Evaluating key indicators for sustained environmental campaigns through a community based tourism social policy model

Abstract This study aims to develop and evaluate a social policy model for community-based tourism, emphasizing environmental Sustainability. It examines the roles of community participation, public policy, social movements, and human capital in fostering sustainable development. Conducted at tourism sites managed by environmentally oriented communities in West Sulawesi, Indonesia, the study examines the roles of community participation, public policy, social movements, and human capital in fostering sustainable development. A total of 27 indicators were categorized into three principal themes: (1) Policy Implementation and Governance, (2) Participation and the Role of Community-Based Social Movements, and (3) Impact of Policies and Governance on Communities and the Environment. We gathered data through structured questionnaires from 42 respondents and analyzed them using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that public policies exert an ambivalent effect on environmental awareness; effective policies enhance it, while poorly executed ones diminish it. Findings reveal that social movements significantly enhance environmental awareness (β = 0.47) and quality (β = 0.39), while community participation is the strongest predictor of community welfare (β = 0.45). Furthermore, community welfare is significantly influenced by active community participation and the development of human resources. The SEM model demonstrated a satisfactory fit, confirming strong interrelations among variables. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, underscoring the importance of designing inclusive policies, supporting grassroots movements, and enhancing human resource capacity. Ultimately, the success of environmental campaigns in sustainable tourism depends on integrated policies, community-driven initiatives, and participatory environmental management.