Mangrove and sand mining. Photo source: ©© UNEP
Mangroves in Bali are a vital part of the coastal ecosystem. The removal of large areas of mangroves for industrial purposes can significantly alter these precious coastal ecosystems. This can have a broader effect on the community, threatening vital clean water sources, tourist industries and the food supplies on which we rely. In addition to this, the root system of a mangrove forest serves to stabilize the coastline, providing protection from storm surges. Captions source: Lawrence Hislop / UNEP
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The protest, last summer, was just the latest surrounding a planned development that will “reclaim” 700-plus hectares of land from Benoa Bay, and its adjacent mangrove swamps, at the eastern end of Bali’s international airport, to create a number of Dubai-esque islands, hosting villas, luxury hotels, a golf course, and possibly even an amusement park.
The environmental activist group, called “Tolak Reklamasi” (Halt Reclamation), argues that building islands in a major drainage area would cause an increase in flooding. Research from Conservation International supports this, stating that reclaiming even 10 percent of the bay would raise the sea level by 0.4 meters (1.3 feet).
Bali Struggles With the Dark Side of Success, The Jakarta Globe (08-12-2011)
Bali may still be the Island of the Gods and the Island of a Thousand Temples, but it is certainly no longer the island of pristine beaches. Construction cranes on beaches, damaged coral, and floating trash in the turquoise waters off Bali and on its sandy beaches, are unfortunate signs of just how successful the Indonesian resort island has been leading to coastal over-exploitation and pollution…
Mangroves Help Protect Against Sea Level Rise, Science Daily (07-27-2015)
