text & images by James Carys

Recently we've been devoting a lot of page space here at hello bali to what is being done to protect the face of Bali amidst what has fast become a development boom. However it's not just the local developers who are having such an impact on the environment here. On a macro scale the global climate changes mankind is witnessing at present is threatening the most arid parts of Bali and her surrounding islands. The ‘Seeds For Bali' movement proves that hope, indeed, still exists for the protection and regeneration of a sustainable natural environment.

The Agro-Forestry Project, formed in December 2007, has already raised enough money to sponsor tree planting on seven hectares of land on Nusa Penida's scenic but arid Puncak Temu. The project is spearheaded by Bank Danamon Indonesia, co-sponsored by Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), and in partnership with FNPF. These partnerships, along with donations from American Express® card members worldwide, aim to assist in the reforestation of some of the most arid locations in and around Bali. Partners on Bali include both Alila properties, The American Express® Merchant Services office in Kuta, Legian, The Conrad Resort and Spa in Nusa Dua plus local retailers such as kids clothing outlet Rascals.

The seedlings are just the first step in a much bigger picture, as farmers will in the future start to receive enough funds to build a water catchment facility that will have the capacity to provide enough water for their seedlings during the dry season.

Always looking towards forward momentum - American Express® and Danamon Bank continue to raise funds to increase the planting of seeds in time for the start of the wet season 2008/2009. FNPF also encourages individuals to help this movement by providing several thousand seedlings at their nursery for people to plant on their own land during the build up to rainy season. For more information and updates, you can visit the Friends of the National Parks Foundation website at www.fnpf.org