In the heart of Bali, where the lush greenery of rice fields meets the encroaching sprawl of urbanization, a critical battle for land preservation is underway. A recent study published in the *Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management* (translated as *Journal of Degraded and Reclaimed Lands Management*) sheds light on the urgent need to protect the island’s iconic subak rice fields, which are rapidly degrading due to pollution and urban expansion. Led by Lina Anandari Dwi Ambarini from the School of Environmental Science at the University of Indonesia, the research offers a roadmap for sustainable management strategies that could have far-reaching implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The study, which focused on South Denpasar, reveals that approximately 87 hectares of subak land have been lost in just five years. This alarming rate of degradation is driven by a combination of weak spatial enforcement, pollution from domestic and industrial waste, and a lack of farmer engagement in regenerative practices. “The subak system is not just an agricultural practice; it’s a cultural heritage that sustains both the environment and the local economy,” Ambarini explains. “Its degradation poses a threat to Bali’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of countless farmers.”
The research employs the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) to identify key problems and develop measurable strategies for restoration. Among the five priority strategies proposed, economic incentives for conservation farming and the integration of Tri Hita Karana values—Balinese principles of harmony among people, nature, and the divine—stand out as particularly innovative. “By aligning economic incentives with cultural values, we can create a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local community,” Ambarini notes.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. The degradation of subak rice fields can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, which in turn affects the availability of biomass for energy production. Sustainable land management practices, such as those proposed in the study, can help maintain the ecological integrity of the subak system, ensuring a steady supply of biomass for renewable energy projects. Additionally, the integration of digital technology for farmer capacity building can enhance the efficiency of agricultural practices, making them more viable for commercial energy applications.
The study’s findings highlight the need for a multi-dimensional management approach that integrates ecological restoration, socio-economic empowerment, and cultural revitalization. “Sustaining the subak system requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of degradation and empowers farmers to adopt sustainable practices,” Ambarini emphasizes.
As urban pressures continue to mount, the adoption of these strategies by local authorities can enhance urban land governance, strengthen farmer livelihoods, and preserve Bali’s cultural agricultural heritage. The research not only offers a blueprint for protecting the subak system but also provides valuable insights for other regions facing similar challenges. By embracing sustainable land management practices, communities can ensure the long-term viability of their agricultural systems and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.