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Abstract
Aceh Province boasts natural biodiversity coexisting with long-standing religious and cultural knowledge systems. Human interactions with Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) occur naturally in the forested areas of Central and East Aceh, including Blangkejeren, Aceh Tamiang, and East Aceh. The relationship between humans and wildlife presents conservation challenges, alongside the inherent ethical-spiritual relationship communities have with their natural environment. This study examines patterns of human-elephant coexistence that occur during sustainable green tourism development and analyzes how religious beliefs and traditional practices influence ecological understandings and conservation methods. The research used qualitative methods, including ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured interviews, to survey community members, along with conservation managers and tourism operators, about their direct experiences and perspectives on nature. The research indicates that local communities view elephants as guardians of the forest, maintaining ecological balance and spiritual harmony. The Islamic teaching of rahmatan lil 'alamin (blessing for all creation) serves as a moral foundation through which humans can understand their relationship with nature. An integrative model of eco-faith tourism develops through these stories, combining conservation efforts with spiritual reflection and environmental education programs. This study found that green tourism development in Aceh Province was successful because it integrated biodiversity conservation with religious values and traditional cultural knowledge. The story of human-elephant coexistence illustrates that sustainable destinations thrive through ecological balance and spiritual awareness, rather than prioritizing economic gain.