Integrating Education and Ecology in the Urban Ecotourism Landscape: The Case of Ngrowo Bening Edupark as a Sustainable Public Space

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization in Indonesia has created a demand for public spaces that are not only socially functional but also ecologically sustainable. Ngrowo Bening Edupark located in Madiun City represents an innovative model green open space based on ecotourism, integrating education, conservation, and local community empowerment. The main challenges in the development of this area include limited access to digital information, suboptimal facilities, and the sustainability of community programs. Nevertheless, this area shows great potential as a prototype for urban ecotourism through the synergy of agrotourism greenhouses, cultural art markets, and environmental education activities. Strategic solutions such as strengthening digital literacy, collaborative multi-stakeholder management, and integrating sustainable educational policies need to be implemented to ensure that this area becomes not only a recreational space but also a means of learning and preserving local values. Ngrowo Bening Edupark represents a paradigm shift in urban space towards an inclusive ecological and educational landscape, making it a potential model for the development of urban ecotourism in Indonesia.