Home / Environment / Bali's Rice Fields Vanish, Water Crisis Looms
Bali's Rice Fields Vanish, Water Crisis Looms
15 Jul
Summary
- Tourism expansion causes significant loss of rice fields.
- Ancient subak irrigation system faces disruption and decline.
- Water scarcity increases as groundwater levels fall.
Bali's centuries-old terraced rice fields, integral to the UNESCO-recognized subak irrigation system, are under severe pressure. This ancient, cooperative water-sharing network, operating for over a millennium, is vital for distributing water from volcanic mountains across the island.
The relentless expansion of tourism has led to the conversion of thousands of hectares of rice fields into development. In the last five years alone, nearly 6,500 hectares have been lost, diminishing the island's capacity to replenish groundwater and mitigate floods and droughts.
This agricultural land loss directly impacts the subak system, disrupting water distribution and traditional cooperative management. Increased demand for water from tourism infrastructure exacerbates groundwater extraction, causing water tables to fall and wells to run dry.
Consequently, communities face increased costs for water and potential saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Preserving Bali's remaining rice terraces is crucial for both its cultural legacy and future water security, demanding a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.
