Blessings for All? Community-Based Ecotourism in Bali Between Global, National, and Local Interests – A Case Study.

Abstract

As a major island destination in South-East Asia, Bali has won a global reputation as one of the lastparadises on earth. As one of the largest industries in the world, global tourism is utilised by the governments of many developing countries as an agent for development and national integration.However, local communities level the criticism that mass tourism has not only brought economicgrowth but also caused ecological and social costs. In reaction to the excessive developments ofthe past decades, local Balinese have started to actively implement community-based tourism. Theecotourism village-network Jaringan Ekowisata Desa seeks a more sustainable approach to tourismthrough stronger ownership and the minimisation of negative ecological impacts. The case studypresented is based on fi eldwork which took place in 2010. It aims to fi nd answers to the questions of whether and to what extent community-based ecotourism initiatives may constitute a sustainable alternative to the negative eff ects associated with mass tourism.