<![CDATA[The development of coastal tourism provides important economic opportunities for coastal communities but may simultaneously increase anthropogenic pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems. In Kabila Bone Subdistrict, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province, tourism activities are accompanied by problems related to coastal waste, water quality, ecosystem disturbance, and the movement of land-based waste through river systems toward the sea. This study aims to analyze the impact of tourism activities on marine ecosystem degradation and identify mitigation strategies based on upstream waste management in Kabila Bone Subdistrict. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using a case study design. Data were collected through direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving government representatives, tourism managers, coastal communities, and fishers. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, supported by NVivo analysis. The findings indicate that marine ecosystem degradation in the study area occurs through four interconnected dimensions: declining coastal water quality, deterioration of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass ecosystems, accumulation of waste in coastal areas, and disturbance to marine organisms. The findings further indicate that waste originating from settlements and upstream areas and transported through river flows contributes to cumulative environmental pressure on coastal areas. The main constraints are inadequate waste management, limited environmental awareness, insufficient monitoring, and fragmented coordination among stakeholders. Six strategic measures are identified: strengthening environmental regulations, developing local environmental institutions, implementing the 3R principles, strengthening environmental education, managing river flows and upstream waste sources, and establishing multi-stakeholder collaboration. The study concludes that mitigation of marine ecosystem degradation requires an integrated upstream-to-coastal governance approach rather than relying exclusively on coastal clean-up activities. Strengthening local institutional capacity and collaborative governance is therefore essential for developing sustainable coastal tourism in Kabila Bone.]]>
