Pangandaran – The Faculty of Geological Engineering, Universitas Padjadjaran (FTG Unpad) has successfully conducted a Geotourism Guide Training program in Batukaras Village, Pangandaran, as part of preparations for the village’s development into an aspiring Geopark. This initiative highlights the essential role of local tour guides in promoting geotourism and strengthening Batukaras’ potential as a sustainable tourism destination aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Geotourism emphasizes geological heritage, environmental conservation, and cultural values while supporting sustainable education, conservation, and economic growth. The program included intensive training sessions, discussions, and workshops designed to transform local community members from informal guides into professional geotourism guides capable of providing meaningful educational experiences to visitors.
The training also addressed broader community engagement, including raising awareness among homestay owners about environmental health standards, documenting and digitally archiving local attractions, and preserving cultural heritage. Activities included interviews with village elders to record local legends and traditional wisdom, as well as participation in traditional fisherman ceremonies that honor ancestral maritime traditions while integrating modern resource management practices.
Additionally, participants received comprehensive learning modules and face-to-face mentoring sessions to enhance their guiding skills, tourism management capabilities, and communication strategies. This holistic approach strengthened collaboration between guides, tourism managers, and the broader community.
The data collected throughout the program encompassed social, cultural, economic, historical, and environmental aspects of Batukaras. These findings were discussed with the community to develop a shared vision for the village’s future as a Geopark. The discussions also emphasized the importance of improving tourism management, cleanliness standards, infrastructure development, financial transparency, and inclusive participation to maximize the village’s tourism potential.
Through this program, FTG Unpad reaffirmed its commitment to community empowerment and sustainable tourism development, positioning Batukaras as a strong candidate for Indonesia’s next Geopark and a model of local wisdom integrated with global sustainability practices.