Dr Stroma Cole, Reader in the School of Architecture and Cities, has spoken to Canada’s National Observer on how tourism in Bali is damaging the ecology of the island and leaving locals struggling for land and water.
In the article Dr Cole explains that mass tourism in the southern towns of Bali “reached a tipping point” long ago, with over half of Bali’s fresh water now being used for tourism. This high percentage of water supporting tourists, along with the growing threat of climate change, has led to water shortages across the country.
Additionally, the article highlights that to host such a large number of visitors each year, the country has urbanised drastically and turned to local’s land to fill this need.
She added: “There are always new [tourism developments] popping up. So much land in Bali has been bought for the purposes of tourism — even when locals have rejected the idea. It shouldn’t be happening in ecologically sensitive areas and especially against the will of the people.”
This article directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and 13: Climate Action. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Read the full article on Canada’s National Observer website.
