Tourism on the Natural and Cultural Landscape of Bali

Tourism has had a harsh toll on the Balinese natural and cultural environment. Influxes of visitors boost economic growth, thereby giving many Balinese people a means of livelihood. Yet, this comes at a cost to the island's environment and its traditional culture. Fast tourist infrastructure development causes deforestation, shortage of water, and pollution, which have already become potent threats to the unique ecosystems of Bali. More and more, too, the cultural landscape has been under pressure from the commercialization of traditional practices and ways of life in order to meet tourist expectations.

On the bright side, tourism has been able to enable cultural exchange, increasing global awareness, and recognition for Balinese culture. On the negative side, it has commercialized cultural practice, often pulling out their very meaning. Traditional ceremonies, dances, and rituals are being performed for tourists. This undercuts their significance and authenticity. Hence, broader moves are being initiated in Bali to pursue sustainability in tourism with an emphasis on both the environment and cultural values. The concept here is that eco-tourism and community-based tourism will strike a balance between the economic benefits accruable through tourism and the need to protect the pristine natural and cultural resources of Bali. The challenge is to present tourism development in such a manner that it will fulfill both ecological health and cultural vibrancy for Bali, and hence secure these for generations to come.

This would include policies that constrain environmental degradation and encourage responsible forms of tourism, or their derivatives, which could potentially retain indigenous/traditional cultures. If Bali promotes sustainable tourism, it would still be an attractive destination worldwide but would also be able to preserve the unique features of its ecological and socio-cultural identity.