Experts warn of looming water crisis in popular tourist island of Bali | The World

Summary

Lake Tamblingan in North Bali faces a water crisis, with receding water levels impacting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed subak irrigation system. Bali's booming population and tourism have strained water resources, affecting both livelihoods and culture. The script highlights the need for collective action and regulation enforcement to protect water resources while sustaining the economy.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Lake Tamblingan in North Bali is experiencing a significant decrease in water levels, which is unusual and concerning.
• 🏞️ The traditional irrigation system, known as Subak, is under pressure due to the growing population and inactivity, affecting water availability.
• 🌳 The loss of large trees and the inactivity of the Subak system have contributed to the water shortage and its impact on rice cultivation.
• 💧 Water shortages are not only affecting livelihoods but also the Balinese culture, which is deeply intertwined with water resources.
• 📈 Bali's population has increased by over 70% since 1980, from approximately 2.6 million to nearly 4.4 million people, putting a strain on resources.
• 🌐 The number of foreign visitors has grown exponentially, from fewer than 140,000 to around 6.3 million pre-pandemic, exacerbating the impact on the environment.
• 🚰 Experts suggest that consistent enforcement of regulations, such as water licenses and taxes on water usage, is crucial to alleviate the problem.
• 🤝 The script emphasizes the need for collective action without blame to address the water crisis for the survival of the island.
• 🌳 Protecting water resources while maintaining tourism, which is vital for the economy, is a significant challenge for Bali.
• 📢 The report by Yvonne from ABC News highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate and collaborative action.

Q & A

What is the main issue affecting Lake Tamblingan in North Bali?

The main issue affecting Lake Tamblingan is the drying up of the lake water, which has receded significantly, indicating a decrease in the lake's water level.

What are the three main sources of water traditionally used in Bali?

The three main sources of water traditionally used in Bali are crater lakes, rivers, and shallow groundwater.

What is the subak system and how does it relate to Bali's water management?

The subak is a unique irrigation system in Bali that channels water through a network of canals, dams, and tunnels, which is essential for water management and agriculture.

How has the population growth in Bali impacted the subak system and water resources?

Bali's population growth, heading towards 4.5 million people, has put pressure on the subak system, leading to water shortages and affecting the traditional agricultural practices.

What was the population of Bali in 1980 and how has it changed since then?

In 1980, Bali's population was roughly 2.6 million, and it has since increased by more than 70 percent to nearly 4.4 million people.

How has the increase in foreign visitors to Bali affected its natural landscape and resources?

The increase in foreign visitors, from fewer than 140,000 to around 6.3 million pre-pandemic, has significantly impacted Bali's natural landscape and resources, contributing to environmental challenges.

What are the consequences of water shortages for Balinese culture and livelihoods?

Water shortages are affecting not only livelihoods by making it difficult to sustain agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, but also impacting Balinese culture, which is deeply intertwined with water resources.

What solutions are suggested to address the water scarcity problem in Bali?

Solutions include consistent enforcement of regulations such as water licenses and paying taxes on water used, as well as collaborative efforts to manage water resources without blaming others.

Why is it important for Bali to protect its water resources while still attracting visitors?

Protecting water resources is crucial for the survival of the island and its inhabitants, while attracting visitors is important for maintaining the economy. Striking a balance between the two is a key challenge for Bali.

What role does the sorbach play in the context of the subak system and water availability?

The sorbach, when active, helps maintain good water conditions. However, its inactivity, along with the loss of big trees, has contributed to the shrinking of water resources and the decline in rice planting.

How can the challenges of water resource protection and tourism be balanced in Bali?

Bali needs to find a balance by implementing sustainable water management practices and promoting responsible tourism that does not compromise the island's water resources and cultural heritage.