Green economy in tourism village development for sustainable development goals: A case study in Bireuen, Indonesia

Abstract

Bireuen Regency, located approximately 223 km from Banda Aceh City in Aceh Province, Indonesia, is renowned for its natural beauty and culinary delights. The region's abundant natural resources hold significant potential for developing tourism villages to drive local economic growth and foster sustainable livelihoods. Tourism villages are vital for economic development, offering opportunities to enhance community welfare while promoting environmental sustainability. This aligns closely with the principles of ecotourism, which emphasize environmental awareness and social responsibility. This study explores integrating green economy principles into developing tourism villages to achieve sustainable development goals. Using a descriptive qualitative research method, the study focuses on a coastal tourism village in Bireuen Regency that attracts numerous local and regional visitors. The findings highlight several green economy applications in tourism village development, including natural resource management, waste management, resource conservation, carbon emission reduction, enhancement of tourist experiences, adoption of innovation and technology, economic impact, and adherence to certification and standards.