Berita

In an effort to realize sustainable tourism in Purwosari Tourism Village (Dewi Puri), a youth mentoring activity has recently been implemented. This activity aims to raise awareness and implement the principles of sustainable tourism in the Purwosari sub-village, Girimulyo Kapanewon, Kulon Progo Regency. This activity was conducted on July 22, 2022 at Tirto Laras Art Studio.

 

In this mentoring activity, the main focus was carried out through discussion groups involving related parties in the area, such as the head of the village community and the management of a tourist destination at Purwosari namely Ayunan Langit. One of the innovative steps implemented is the utilization of used cooking oil waste to make aromatic candles that are economically valuable and environmentally friendly. This training was conducted at Tirto Laras Art Studio on August 5, 2023 This activity was accompanied by lecturers of Sanata Dharma University Yogyakarta, from various study programs namely Management, Accounting, and Chemistry Education under the coordination of Lucia Kurniawati, S.Pd., M.S.M. This activity is an application of Universal Apostolic Preferences. Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP) can be interpreted as universal apostolic preferences. It refers to the spiritual direction and priority goals set by members of the Society of Jesus around the world.

Used cooking oil waste, which generally has a negative impact on the environment, is now converted into a high-value product through processing into aromatic candles. In the group discussion, lecturers from Sanata Dharma University also conducted a group dynamic about environmentally friendly candle making methods with the audience. This aims to intensify efforts to empower local communities in managing  waste and creating products of economic value.

In recent months, Purwosari tourism village has successfully implemented the principles of sustainable tourism by actively involving young people. They have shown a commitment to preserving the environment and improving the welfare of the local community through effective waste management, even though in reality they have not experienced any real disturbance of waste in the village due to the unspoiled atmosphere.

The assistance of these young people was positively welcomed by the Purwosari village community, so they were enthusiastic in participating in the FGDs and training. They want to practice it in their lives. It is also expected that this activity can be an inspiration for other tourist villages in Kulon Progo and other areas in realizing eco-friendly and sustainable tourism.