As an ever-increasing quantity of farmland is converted to Bali hotels, resorts and other tourism-related infrastructure, a project takes a more sustainable approach to tourism on the island.
Desa Wisata Ekologis Nyambu , or project Ecotourism Nyambu Village, which was launched in April this year, aims to show tourists the traditional side of Bali while strengthening the ability of individuals and local communities to stimulate economic growth at the village level. Developed over 18 months, the community project is the result of collaboration between the local government, Yayasan Wisnu, PT Kreasi Langgeng Jayaprima, Diageo and British Council.
Situated about 15 minutes from Tanah Lot Temple and about an hour from the airport, Nyambu has enormous tourism potential due to its ecological and historical attraction. "Nyambu is a truly unique town, with 67 temples located in its 380 hectares. The village still retains 61 percent of its area as rice fields and protects its 22 natural sources, even if it is close enough to urban areas "says Ari Sutani, Senior program manager at the British Council, which is involved in the project
Towers project Nyambu Village Ecotourism |. Photo British Council Feri Latief
the village has a long history and enjoys 67 Hindu temples, some of which were built between the 8th e century Kediri Kingdom and he era Majapahit 13 century. "The oldest temples include Pura Bale Agung and several other smaller temples. There are several temples of the Majapahit era, such as Pura Pura Rsi and Wisesa, as well as temples of post-Majapahit period, such as Pura Agung Majapahit "said Sutani.
With such selection rich of attractions, it is not hard to see why Nyambu would be of interest to tourists. in fact, the village is a road stone's throw which has recently seen an increase in development outside the village vulnerable to urbanization. However, the villagers, who are determined not to let the industrialization and tourism invading their farmland, decided to opt for a more sustainable approach to tourism than many others on the island.
significantly, the customary law of the village ( awig-awig ) in Nyambu makes it very difficult to change the function or the ownership of agricultural land, protecting culture and traditional village lifestyle. A long study is needed before a change in the earth function is enabled. "This local traditional wisdom is supported by the community Nyambu to preserve and protect their village and its culture," said Sutani. "The awig-awig each village in Bali can be completely different so this is certainly something that can play a big role in the protection of Nyambu overdevelopment. "
Sutani said that the British Council has worked with representatives of six banjar who have expressed interest in the development of community tourism in Nyambu. They started by organizing seminars, workshops and training courses to build the capacity of Nyambu residents to support tourism management the village enterprises themselves in the coming years and a half. The project aims to increase the incomes of Nyambu realizing the potential of the region in terms of natural resources, cultural attractions and artistic and creative activities, all without destroying it in the process.
Much of the project involves visits and activities organized by the villagers, including visits rice fields and an explanation of Subak , the ancient irrigation system, walk through the history of the village lane and a painting workshop led by local artists.
painting workshop | Photo British Council Feri Latief
"Nyambu is of historic importance because it is said to have been visited by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a priest of the kingdom of Majapahit, which is came to the village to reinforce the teachings of Hinduism, "said Sutani." During the visit, tourists have the opportunity to visit the main temples of Nyambu and learn about the travel Dang Hyang Nirartha. "
in light of the current overdevelopment of Bali, it is important that the inhabitants of the island are provided with more opportunities and space to develop community tourism they collectively own and manage because they are those who best know what their strengths in terms of culture, nature and tradition.
Sutani estimated mass tourism, very often leads to environmental degradation due to demand additional infrastructure, which in turn affects the culture and local wisdom. "This means that many tourists do not know the real Bali and that local cultures are gradually being eroded," he said.
The Nyambu Village project hopes to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism in Bali because it maximizes the potential of the existing village in a sustainable manner. Sutani concludes
"It was great to see residents of the mapping and planning of a tourism business that meets their unique needs and expectations of villages."
Subak
Subak is an environmentally sustainable water management system and the rice culture that existed in Bali for over 1,000 years. The system, which was added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage in June 2012, is as complex as it is ingenious and combines irrigation technology, spiritual practices and community involvement.
Illustrating the Balinese concept Hita Karana Tri philosophy that highlights the importance of a harmonious relationship between man, earth and gods, Subak are groups farmers who share the same water source. Farmers gather regularly to decide collectively how their water will be distributed (the amount of water allocated to each member is proportional to their obligations and participation) and the time of planting and the type of rice to be cultivated.
irrigation system usually consists of five terraces and temples of water, with the water distributed between the different levels. The water is channeled lakes, rivers and springs through tunnels specially designed. To ensure good harvest, farmers hold regular rituals to pay their respects to Dewi Sri, the goddess of prosperity and fertility.
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