Eco-tourism and Bali

Eco tourism, or ecological tourism, as Wikipedia defines it, is a growing phenomenon around the world. The idea behind it, is to leave either minimal impact, or a positive impact on the local environment / culture. That sounds great, and identifies that fact that some people are actually thinking about the impact of tourism. A BBC article discusses some of the benefits of eco tourism, and asks whether its what it’s cracked up to be.

The central issue to the debate around eco tourism, is a refined version of the same debate around tourism in general, ‘is tourism good for the local people, land, culture, economy?’ Depending on who you talk to, whether it be Tony Wheeler, the head of Four Seasons, a spokesman for Greenpeace, or a local tribal person, you’ll get varying views, on the effects.

Bringing the subject of eco-tourism to Bali, one has to wonder what is the ideal, we are chasing. Do we let the locals (who have a perfect right to live as they see fit) continue to destroy Bali, with pesticide, burning of plastics, trashing rivers, roads, beaches, with garbage? Do we gently try to establish some rules of engagement and programs, eg. curb side recycling, car emissions standards, fines for littering. Or do we go for a ‘US National Park’ approach, enforcing strict regulations on the most scenic areas, charging for entry, and limiting the activitities inside that area?

The National park system in the US is wonderful, but it is restricting. Some organisations such as JED are trying to encourage Balinese locals to act in a more eco-consious way, realising tourism can pay the bills. The downside to this, is that a village area / rice fields, will have a ‘turnstyle’ so to speak, and remember, Bali is not that big. In 20 years, will Bali be a Sunshine Coast of villas, an over-used garbage dump, or a eco theme park, complete with Barong dances at dinner time?

In my opinion the goal of future development should be focused on 3 things: Preserving the natural aspects of the island of Bali, preserving the Balinese culture, by encouraging cultural events and developing an economic environment, with increased education, that creates realistic and desirable jobs for Balinese people.

There are reasons why people burn plastic, dump garbage and pull stunts, when it comes to money. Eco tourism takes into consideration my 3 main points, so for me its positive.