Ecotourism is a tourism industry that is strategic to the improvements of local community welfare. In contradiction to the tourism industry in general that is packed with modernity and massive material investment, ecotourism takes its basis on its self potency which is explored from the value and the resources of the nature. The different basis of the development of tourism industry potency could become one chance for many regions in Indonesia that are remarkable with their natural resources. This article proposes the model for developing eco tourism industry based on the society’s empowerment. Among the various definitions about ecotourism, this article offers a model of ecotourism which is developed on the basis of the study of the potency in Merauke. This model was developed by considering 3 main factors, namely, the nature, the local community as the subject and local wisdom preservation as the guidance of the development of tourism industry. As an area which lies on the border with subtropical climate, Merauke has the conditions of flora and fauna which cannot be found in other areas in Indonesia. The unique environmental background makes this area very potential for eco tourism. Meanwhile the people empowerment will help the citizens who are able to manage themselves through the local wisdom preservation. The research method of this study is qualitative which is based on the literary study and field data.

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