Environmental communication based on tourism management for mitigation of abrasion disasters

¹ Department of Communication Science, Universitas Riau, Indonesia
² Department of Management, Universitas Riau, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: yasir@lecturer.unri.ac.id

Abstract

Indonesia has thousands of islands. However, many islands are threatened with sinking due to rising sea levels and abrasion. This research aims to explain environmental communication based on tourism management to mitigate abrasion on Bengkalis Island. The research method used was a qualitative approach with case studies. The results show that the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment together with other ministries, regional governments and experts collaborated to communicate to overcome the abrasion problem on Bengkalis Island. To mitigate abrasion, the government is building breakwaters, rehabilitating mangroves, and creating communication programs. The government’s environmental communications involve the NGO Malay Youth Association that Cares for the Environment (IPMPL) to deal with abrasion, as was done at Raja Kecik Beach. This community-based tourism was built as a means of government communication to campaign for the protection of the coast of Bengkalis Island. The development of marine tourism that is integrated with the prevention of environmental damage not only contributes to the economy and community welfare but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Communication based on tourism management has not been managed well. Therefore, the government must involve other stakeholders for sustainable development in the context of mitigating abrasion disasters.