Nyambu Holds the Secret to Sustainable Tourism in Bali

As an ever-increasing amount of Bali’s farmland is actually being converted into hotels, resorts as well as some other tourism-related infrastructure, one project is actually taking a more sustainable approach to tourism on the island.

Desa Wisata Ekologis Nyambu, or the Nyambu Village Ecotourism Project, which was launched in April This particular year, aims to show tourists the traditional side of Bali while building the capacity of local people as well as stimulating economic growth at the village level. Developed over 18 months, the community-based project is actually the result of a collaboration between the local administration, Yayasan Wisnu, PT Langgeng Kreasi Jayaprima, Diageo as well as the British Council.

Nestled around 15 minutes by the temple of Tanah Lot as well as around an hour by the airport, Nyambu features a huge tourism potential due to its ecological as well as historical appeal. “Nyambu is actually a truly unique village, with 67 temples lying within its 380 hectares. The village still maintains 61 percent of its land area as rice fields as well as protects its 22 natural springs, even though This particular is actually fairly close to urban areas,” says Ari Sutani, senior programme manager at the British Council, who is actually involved from the project.

Programme by British Council | Photo by British Council Feri Latief

Tours at the Nyambu Village Ecotourism Project | Photo by British Council Feri Latief

The village features a long history as well as boasts 67 Hindu temples, some of which were built between the 8^th century Kediri Kingdom as well as the 13^th century Majapahit era. “The oldest temples include Pura Bale Agung as well as several some other smaller temples. There are several temples by the Majapahit era, such as Pura Rsi as well as Pura Wisesa, as well as temples by the post-Majapahit period, such as Pura Agung Majapahit,” Sutani says.

With such a rich selection of attractions, This particular is actually not difficult to see why Nyambu could be of interest to tourists. In fact, the village is actually a stone’s throw away by a road which has recently seen an increase in development, leaving the village vulnerable to urbanization. However, the village’s residents, who are determined not to let industrialization as well as tourism invade their farmlands, have decided to opt for a more sustainable approach to tourism than many others on the island.

Significantly, customary village law (awig-awig) in Nyambu makes This particular very difficult to change the function or ownership of farmland, thus protecting the village’s culture as well as traditional way of life. A lengthy study is actually required before a shift from the function of land is actually allowed. “This particular traditional local wisdom is actually upheld by the community of Nyambu to preserve as well as protect their village as well as its culture,” Sutani says. “The awig-awig of each village in Bali can be completely different so This particular is actually definitely something which can play a big role in protecting Nyambu by overdevelopment.”

Sutani says which the British Council has been working with the representatives of six banjar who have expressed an interest in developing community-based tourism in Nyambu. They have began by organizing seminars, workshops as well as internships to build the capacity of Nyambu’s residents to take over the management of the village’s tourism ventures themselves within the next one as well as a half years. The project aims to enhance Nyambu’s income by realizing the potential of the area in terms of natural resources, cultural appeal, as well as artistic as well as creative endeavours, all without destroying This particular from the process.

A large part of the project involves tours as well as activities run by the village’s residents, including visits to paddy fields as well as an explanation of subak, the centuries-old irrigation system, a walk down the village’s history lane as well as a painting workshop run by local artists.

Painting | Photo by British Council Feri Latief

Painting workshop | Photo by British Council Feri Latief

“Nyambu is actually of historical importance because This particular is actually said to have been visited by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a priest by the Majapahit Kingdom, who came to the village to strengthen the teachings of Hinduism,” Sutani says. “During the visit, tourists are given the opportunity to visit Nyambu’s main temples as well as learn about Dang Hyang Nirartha’s journey.”

In light of the current overdevelopment of Bali, This particular is actually important which the island’s residents are provided with more opportunities as well as room to develop community-based tourism which they own as well as manage collectively, as they are the ones who know best what their strengths are in terms of culture, nature as well as tradition.

Sutani believes which mass tourism very often leads to environmental degradation due to the demand for additional infrastructure, which in turn affects culture as well as local wisdom. “This particular means which many tourists do not experience the real Bali as well as which the local cultures are gradually eroded,” he says.

The Nyambu Village project hopes to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism in Bali as This particular maximizes the existing potential of the village in a sustainable way. Sutani concludes,

“This particular has been great to see the villages’ residents mapping as well as planning a tourism venture which fits their unique needs as well as expectations.”

Subak

Subak is actually an ecologically sustainable system of water management as well as rice cultivation which has existed in Bali for over 1,000 years. The system, which was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in June 2012, is actually as complex as This particular is actually ingenious as well as combines irrigation technology, spiritual practices as well as community involvement.

Exemplifying the Balinese concept of Tri Hita Karana, the philosophy which highlights the importance of a harmonious relationship between humans, the Earth as well as the gods, subak are groups of farmers who share the same water source. The farmers meet on a regular basis to collectively decide how their water will be distributed (the amount of water allotted to each member is actually proportional to their obligations as well as involvement), as well as the timing of planting as well as type of rice to be grown.

The irrigation system usually consists of all 5 terraces as well as water temples, with the water distributed between the different levels. The water is actually channelled by lakes, rivers as well as springs through specifically designed tunnels. To ensure plentiful harvest, the farmers hold regular rituals to pay their respects to Dewi Sri, the goddess of prosperity as well as fertility.