International Journal of Community Service
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): August 2026 ( Indonesia - Malaysia - Thailand)

Smart Eco-Tourism Mangroves: A Strategy For Revitalizing Coastal Tourism Areas Based On Green Architecture and Information Technology (Community Service Study in the Belawan Mangrove Ecotourism Area, Medan City)

Bhakti Alamsyah (Fakultas Sains dan Teknologi Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan, Indonesia)
Jusra Tampubolon (Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Prima Indonesia Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia)
Jufri Antoni (Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Prima Indonesia Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia)
Anita Christine Sembiring (Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Prima Indonesia Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia)
Emmiya Ellovani Br Tarigan (Accounting Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Pangeran Antasari, Indonesia)
Yovita Simangunsong (Vocational Fashion Design Education Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pendidikan Pangeran Antasari Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Sep 2026

Abstract

The Belawan mangrove area in Medan City, Indonesia, possesses significant ecotourism potential yet remains underdeveloped due to inadequate physical infrastructure misaligned with green architecture principles and the minimal utilization of information technology for promotion and visitor management. This community service project aimed to revitalize the area through an integrated "smart eco-tourism" strategy combining sustainable facility design with digital marketing and technology-based visitor interpretation. Using a participatory action research approach involving 30 local management group members, the project implemented three main interventions: (1) collaborative green facility planning (elevated boardwalks, natural ventilation, and local eco-friendly materials), (2) digital promotion training (social media management, photography, and QR-code-based interpretive signage), and (3) institutional strengthening. Results showed significant improvements: participants' technical knowledge increased from a mean pre-test score of 54.2 to 81.6 (a 50.6% increase), social media engagement rose by 65%, and visitor numbers grew by 41.8% within three months post-intervention. The successful integration of green architecture and digital tools created a replicable, community-owned model that enhances ecological sustainability while providing tangible economic benefits. This smart eco-tourism framework offers practical guidance for revitalizing similar coastal mangrove destinations across North Sumatra and other developing coastal regions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

go

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Library & Information Science Public Health Social Sciences Other

Description

Training and Marketing are utilized for community empowerment, SMEs and local communities; Community empowerment; Social Access; Community Service Activities by Students; Empowerment of Border Area Communities; Education for Sustainable Development; Empowerment Program Health ; Design and Reach ...