Ferrieren Curassavica Arfenda1a, Ridla Arifriana2b, Retno Nur Utami1, Mukhlison1
1Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Agro 1st, Bulaksumur, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55284
2Vocational School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sekip I, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta, 55281.
a)fca.eren@gmail.com
b)ridha.arifriana@gmail.co
Abstract. Wonosadi Forest is a traditional forest that has high natural and cultural tourism potential in Beji, Ngawen, Gunungkidul. Ecotourism in Beji has been initiated for several years. Among them are regional arts and customs, handicrafts, special foods, Jagawana groups, youth groups and Kehati groups. Some of the arts in Beji that are well known to the wider community are the presence of the Lesung Gejug, Thek Thek, Reog, Rinding Gumbeng and Karawitan. Beji has a very rich potential, but many of its people do not understand how to develop that potential.The aims and benefits of this community service activity are for the Community: (1) Improving community skills in sustainable ecotourism management, (2) increasing community awareness and participation to develop Beji ecotourism, (3) Increasing community income and equitable participation in tourism management around the Wonosadi Forest. For Higher Education: (1) As a vehicle for implementing Higher Education Tri Dharma, namely aspects of education, teaching and community service. It also encourages the sensitivity of the academic community to problems that arise in the community by analyzing and solving these problems with appropriate programs through collaboration with all elements of society. (2) Creating a guided village with the theme of a tourism village as a vehicle for community service. For the Government: (1) Providing active support to the manager of Wonosadi Forest Tourism in Beji to develop ecotourism in the northern region of Gunungkidul, (2) Assist the government through community empowerment programs especially in the field of ecotourism village assistance.The method of carrying out community service activities is carried out through socialization in the form of providing material and practices in the field related to the planned themes. The socialization is carried out interactively by involving community groups that are indeed in line with the theme of the program to be carried out. Provision of material is not only in the form of theories embodied in the module, but also done by direct practice of the materials provided to the public. The training activities carried out are branding and packaging training, homestay and guiding training, photography training and promotion media as well as handing over plant seeds. Enthusiastic community is very high in participating in this activity is shown by the high level of attendance and requests to continue training in the future.
Keywords: Sustainable Ecotourism, Customary Forests, Community Empowerment