Can Eco-Tourism in Flores Protect Nature and Support Local Livelihoods?

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian island of Flores has long captivated travelers with its volcanic landscapes, pink beaches, and proximity to the legendary Komodo dragons. But in recent years, this once-remote island in East Nusa Tenggara has become a laboratory for eco-tourism—offering a glimpse into whether tourism can truly support local livelihoods without harming the environment.

As visitor numbers climb, so do the stakes.

A New Kind of Tourist

Unlike the mass-market tourism that has saturated Bali, Flores is attracting a different kind of visitor—backpackers, divers, and nature lovers willing to venture off the beaten path. They come for the snorkeling in Komodo National Park, sunrise treks on Mount Kelimutu, and the chance to experience traditional village life.

But with rising popularity comes growing pressure. More hotels and tour operators mean more boats in fragile coral waters and more waste in villages not equipped to handle it.

To avoid the pitfalls of over-tourism, many in Flores are now trying a more responsible path.

Village Stays and Cultural Treks

In places like Wae Rebo, a mountain village accessible only by foot, visitors stay in traditional roundhouses and learn about weaving, farming, and the customs of the Manggarai people. Similar experiences are offered in Bajawa and Moni, where guests can join reforestation projects or harvest coffee with local farmers.

These tourism models are rooted in respect for local traditions and environmental stewardship. Fees go directly to village funds, which support schools, water infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

“We want visitors who are not just taking photos, but who are learning from us,” says Yulianus Tegu, a guide in Bajawa. “Tourism should improve our lives, not change who we are.”

The Komodo Dilemma

The epicenter of Flores’ tourism boom is Labuan Bajo, the jumping-off point for Komodo National Park. Here, eco-cruises and diving trips promise an encounter with some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity. But the park is also under intense strain.

Reefs are threatened by anchoring boats, plastic waste, and illegal fishing. Meanwhile, proposals to raise park fees and privatize certain areas have sparked protests from tour operators and local residents.

In 2022, the government introduced a controversial US$250 annual pass for park access, which it later suspended after backlash. The episode highlighted ongoing tensions between conservation goals and equitable access.

“Conservation must involve the people who live here,” says Anselmo Bunga, an environmental activist in Labuan Bajo. “They are the real protectors of these islands.”

Greenwashing or Genuine Impact?

As “eco” labels proliferate, questions arise about what really counts as sustainable tourism. Some resorts tout green credentials while building in protected zones or relying on diesel generators. Others offer nature tours without paying local guides or contributing to conservation funds.

Certification programs like those run by Ecotourism Indonesia and Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) are trying to raise standards. But enforcement is patchy, and many travelers remain unaware of how their choices affect fragile environments.

Waste and Water Woes

Tourism brings not only money, but also plastic, wastewater, and rising demand for resources. In Labuan Bajo, the local landfill is nearing capacity, and water shortages have become more frequent during peak season.

NGOs like Eco Flores are working to install recycling systems and promote zero-waste practices, but scaling up remains difficult. “It’s not just about tourists behaving better—it’s about building systems that work for everyone,” says Ria Sani, a waste educator in Ende.

A Fragile Balance

Flores offers real lessons for how tourism might align with environmental and social values. When done well, it brings income, revives pride in local culture, and incentivizes conservation. When done poorly, it accelerates ecological damage and inequality.

The challenge is keeping tourism at a scale that benefits rather than overwhelms.

“We don’t want to become the next Bali,” says Father Frans Yulian, a priest and local leader in Ruteng. “We want to stay Flores. And we want our forests, reefs, and traditions to still be here in 50 years.”

For travelers seeking more than just photos, Flores offers a chance to be part of something more meaningful—a holiday that helps protect paradise, rather than pave over it.