Sungai Upang, a biodiversity hotspot in Tanah Bawah, Bangka, is recognized for its extraordinary natural wealth and potential as a sustainable tourism destination. Covering 40 hectares, it serves as a habitat for endemic flora and fauna of Bangka Island and a vital water source for local communities.
Recent research from Universitas Muhammadiyah Bangka Belitung (2024) suggests that Sungai Upang can develop into an environmental education tourism site, featuring:
Orchid education tours showcasing 96 species, including endemic varieties.
River exploration tours along a 6 km landscape resembling a mini Amazon.
Cultural and culinary tourism, highlighting traditional dishes like lempah kuning and sambal serai.
This area can also host cultural events that preserve local traditions and strengthen the identity of Bangka Belitung.
However, this potential faces serious challenges, including the expansion of palm oil plantations, illegal logging, and forest fire threats. These activities not only damage the ecosystem but also jeopardize the area’s sustainability as a tourist destination.
Recent data from Kabupaten Bangka Dalam Angka (2024) indicates a significant increase in palm oil plantation expansion in Puding Besar, reaching 1,014 hectares in the past year. This threatens both the local flora and fauna and leads to the degradation of the watershed that is crucial for the ecosystem.
This situation echoes global phenomena seen in wetlands like Jiuzhaigou, China. Studies indicate that poorly managed tourism and agricultural activities can trigger ecological damage, as witnessed in Jiuzhaigou, where pollution from farming and unmanaged tourism accelerates wetland degradation. This highlights the urgent need for conservation-based management to maintain ecosystem balance.
Sungai Upang could also serve as a living laboratory for environmental research. Conservation-based tourism not only offers economic benefits but also becomes a hub for education on environmental preservation. Thus, Sungai Upang has the potential to attract academics and tourism practitioners interested in biodiversity management models.
To save Sungai Upang, active participation from local communities is essential. Community-based tourism (CBT) approaches have been shown to enhance environmental awareness and local economic welfare. In Sungai Upang, locals can engage in various activities, such as providing transportation services, local cuisine, and selling souvenirs based on the unique flora and fauna.
Concrete steps must be taken to harness the potential of Sungai Upang while ensuring its sustainability. Recent studies show that education-based tourism supports local economies and boosts conservation awareness. This approach has been successfully implemented in Santay Island, Ecuador, where tourism serves as a tool for environmental preservation and community empowerment.
Strategic steps, including investment in eco-friendly infrastructure, are necessary to optimize the potential and tackle challenges at Sungai Upang.