Ecopedagogy-Tourism 5.0: Transformation of Wanadri’s Adventure Education Model into a Tourism Product for Indonesian Youth Character

This study proposes the Ecopedagogy-Tourism 5.0 model as a transformative framework that adapts the Wanadri Basic Adventure Education curriculum into a character-building tourism product aligned with the Tourism 5.0 paradigm and green economy trends projected for 2026. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) approach with a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study involved 117 Wanadri participants, field observations, in-depth interviews, and combined quantitative and qualitative analysis. Findings reveal a structured curriculum comprising three main phases: Preparation (Mindset & Skill), Execution (Wilderness Challenge), and Integration (Reflection & Character Mapping), shifting from traditional “shock training” to a guided, scaffolded experience. The human skill variable showed the strongest correlation with integrity enhancement (r = 0.72; p < 0.001), followed by awareness and respect. The model validates the packaging of authentic adventure experiences into an educational-transformative tourism product that not only showcases Indonesia’s natural beauty but also fosters mental resilience, ecological sensitivity, and character integrity among youth. This contributes to achieving SDGs Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), while offering unique added value to sustainable and regenerative tourism.