The
most commonly identified issues in Bali are environmental degradation,
health problems, food insecurity, identity and land loss, water scarcity
and economic inequality. Due to increase in tourism, land has been sold
relentlessly and development made on fertile sites. The soil in Bali is
dead in the past 45 years due to no use of biomass and excessive use of
chemical fertilizers. It is creating a paradox of nutritional
starvation and diabetes. Decades of mono-cropping and import from
foreign countries is leading to economic instability. Due to real-estate
speculation, families are selling their ancestral farmland at
exorbitant rates which is posing ethical challenges for Bali.
In
2012, UNESCO designated five world heritage sites in Bali. This
designation recognizes paddy fields and 1000-year-old canal system known
as Subak. Due to over-development and commercialisation in Bali, severe
water shortage and food insecurities are being faced by the Balinese
common man. Even though Bali has been the most productive “Sawah” in
south-east Asia, UNESCO does not provide protection for these sites
which are under the constant threat of development. Yayasan Konservasi Sawah Bali (YKSB) has
implemented a democratic, community based resource management system
that maximizes efficient water usage and makes Bali unparalleled in rice
production.
The mission of YKSB
aims at conserving and sustaining a working landscape in Bali, and to
restructure agricultural production to secure greater economic equality
and wellness for Bali's farmers. The vision is very clear and addresses
to create new paradigm that will generate food security, food
sovereignty, mitigate climate change, retain culture with economic
development, so that farmers will stop selling/leasing their land for
building development. Farmers will be educated on seed saving,
vermiculture and financial aid given so that they return to organic
farming methods. Economic opportunities for farmers will be expanded by
restructuring their farming methods, connecting them directly to markets
with high demands for organic produce and developing value-added
products from surplus crops. Agritourism will be introduced where
tourists will participate in the farming activities and learn about
Balinese lifestyle. On the other hand, this will provide a direct source
of income to the farmers. To conserve the Sawah, a U.S. land trust
concept will be applied where annuities will be paid to
multigenerational farmers to not develop their land. Ongoing land
stewardship will be carried on where lands will be under continuous
monitoring and best land practices made more available to farmers. The
vision is top-notch and covers all dimensions to ensure complete
development of “Sawah” and Subak.
The
pilot project is on the outskirts of Ubud, Gianyar. This Subak was
chosen as it is close to Ubud, which is famous for tourism and hence is
threatened. The pilot project “Seeing is Believing” aims to replicate
the US Land Trust Model while ensuring that the culture, religion and
legal framework of Bali is prioritized. Phase 1 has been a hit with
international volunteers from all age participating in the field work
and the Mangkok rice hitting the economic boom. YKSB
receives no income from the sale of its Mangkok rice, farmers receive
100% from its sale. Phase 2 is in process where the aim is to restore
the habitat to health by adding compost and biomass. Growing of heritage
rice will continue. In addition, organic vegetables will also be grown.
In Phase 3, the price paid to each farmer to not sell their lands will
be fixed. Conservation of property will be guaranteed and financial
structuring like opening of bank accounts for farmers will be done.
Phase 4 will be about monitoring, enforcing and stewardship of the land.
The
board consists of highly qualified Individuals and very successful
entrepreneurs who have dedicated their time and efforts to protect and
conserve Bali. Their efforts have already put a permanent smile on the
faces of Balinese people. News channels like CNN, Jakarta Post and Bali
TV have regularly covered news addressing the issues of the Subak and
“Sawah”. This has spread a lot of awareness on the current scenario of
Bali. The involvement of YKSB with its energetic and
super-efficient team has ensured that the mission and vision are all
aligned with the implementation activities.
Without a doubt, YKSB’s
world-class model will ensure the protection of thousands of Balinese
families. The successful beginning of the pilot program has enforced
this trust and further belief. With this being a hit, future programs
will be replicated on the same model of land conservation. The program
has already gained momentum with an effective response from the Balinese
government. YKSB seeks out the support of individuals
to make this program 100% successful. All the generous contributions
will go directly to 135 family farms. You can pledge to donate any
amount, and for every pledge you make you will receive small gift
hampers that will remind you of the contribution you are making to make
Bali more beautiful and the stability of Balinese families. The feel
good factor is an added bonus. Be a part of this movement and earn the
blessings of thousands of Balinese families.
Credit to Yayasan Konservasi Sawah Bali
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine
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