Protected Mangrove Forests to be Robbed of Two Hectares

One attraction tourists to Bali seldom visit is the Mangrove Information Centre in Sanur located on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai at Suwung Kauh. It’s an amazing place with helpful staff ever-willing to answer all your questions and, in fact, the information centre is an education in itself on the ecology and management of Mangroves.

There are two trails to choose from – a short route of about one hour, and the other, a longer route of nearly two hours. If you chose the latter it will give you the opportunity to see as much of the mangrove swamps as possible.

The wooden pathway on a connecting bridge system six feet above the ground affords spectacular views of the mangroves and its wildlife as you walk towards the open sea. When you eventually reach the sea, the spectacular view of Benoa Port on one side and Tanjung Benoa on the other is a rewarding sight.

This place is truly stunning at sunrise and at dusk. What has annoyed me is an article I read in the Bali Discovery concerning these protected mangroves. It seems that the increase in tourism has inspired the Balinese Government to extend a toll way connecting Nusa Dua and Benoa. This will require the sacrifice of two hectares of the protected mangrove forests. According to the article the two hectares are needed to construct access ramps at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, Tuban and Nusa Dua.

So, with the ever increasing numbers of tourists visiting Bali, does this mean that sacred areas are under threat?