TIMES JAZIRAH, BENGKULU – Pekik Nyaring Village, located in Central Bengkulu Regency, has gained significant attention for its turtle conservation efforts, making it an emerging ecotourism destination in Indonesia. Spearheaded by the Alun Utara Turtle Conservation Group in collaboration with the academic community of local prominent university, this village is set to become a model for combining conservation and tourism.

The village's proximity to the university has made it an ideal location for research and practical fieldwork for students. Over the years, this has led to a deep understanding of the local environment and the development of strategies to enhance turtle conservation. Recognizing the village's potential, Universitas Bengkulu has taken steps to officially develop Pekik Nyaring into a conservation-oriented tourism village.

Bengkulu Province, home to six of the world's eight species of sea turtles, offers an ideal setting for this conservation initiative. The development of Pekik Nyaring as a tourist destination aims not only to attract visitors but also to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting these endangered species. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness turtle conservation efforts firsthand, including the chance to participate in the breeding and release of these protected creatures back into their natural habitat in the western waters of Sumatra.

One of the proposed attractions is a turtle adoption program, where visitors can engage in the conservation process from breeding to releasing the turtles into the sea. This hands-on experience is expected to be a significant draw for tourists, providing a memorable and educational experience.

According to Dr. Yar Johan, Head of the Community Service Program at Universitas Bengkulu, the development of Pekik Nyaring Village is not just about tourism. It is a step towards creating a sustainable conservation effort that benefits both the environment and the local community. The involvement of tourists in conservation activities is expected to foster a deeper connection between people and nature, encouraging more significant support for environmental protection initiatives.

Prof. Agustin Zarkani, an environmental professor at Universitas Bengkulu, highlights the potential of turtle conservation as a unique branding opportunity for Bengkulu. By promoting conservation-based tourism, the province can differentiate itself as a distinctive destination within Indonesia’s diverse tourism landscape. This initiative complements existing cultural tourism and strengthens Bengkulu's position as a province rich in natural and cultural heritage.

The turtle conservation efforts at Pekik Nyaring Village represent a promising model for ecotourism. By combining conservation with tourism, this initiative not only ensures the protection of endangered turtles but also provides an educational and enriching experience for visitors. As the project continues to develop, it holds the potential to become a cornerstone of Bengkulu's tourism industry, offering a unique and meaningful experience to all who visit. (*)