117 / Melinggih Kelod, Gianyar, Bali
The Begawan Foundation, that breads and protects iconic Bali Starlings, has established the Klub Lingkungan (Environmental club) where Ms. Fauziana will be responsible as Eco-Education Center manager and teaching the classes. She will also be creating an organic garden here – a composting station and permaculture garden to grow fruits and vegetables.
Melinggih Kelod village is located close to the Ayung river. This creates many job opportunities for locals with the growth of businesses along the river, in particular many 5 star hotels, rafting businesses, restaurants and shops.
However the influx of tourists and the villages already not having an organised method of waste management means the area is becoming increasingly polluted. At the moment, residents of Melinggih Kelod dispose of their rubbish in the drains in front of their houses or in rubbish dumps on vacant land. Much of this rubbish is burnt or buried, which means it has the potential to release harmful toxins into the air or soil. During storms or the wet season, much of the plastic waste is washed away into rivers and later into the ocean. This trend of huge amounts of rubbish on Bali’s beaches every wet season, is only increasing every year.
“Klub Lingkungan” was established to educate students on protecting the environment and how to sort and manage waste. The Eco-Education Center will have a “Waste for Lessons” program, in which the students will be able to exchange English lessons for kilos of clean recyclable waste which will be sent to the recycling centre. They are also approaching hotels & businesses in the area to assist with supporting this program.
The Eco-Education Center will be an important addition to assist to improve the students’ eco-education and help spark their interest in nature and science.
Besides the books sponsored by Barbara we have moved here the books from Legian, Bali.