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

ABC News (Australia)

13 Dec 202202:20

Summary

TLDRLake 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.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 Water Crisis in North Bali

The script discusses the alarming situation of water scarcity in North Bali, where Lake Tamblingen's water levels have significantly receded, affecting the traditional irrigation system known as 'subak.' The subak, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is under strain due to the island's growing population and the decline of its once-active water management system. The script highlights the cultural and agricultural impact of the water shortage, which is also a threat to Bali's rice cultivation. It also touches on the island's rapid population growth and the influx of tourists, which have exacerbated the issue. The need for consistent enforcement of water regulations and a collective effort to address the problem is emphasized for the survival of the island.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Lake Tamblingen

Lake Tamblingen is a specific geographical location in North Bali, known for its receding water levels, which is a central concern in the video. It serves as a tangible example of the water scarcity issue being discussed. The script mentions that the lake water has been drying up in recent years, which is a significant environmental change affecting the region.

💡Water scarcity

Water scarcity refers to the insufficient availability of water to meet the demands of a region's population and ecosystems. In the context of the video, it is a critical issue affecting Bali, as the water levels in Lake Tamblingen and other water sources are decreasing, impacting both the environment and the local culture.

💡Subak

Subak is a traditional irrigation system in Bali, which is mentioned as being under pressure due to the increasing population and water usage. It is a unique cultural practice that channels water through a network of canals, dams, and tunnels, and is essential for rice cultivation, which is deeply intertwined with Balinese culture.

💡UNESCO World Heritage site

The term UNESCO World Heritage site refers to a location recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for its cultural, historical, or natural significance. In the script, it is mentioned that the subak system has been recognized as such, indicating its global importance and the need for its preservation.

💡Population growth

Population growth is the increase in the number of people in a given area over time. The script highlights that Bali's population has increased significantly since 1980, from 2.6 million to nearly 4.4 million people. This growth is identified as a contributing factor to the water scarcity and environmental pressures on the island.

💡Foreign visitors

Foreign visitors refer to tourists from outside the local region or country. The script notes the increase in foreign visitors to Bali from fewer than 140,000 to around 6.3 million pre-pandemic, which has had a significant impact on the island's natural landscape and resources, exacerbating the water scarcity issue.

💡Water licenses

Water licenses are legal permits granted to individuals or entities allowing them to use a certain amount of water from a water source. The script suggests that consistent enforcement of regulations such as water licenses is necessary to address the water scarcity problem in Bali.

💡Water tax

Water tax is a fee imposed on the use of water, often used as a regulatory tool to manage water consumption and encourage conservation. The script implies that paying tax on water used could be part of the solution to the water scarcity issue in Bali.

💡Cultural impact

Cultural impact refers to the effects of changes or events on the customs, traditions, and practices of a society. The video script emphasizes that water shortages are not only affecting livelihoods but also Balinese culture, which is deeply connected to the availability of water for rice cultivation and religious practices.

💡Living landscapes

Living landscapes are areas where the natural environment is integrated with human activities and cultural practices. The script describes Bali's way of living landscapes as one of the special ways in Asia, highlighting the importance of preserving the balance between nature and culture.

💡Conservation

Conservation refers to the preservation, protection, and management of natural resources to prevent their depletion or degradation. The script suggests that collective efforts are needed for the conservation of Bali's water resources, which is crucial for the island's survival and the continuation of its unique culture and economy.

Highlights

Lake Tamblingan in North Bali is experiencing a significant decrease in water levels.

The temple's proximity to the lake has historically been closer, indicating a retreat in water levels.

Crater lakes, rivers, and shallow groundwater are the three main water sources on the island.

The Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO world heritage site, is under pressure due to Bali's growing population.

The Subak system is not as active as it once was, leading to the disappearance of large trees and shrinking water sources.

The shrinking water sources are impacting the ability to cultivate rice, a staple crop.

Water shortages are not only affecting livelihoods but also Balinese culture.

Bali's population has increased by over 70 percent since 1980, from 2.6 million to nearly 4.4 million people.

The number of foreign visitors to Bali has grown from less than 140,000 to around 6.3 million pre-pandemic.

The tourism boom is significantly impacting Bali's natural landscape and resources.

Consistent enforcement of regulations such as water licenses and water taxes is needed to address the water crisis.

Many solutions to the water crisis exist, but collective action is required without blame.

The survival of the island depends on collaborative efforts to protect water resources.

Balancing water resource protection with tourism to sustain the economy is a continuous challenge for Bali.

Yvonne from ABC News reports on the challenges faced by Bali in managing its water resources and tourism industry.