Bali works hard to maintain the beauty of its natural areas and the integrity of local cultural sites that call the area home. There are so many things that you can see and do in and around Bali, largely due to the efforts of people working tirelessly behind the scenes. You can count on clean and safe streets, access to historical sites of various kinds, and delicious food at local restaurants that are locally sourced.
These benefits for travellers to Bali are possible largely due to the conservation and eco-friendly initiatives that Bali residents and the Bali government use to maintain the things that make this part of the world special. When you head to Bali, you’ll be exposed to many eco-friendly initiatives as well as some special conservation projects that you might even be able to contribute to. Adventure awaits – secure your bags in Bali with reliable services like Bounce luggage lockers and embrace the journey to sustainability.
Local sustainability projects in Bali
One of the reasons that you can visit places like Sanur Beach without worries about trash or other refuse ruining your day is the Eco Bali Recycling project that helps collect recyclables. This has made a big impact on the cleanliness of some areas that struggled with trash management, and it has also helped Bali to reduce its environmental impact. This is one of the conservation efforts that you can contribute to just by being willing to separate your recycling waste from trash while you are visiting.
Kopernik is another organization that works hard to keep Bali beautiful and to help make sure its residents do not live in poverty. This program develops and distributes technologies that improve the lives of those who are living in poverty. These might be developing sustainable livelihoods for those who are unable to support themselves or helping distribute things like cookstoves and water filters.
Bye Bye Plastic Bags is a cleverly named movement that is led by Bali youth. The goal of this group is to eliminate plastic bags from being used in Bali and to make sure that correct cleanup processes are used to collect and remove the plastic bags that are currently causing issues in some areas with trash collection and the environment. This is a volunteer-based initiative, and you could even choose to join the thousands of volunteers who are working to ban single-use plastics in Bali by helping with cleanup efforts and more.
Conservation projects in Bali
Many of the conservation projects in Bali are actually centred around cultural heritage and shared knowledge that has maintained the beauty of Bali for generations. Subak irrigation is one of these traditions, and this irrigation system allows for rice paddies and other crops to be grown in a sustainable way. The network of water channels and canals that is used by local farmers to grow crops are the same waterways that have made it possible for Bali residents to survive for centuries.
Traditional architecture is still used in Bali as well. Houses are built from local materials like bamboo, and they are designed to be open and airy to make sure that air conditioning and other resources are not necessary to make those living in the house cool year-round. This is also one of the cultural influences that maintains conservation because the traditional Joglo House is built using the concepts of balance between nature and human needs that the people of Bali value.
If you want to travel with conservation in mind, you can join many different initiatives that allow internships in Bali. There are many projects being done to protect Bali’s reef and just as many projects to help save Bali turtle and bird populations from extinction. Protecting the environment and giving back while travelling can be a lot easier than you might have realized.
What can I do to help conservation and sustainability in Bali?
If you’re visiting Bali and you want to help out, there are some things that you can keep in mind.
- Consider staying with locals
While there are lots of options for luxury hotels to stay at in Bali, you could consider staying with a local family or in a local homestay. Most of the money that you spend at resorts will not come back to the locals who make Bali beautiful and will instead go into the hands of corporations.
- Eat at Warungs
Some of the best and most affordable food is offered at local eateries like Warungs. You will enjoy traditional foods at an amazing price, and you will be supporting local families as you dine.
- Rent a scooter
If you want to help save the environment and also have a more traditional experience while you are in Bali, you can rent a scooter instead of using taxis. You can also try getting rides on local bemos or minibusses.
- Tipping is always welcome
Remember that when you give a tip to a local, this money can help their family. Tipping is always welcome and is very helpful to locals who work hard to keep Bali beautiful and to make sure that travellers enjoy their time visiting this beautiful city.
- Contribute
Even if you can’t make the time during your trip to help in person with the conservation projects in Bali, you can contribute to the funding for these groups. There are many ways that you can help out, and all you need to do is contribute to causes that speak to you.
Bali is focused on eco-friendliness and conservation
Bali is a great place to visit if you want to be sure that conservation measures are being taken in the place where you are vacationing. Many of the traditional practices that are used in farming and in things like construction are already conservation-minded. There are so many ways to enjoy Bali, and you can choose to head to Bali for a traditional getaway, or you might want to visit with the intention of interning on a conservation project. Either way, you’ll have a fantastic time while contributing to the greater good.