In the sixth session, Professor Bulan Prabawani, a lecturer at Universitas Diponegoro, bring the session assisted by the moderator, Gilda Maulina as a lecturer of Universitas Diponegoro. The session challenged the audience to move beyond the “do no harm” approach of sustainable tourism towards a model that actively restores and enhances the well-being of destinations. Professor Bulan defined regenerative tourism as a community-led, holistic approach focused on achieving a net positive impact, leaving environments and societies better than they were before.
The presentation provided a clear evolution from responsible tourism, which emphasizes individual ethics, to sustainable tourism, governed by broader policies, and finally to regenerative tourism, which is characterized by community-led initiatives and ecological restoration, as seen in the Bedono Mangrove Ecotourism Village in Central Java. At the heart of the session was a practical framework of tools and indicators designed to measure this transformative impact. Professor Bulan detailed a multi-dimensional approach, covering Ecosystem Services, Paradigm Shift, and Multidimensional Indicators, using methods like Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Social Return on Investment (SROI), and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). This was illustrated through a case study of a Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration in Tambakbulusan Village, where a calculated Regenerative Net Value (RNV) Index of 2.37 demonstrated a quantifiable, positive return for the community.
The insightful material sparked an engaged discussion, with several participants asking some questions. Teges Ratna from Edinburgh Napier University raised a question linking the topic to their research on the circular economy. In response, Professor Bulan positioned regenerative tourism and the circular economy as complementary frameworks, noting that regenerative tourism can be an effective vessel for applying circular principles within a destination. Addressing the practicality of the tools, she confirmed their adaptability for village tourism, with methods like PRA and SMART metrics being particularly accessible. Not only that, on the question of government, it was noted that while not yet standardized, the underlying methodologies are increasingly being used in projects across Indonesia, indicating a growing traction and a clear pathway toward formal adoption as the regenerative paradigm gains momentum. The session concluded on an optimistic note, empowering attendees with the knowledge that tourism can be a genuine force for regeneration.
