Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. Situated in the province of Bali, the outlying island is home to endangered wildlife like turtles, manta rays, and even critically endangered birds like the Bali Starling.
The island has a wealth of natural beauty to preserve, and leaders are taking their role in protecting the landscape seriously.
The Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, has confirmed that he and his local government will be proposing that Nusa Penida become a protected geopark.
According to UNSECO, Global Geoparks “are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.”
Right now, there are 195 Global Geoparks in the world, spread across 48 countries. Mount Batur Geopark is located on the main island of Bali, and the protections on the land around Mount Batur and Kintamani have helped protect the fragile volcanic ecosystem of the heart of the island.
@bali_karisma_holidays EXPLORE NUSA PENIDA💕 Walaupun Pulau Bali berukuran kecil tetapi memiliki banyak Pantai yang tidak kalah indah dan tentunya memiliki keunikan tersendiri adalah Diamond Beach Nusa Penida. 📍Pejukutan, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, BALI #travelnusapenida #tripnusapenida #tournusapenida #paketnusapenida #nusapenida #grouptravel #balivibes #wisatanusapenida #culturetrip #pantainusapenida #visitbali #diamondbeach #kelingkingbeach #atuhbeach #brokenbeach #wisatabali #balidriver #balitransport #balitour ♬ suara asli – 𝓡𝓲𝓭𝓱𝓸 𝓪𝓴𝓫𝓪𝓻
Regent Suwirta has spoken to reporters about the work he and his local government are doing to upgrade the tourism infrastructure on Nusa Penida in order to ensure the destination remains a must-visit hotspot for international visitors.
The local leader has confirmed that he is in communication with the Ministry of National Development Planning and hopes to gain funding to give Nusa Penida protected Geopark status within Indonesian law.
The three islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan are all protected as part of the Bali Bird Sanctuary.
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@luceclarkk Save this for your next trip to Nusa Penida! ✨🏝️ #nusapenida #penidaisland #thingstodoinnusapenida #diamondbeach #bali #travellingbali #indonesia #balilivin #deeproots #amoksunset #rumahpohon #pandanbeach #fyp #foru #traveltips #mantarays #PepsiApplePieChallenge ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz
Way back in 2006, 35 villages agreed to make localized legislation to protect wild birds. This has now extended to 41 villages, and the work of the communities, along with the Friends of the National Park Foundation, has been pivotal in bringing the Bali Starling back from the very brink of extinction.
Given the isolated nature and small size of the islands, localized conservation management is essential.
Geopark status whether through the Indonesian government or UNSECO, would give local leaders the vital funds needed to make decisions regarding development, especially tourism development, with nature in mind.
@clodaghscollective If you maie the trip from Bali to Nusa Penida I really recommend visiting this spot! 📍Tembeling Beach & Forest #travelasia #southeastasia #backpackingbali #balitravel #travelrecommendations #travelrecommendations ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Speaking to reporters, the Director of Regional Development for the Ministry of National Development Planning confirmed that he wants to see Nusa Penida become a geopark.
Togu Pardede told reporters, “I have seen firsthand the potential and beauty of Nusa Penida.“
“We will certainly support this with access to financing from the central government and ministries through the ministry’s DAK [special allocation] funds.”
The waters around Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan are all protected as part of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA).
The protected ecosystem spans over 20,000 hectares and is a landscape not only vital to marine wildlife but also to local people.
The marine biodiversity in and around Nusa Penisa plays a significant role in the day-to-day lives of over 48,000 people living in the area.
Whether through fishing, seaweed farming, or tourism, the health of the living landscape has serious implications for both local people and tourists.
In fact, it is Nusa Penida’s natural beauty that makes it such a popular tourist destination. The breathtaking rugged clifftop view over Kelingking Beach is possibly one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
The crystal clear waters that lap against the shores of Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, and the aptly named Crystal Beach are all high on the must-visit list of tourists planning their trips to Nusa Penida.
But this is all under threat if tourism development does not include specific environmental protections.
A geopark status would help protect the land, as well as the ocean, from rampant tourism development in the form of hotels, resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants, as has been seen in other parts of Bali.
The proposal to make Nusa Penida a geopark has a host of benefits to both tourists and local people, and with top officials at the Ministry of National Development Planning committing to stand behind the plans, we can expect to see more positive news coming out soon.
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A diver
Wednesday 30th of August 2023
As always, this is all about cashing in and doing nothing in exchange. Just as they did with the MPA asking divers to pay daily fees like pontoons like Bali Hai and Quicksilver brings in 100s of people daily or tour group transfer 1000s of people daily without paying these fees and yet are the one destroying the coral, dumping plastic, oil, gas, and toilets content over what used to be pristine dive sites.. it’s a joke, corruption and all about someone making money and nothing to do with the local people, environment, future of the islands.. it’s all about lining the pockets of those at the top as these fees have zero plans for being spent on improving and protecting the area…
Exp
Sunday 3rd of September 2023
@A diver, what he said!
Exp
Wednesday 30th of August 2023
Quote "The Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, has confirmed that he and his local government will be proposing that Nusa Penida become a protected geopark."
Do not forget that locals are charging "entrance fee" for Kintamani that is already an UNSECO geopark. Nothing is offered in return. If Nusa Penida become an UNESCO geopark then tourists will be charged for entering Nusa Penida. It is always about the money.
Yes. Bali is well on the way to put the squeeze on so-called "cheap tourists wearing flipflops".