Stakeholder Engagements in Maintaining Marine Ecosystems in the Bali Sea, Indonesia

Abstract

The Bali Sea has an important role in supporting the fishing and tourism industries. However, as with many other seas, exploitation of natural resources through economic and tourism activities in the Bali Sea may endanger marine ecology, which has brought various advantages to coastal populations. Thus, this study aims to examine how stakeholders participate in preserving the environment of the Bali Sea and encounter challenges. This study used a qualitative method by conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders in Sapeken Island, Bali Island, Lombok Island, and Sumbawa Island. The collected data were analyzed to evaluate the strengths and interests of each stakeholder. The study revealed that traditional and religious leaders and the local governments had high power and importance in protecting marine ecosystems. In contrast, fishermen, fishermen’s groups, family welfare activists, and Non-Government Organizations, although highly interested, had less power. Meanwhile, Community-Based Organizations, like youth organizations, had low interest and power as many of them were already part of the fishermen’s groups. A major challenge faced by stakeholders in maintaining the marine ecosystem in the Bali Sea was the presence of fishing purse seine vessels from outside their area that could damage the ecosystem and harm local fishermen. This study concludes that the involvement of stakeholders, especially local communities, greatly contributes to maintaining the Bali Sea’s marine ecosystems. They recognize that the sustainability of their lives depends on the preservation of the Bali Sea’s marine ecosystem.