Local Wisdom Integration and Community-Based Environmental Conservation in Bali Starling Conservation for The Development of Tengkudak Tourism Village

Abstract

The development of tourism villages is no longer solely oriented toward increasing tourist arrivals but is also expected to maintain environmental sustainability, strengthen local identity, and provide tangible benefits to local communities. Tengkudak Village, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, possesses unique potential through the presence of the Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), agricultural landscapes, rural community life, culture, and local wisdom that has developed within the community's social life. The existence of Kampoeng Jalak Bali in Tingkihkerep Hamlet represents an important asset for developing conservation-based tourism while strengthening the position of Tengkudak Village as a tourism village with distinct ecological and cultural characteristics. This study aims to analyze forms of local wisdom that support environmental conservation, identify the roles and participation of the community in Bali Starling conservation, and formulate an integration of community-based conservation with tourism village development. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach using a case study method. Data are obtained through observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, documentation, and literature reviews involving village stakeholders, traditional village institutions, Pokdarwis, conservation groups, farmers, MSME actors, youth, women's groups, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders. Data analysis is conducted through data reduction, categorization, interpretation, and source triangulation. The findings indicate that local wisdom, including awig-awig, gotong royong, ecological knowledge, and environmental management practices, can function as social and institutional capital in supporting conservation. The Bali Starling possesses not only ecological value but also the potential to serve as an educational icon and tourism experience that connects conservation with community life. The integration of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) and Community-Based Conservation (CBC) generates development directions including conservation educational tourism, responsible bird watching, environmental interpretation, agricultural tourism, living village experiences, and vegetation planting activities. The proposed model positions the community as the main actor, the traditional village as a strengthening institution for local norms and wisdom, the village government as a facilitator, Pokdarwis as the manager of tourism experiences, and conservation groups as guardians of ecological aspects. Thus, Bali Starling conservation can become part of the identity of Tengkudak Tourism Village while creating opportunities for socioeconomic benefits for local communities without compromising habitat sustainability and animal welfare.