come to the mangrove forest for tourism. The local community as the manager of the mangrove forest feels satisfied because with the concept of environmentally friendly tourism, there is no need to worry about environmental damage. Tourists who come to visit also feel satisfied because their desire for environmentally friendly nature tourism is fulfilled. Moreover, the mangrove forest in Central Papua is indeed famous for its beauty.
Environmentally friendly tourism is in accordance with the concept agreed upon by the community and the regional government in the special autonomy that is enforced throughout the Papua region. The agreement is how the community, especially the Papuan Indigenous People, are allowed to utilize everything they have for the advancement of society, including economic welfare. In addition to community welfare, environmental sustainability is also maintained along with ongoing economic activities.