Why Protecting Upstream Watersheds Matters, Insights from the Ayung River
Bali’s Water Begins Elsewhere Bali’s landscapes are shaped by water. From the highlands of Kintamani to the southern coastlines, rivers like the Ayung sustain ecosystems, agriculture, and communities across the island. Yet, much of the conversation around water focuses on where it is used, downstream, rather than where it begins. In reality, the health of these systems starts upstream. Understanding and protecting these upstream areas is essential, not only for environmental sustainability, but for the long-term resilience of communities that depend on them. This perspective also reflects a growing global emphasis on water stewardship, the responsible use and protection of water resources in a way that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial.
