ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT BASED ON LOCAL WISDOM FOR OPTIMIZING THE FUNCTION OF CAVE WATER RESOURCES AS A PREVENTION OF FLOODS AND DROUGHTS IN WAKATOBI REGENCY, INDONESIA

The basis of local wisdom is an effort to preserve the environment in line with the main goal of developing ecotourism. Successful ecotourism management can optimize the function of the existence of natural resources. The purpose of this study was to examine the local wisdom of the community in ecotourism management to optimize the function of cave water as a prevention of flooding and drought in urban strategic areas. The research method uses descriptive qualitative by digging information through in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, relevant government, community and visitors to water caves. SWOT analysis in this study is used to determine the management of water resources and to plan the development of sustainable ecotourism as an alternative to managing the potential and conservation of cave water. Checking the validity of the data using a triagulation model. The results of the study show that there are three forms of community local wisdom regarding cave water conservation, namely: (1) Ufe Karia, (2) Imaeka, and (3) Sala piara (mistake of care). Should either intentionally or unintentionally have disturbed the existence of cave water. The cave water functions as a natural infiltration well that is able to accommodate large amounts of rain water with a concentrated flow pattern at the cave water point. Meanwhile, other cave water points are the main raw water sources to meet the domestic needs of the community with stable water discharge and never dry. The results of the SWOT analysis show that cave water has the potential to be developed into ecotourism so conserve water resources as a prevention of floods and droughts on Wangi-Wangi Island.