THIS IS OUR LEGACY

Bali’s volcanic soil is some of the most fertile in the world. This made the island a hub for agricultural excellence, with lush rice paddies, agroforestry systems, and vibrant ecosystems. Traditional farming practices, such as the Subak (irrigation systems), integrated with the spiritual practices of the island, ensuring harmony between humans and nature. Bali’s biodiversity flourished as communities lived sustainably with the land.

In the early 1900s, Bali’s cultural identity started to solidify as the island’s unique dance, art, and religious traditions were nurtured. Temples and ceremonies became the backbone of the Balinese way of life, providing a deep connection to nature and spirituality. The island’s cultural landscape flourished alongside its natural environment, laying the foundation for a unique island legacy.

The Dutch East Indies began exerting more control over Bali in the early 20th century, which had a subtle impact on agriculture and local traditions. Though Bali remained largely untouched by large-scale development during this time, its economic focus on agriculture and trade grew under colonial rule, while cultural practices continued to evolve.

The 1920s marked the peak of traditional farming in Bali, with rice cultivation thriving in the island’s rich, volcanic soil. This period also saw an increase in efforts to preserve the natural environment through local governance and religious practices. Bali’s biodiversity was maintained, and agriculture integrated spiritual and environmental practices that sustained both culture and nature.

World War II disrupted Bali’s peaceful existence, with the Japanese occupation and the subsequent war causing a decline in agricultural output. This period marked a severe decrease in rice production, and Bali’s traditional farming systems were abandoned in favor of wartime needs. The island’s fragile ecosystems started showing early signs of strain.

Following World War II, Bali began to recover as local farmers resumed traditional agricultural practices. However, the scars of the war were visible in the landscape, with the economy slow to return to pre-war conditions. Balinese culture, though resilient, faced challenges as the island began its gradual shift towards modernization.

During this period, tourism began to make its mark on Bali, albeit slowly. Foreign visitors trickled in, attracted by the island’s natural beauty, culture, and unique offerings. By the 1970s, tourism started to show signs of growth, with Bali becoming more accessible to travelers. While still a relatively untouched paradise, this early wave of tourism began placing pressure on Bali’s environment, leading to the first signs of deforestation and urban sprawl.

Mount Agung erupted in 1963, a pivotal moment in Bali’s history. The eruption caused widespread destruction, particularly to agriculture and infrastructure, but the event also brought about a deep spiritual reflection among the Balinese people. Bali’s relationship with nature was reinforced as the island’s resilience became evident in the rebuilding process.

In 1969, early steps towards regulating tourism were taken. While still unregulated, tourism in Bali began to become a more prominent aspect of the economy. This period saw the establishment of some basic infrastructures, like roads and accommodations, but the island still managed to maintain a certain degree of environmental integrity.

The early 1970s marked a turning point with increased foreign investment, particularly in the hotel and resort industry. Bali’s economy grew alongside a rise in tourism, but as the island’s natural resources were exploited for development, the initial harmony between the land and its people started to deteriorate.

By the 1980s, Bali’s tourism had exploded, attracting millions of visitors. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants began sprouting up everywhere, displacing local farming and agricultural practices. Bali’s biodiversity began to decrease rapidly as forests were cleared for development. The island’s ecosystem and traditional agricultural practices started showing significant signs of decline, with waste and pollution levels rising dramatically.

In the 1990s, Bali faced rapid commercialization. The number of tourists skyrocketed, and the tourism industry brought with it massive environmental degradation. The island’s biodiversity decreased by 30%, deforestation reached alarming rates, and local agriculture was increasingly abandoned in favor of real estate development. Bali’s natural resources were increasingly overexploited, and the island’s ecosystems were under siege.

In 2002, the tragic Bali Bombing deeply impacted the island’s tourism industry. The aftermath led to a sharp decline in visitor numbers, which temporarily reduced the strain on the environment. However, Bali’s reliance on tourism soon brought it back to the same growth patterns, with tourism numbers rebounding in just a few years.

By 2005, Bali faced a major waste crisis. With tourism reaching over 2 million visitors annually, the island’s waste levels increased by over 50%. The island’s fragile waste management systems were unable to cope with the surge in plastic and general waste. Bali’s beaches and landscapes were increasingly littered with waste, leading to a growing environmental crisis.

Tourism in Bali grew exponentially, reaching over 5 million visitors annually by 2020. This growth, combined with rapid urbanization, resulted in significant environmental decline: waste levels increased by 60%, biodiversity was reduced by 40%, and traditional farming areas were replaced by real estate developments. Bali’s natural resources were increasingly overexploited, and the island’s ecosystems were under siege.

In 2017, Bali became infamous for its plastic waste problem. It was reported that 3.5 million tons of plastic waste were generated on the island annually, contributing to ocean pollution and the degradation of marine life. Bali’s traditional ways of living, once in harmony with nature, were now at risk due to pollution, waste, and unsustainable tourism practices.

By 2019, Bali’s biodiversity had been reduced by 40%, and its natural resources were severely depleted. The environment was in crisis, with beaches, forests, and water systems polluted. The tourism industry continued to grow, but the strain on the island’s ecosystems became undeniable. Bali’s wildlife was increasingly at risk of extinction, and the island’s cultural and spiritual traditions began to fade as tourism became the dominant force.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted tourism, offering Bali a brief respite from the environmental devastation. During the lockdown, nature began to recover, with clearer waters and less pollution. This pause in tourism exposed the damage done by decades of unchecked growth. As Bali’s environment slowly began to heal, there was a renewed realization that the island’s future depended on a shift toward sustainable, ecotourism-focused practices.

By mid-2021, Bali reopened its borders with strict health protocols. The tourism industry began its slow recovery, with the number of visitors reaching 1.5 million by the end of the year, a fraction of pre-pandemic levels. Despite restrictions, Bali saw a surge in domestic travelers and a renewed focus on wellness and eco-tourism.

Tourism in Bali steadily increased, with the island welcoming approximately 3 million visitors. The focus shifted more towards sustainable practices, with eco-resorts and green initiatives gaining traction. Bali’s environment continued to recover from the pandemic-induced break, but the pressures of tourism started to reappear.

Tourism in Bali reached approximately 5.5 million visitors in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels. However, this surge highlighted the urgent need for sustainable tourism. A collective realization that Bali’s natural beauty, culture, and way of life were at risk sparked serious efforts to preserve the island’s environment and traditions. Local governments, environmental organizations, and private enterprises focused on reducing Bali’s carbon footprint, promoting responsible travel, and restoring traditional farming and cultural practices. These efforts marked the beginning of a transformative movement toward sustainable tourism and the island’s long-term recovery.

Marcel and Renee had a dream to restore Bali’s environmental, agricultural, and cultural legacy. Their conversation in the summer of 2024 sparked the creation of Restore the Legacy—a movement focused on bringing back the island’s balance by promoting ecotourism, sustainable farming, and the preservation of traditional Balinese life. This movement was born from a shared love for Bali’s culture and a desire to ensure the island’s legacy thrives for generations to come. In early 2024, Nava, already deeply invested in protecting Bali’s heritage, joined forces with them, bringing her passion and local roots to strengthen the mission. Together, they are committed to creating a lasting impact.

Restore the Legacy was officially recognized as an ANBI (Public Benefit Organization) on January 1, 2025. This milestone marked the beginning of a formalized movement dedicated to restoring Bali’s cultural and environmental health. The organization gained recognition and support, signaling that Bali’s legacy had found champions dedicated to its revival.

On April 12, 2025, Restore the Legacy will officially launch, guided by Balinese tradition. The date was chosen by our Balinese priest, who selected it based on numerology and cultural significance. April 12 represents the number of rebirth, renewal, and restoration—perfectly aligning with our mission to restore Bali’s lost legacy. This event will mark a pivotal moment in Bali’s journey towards ecological and cultural restoration.