Studi Karakteristik dan Potensi Ekosistem Hutan untuk Wisata Alam di Sekitar Geosite Sipiso-Piso Tongging dalam Rangka Mendukung Destinasi Super Prioritas Nasional Danau Toba

Abstract

The Sipiso-Piso Tongging geosite is one of 16 geosites in the Toba Caldera Geopark located in Merek District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. The diversity of natural resources owned by the ecosystem in this geosite has the potential to be developed into natural tourism. The uniqueness and diversity of the existing flora and fauna is one of the attractions favored by the community. This study was conducted to determine the characteristics and potential of forest ecosystems for nature tourism at the Sipiso-Piso Tongging Geosite in order to support the National Super Priority Destination of Lake Toba. This research uses observation and interview methods. From the results of the study, it was found that 9 species with the highest Importance Value Index (INP) were Flacourtia jangomas at the pole and tree levels, namely 88.11% and 78.58%, respectively. As for animals, there are 10 species of animals with a moderate diversity index of 2,243. The potential for forest ecosystems for natural tourism around the Sipiso-Piso Tongging Geosite is the potential for natural beauty, Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, diverse flora and fauna, tracking activities and camping ground.