DESMA Center Conducted a Sustainable Tourism Webinar: High Tourism Low Emission to Tourism Stakeholders in Implementing Bali Low Emission
Tourism is one of the most affected sectors by the covid-19 pandemic. With the social restrictions policies applied by many countries, transportation and accommodation activities during the pandemic have drastically decreased. However, it leads to environmental recovery by levels of pollution caused by carbon emission reduced. One of the popular tourism destinations, Bali, potentially contributing in continuing the reduction of the carbon emission level during and post-covid-19. The source of CO2 emission in Bali mostly generated from the vehicle to food wastes most. Therefore, tourism actors and relevant stakeholders needs to follow up and take actions to implement low emission tourism activities.
To discuss the concrete solutions on what should be carried out, DESMA Center conducted an online discussion through series of webinars with the topic Sustainable Tourism. First part of this webinar series discussed on “High Tourism Low Emission-the Role of Tourism Actors in Implementing Low Emission Tourism in Bali” the webinar was aired virtually on August 7, 2020. The webinar attracted 553 registrants and 385 of them attended this webinar.
This webinar aims to be a tool for education, information transfer and awareness raising for tourism stakeholders and general public on the role of stakeholders, strategies, and efforts in maintaining current low-emission condition in Bali.
The High Tourism Low Emission 2020 webinar was commenced by the distinguished keynote speaker, the Director of Destination Governance and Sustainable Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Drs. Indra Ni Tua, M.Sc. The speakers of webinar consist of prominent speakers as following:
1. Drs. Dasrul Chaniago, M.M, M.E., M.H., Director of Air Pollution Control, Ministry of Environment and Forestry explained about the quality, regulations and pollution control of the air.
2. Prof. Dr. Ir. Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, M.Si, Head of the Bali Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI)/Vice Governor of Bali explained about Tri Hita Karana philosophy that teaches Balinese people to keep preserving the environment and practices of sustainable tourism development.
3. I Nyoman Sudiarta, SE, Chairman of the Bali Tourism Transport Association (Persatuan Angkutan Wisata Bali) explained about the role of PAWIBA in reducing the CO2 emission in Bali;
4. Wiwik Mahdayani, Founder & Director DESMA Center, concluded the session with discussion of the application of sustainability principles in tourism businesses, where preservation of the environment and climate change are already become a concern of many parties, especially the millennials. Many Balinese hoteliers have implemented eco-friendly principles and sustainable tourism application in their business. Although it can be a value added, however, that good news may not be disseminated to the wide consumers yet.
The implementation of low emission in Bali needs commitment from tourism stakeholders, the public, and the government. Hence, after this sustainable tourism webinar, it is expected that tourism actors and general public are encouraged in preserving and maintaining the pollution-free air condition in Bali as it is today. In this context, it can be started with the use of environmentally friendly fuels that contribute to emission reductions and may lead to the implementation of sustainable tourism.
