A political ecology of water equity and tourism: A Case Study From Bali

Many island destinations are struggling with tourism’s water demands. A political ecology approach is used to understand how social power and ecology come together and result in inequitable and unsustainable water distribution on the island of Bali. Bali is an important case study because 80% of the economy depends on tourism and tourism depends on a healthy water supply. Following a month of interviews and a survey, a stakeholder map has been developed. The causes and consequences of Bali’s mismanagement of water are discussed. The environmental and political factors that intersect and result in water inequity are already causing social conflict and environmental problems. In the near future they will begin to impacts on Bali’s tourism and economy.

► Tourism is out competing local needs for water. ► A complex stakeholder map of Bali’s water tourism nexus is developed. ► Multiple factors mean a vicious cycle of ending agriculture and increased tourism. ► Water inequity is causing social conflict and environmental problems. ► In the near future mismanagement of water will damage Bali’s tourism and economy.