Cultural Landscape and Ecotourism in Bali Island, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper describes the role of ethnoecology in supporting tourism. We conducted a case study on the island of Bali (Indonesia), the famous tourism destination. We review the culture, nature and ecotourism prospects of Bali and then extend our discussion to examine the role of indigenous philosophies in building the destination's image. Bali has a rich culture and natural resources that have been utilized and managed through an indigenous philosophy called Tri Hita Karana. Ethnoecology is widely applied and appreciated in the society and has produced Balinese cultural landscapes that have become significant tourism attractions. There has been a recent increase in tourist desire to explore genuine Balinese culture, so ethnoecology has a significant role in the quest to preserve and conserve such indigenous cultural landscapes. Ethnoecology is a key to ensuring and sustaining the images and authenticity of Bali Island. In this paper, we considered the landscape of rice paddies as a cultural landscape and resource for tourism. The structure and function of paddy terrace landscapes is based on the ethnoecology of Tri Hita Karana; therefore, in order to understand nature and ecotourism in Bali Island, knowledge of indigenous philosophy is indispensable. Cultural landscapes that link human and natural systems are not only places of natural beauty but also provide background information about the history of human adaptations to nature.

Species richness related to landscape characteristics of uninhabited islands in Korea

“…Cropland/pasture is a great source of food during the growing and wintering seasons, and thus many migratory birds use the islands near cropland/pasture and herbaceous areas. Cropland also helps to conserve cultural landscapes for attracting tourists (Hakim et al 2009). The regression results of significant correlation between cropland class landscape indices and bird species richness, as described in this paper, indicate that food resources near the islands are critical elements of bird species richness, thereby indicating that natural resource managers should maintain cropland/pasture and herbaceous covers for bird habitats.…”

Local Community Perception on the Sustainable Uses of Ayamaru Lake, West Papua Indonesia

“…The elderly people of Maybrat also emphasize the importance of this relationship. This attitude is similar to the one held by other local communities [11] [24]. To emphasize the importance of the lake in the spiritual context of Maybrat people, one of the informants stated that: -From the point of view of culture, this lake has a lot of myths such as its formation and the sacred value of springs‖ Myths and beliefs to the spiritual power of a place often become such important instrument in the preservation of the nature [22].…”

“…One of the advantages of tourism is its ability to grow in harmony with the spirit of nature preservation, community empowerment, and quality environment creation. In Indonesia, tourism becomes one of the resources to improve national and local income [11] [12].The tourism potential in Indonesia is also supported by the rich natural resources and abundant cultural components.…”

Maneke as Local Wisdom in the Community of Small Islands in Sangihe Island Regency, North Sulawesi

“…In Bali, it is observed that local wisdom contributes to the cultural landscape preservation, which is important in tourism industry. Local knowledge also contribute to the flora conservation along tourism corridor, and therefore increase scenic beauty of tourism corridors [17]. Local wisdom also contributes to the tourism governance observed in coastal tourism development in south Malang Regency.…”