Community-Based Environmental Management: A Comparative Case Study of Bali, Indonesia and Branca, Timor-Leste
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Abstract
In this study, we have examined ecotourism development from the environmental law perspective through a qualitative phenomenological comparative study of Bali, Indonesia, and the Branca region of Timor-Leste. Data were gathered from in-depth interviews, participatory observation, focus group discussions, and document analysis of key informants. We investigate three broad areas of the study: regulatory implementation, community participation, and environmental sustainability. The results show significant differences between the two regions. Bali is a relatively strong hybrid legal system that integrates formal environmental regulations with customary law (awig-awig in particular) based on the Tri Hita Karana philosophy. This integration seems to strengthen law enforcement, foster community involvement and support tangible outcomes on environmental management, such as plastic reduction and the promotion of local conservation practices. On the other hand, Branca faces institutional governance problems with centralized decision-making, weak regulatory awareness and a low level of public participation. These are all conditions that are associated with environmental problems such as coastal erosion and waste management. The study argues that good ecotourism governance needs to include local cultural values within formal laws and is supported by decentralized institutions and participatory processes. It has suggested a “Hybrid Ecotourism Law Model” as a theoretical framework for environmental law and sustainable tourism studies in developing countries.
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