KINTAMANI, balitourismnow.com – Efforts to protect water sources in the upper watershed of Kintamani, Bangli Regency, are gaining momentum through a community-based conservation initiative that places women at the heart of environmental stewardship.
Through the TIRTA LESTARI program (Inclusive Transformation for Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Water Governance in Kintamani), 500 conservation and agroforestry tree seedlings were planted in Buahan Village, Kintamani District, Bangli, on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The planting marks the first phase of a broader target to establish 3,000 trees across the program’s target areas. Beyond restoring vegetation cover and strengthening the ecological functions of the upper watershed, the initiative aims to protect water catchment areas while promoting agroforestry practices that can support local livelihoods.
More than a tree-planting campaign, TIRTA LESTARI emphasizes active community participation, particularly women’s involvement, in environmental conservation. Women are encouraged to take part not only in planting activities but also in planning, maintaining, and monitoring the growth of the trees.
The launch ceremony, held at Balai Banjar Binyan in Buahan Village, brought together women-led conservation groups, local residents, regional and village government representatives, security personnel, and other relevant stakeholders.
TIRTA LESTARI is implemented by LBH Bali Woman Crisis Centre under the CO-EVOLVE 2 project (Strengthen Civic Space and Enhance the Enabling Environment and Capacity of Networked Local CSOs to Promote a Just and Inclusive Green Transition in Indonesia), with joint funding support from the European Union and Yayasan Penabulu.
Through ecosystem restoration, agroforestry development, and community engagement, the program seeks to advance a greener transition that is both equitable and inclusive. It also strengthens the role of civil society organizations in supporting local communities, expanding women’s participation, and encouraging greater public involvement in natural resource governance.
Building Partnerships for Environmental Protection
Head of the Bangli Regency Department of Agriculture, Food Security and Fisheries, Ir. I Wayan Sarma, who attended the event representing the Regent of Bangli, welcomed the community-led initiative and reaffirmed the regional government’s commitment to environmental conservation.
He emphasized the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection, particularly given Bangli’s strategic role as a conservation area and an important source of water for other regencies and municipalities across Bali.
“We are committed to supporting environmental conservation efforts. A balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability must be maintained to prevent the excessive exploitation of natural resources for economic interests. As a conservation area and one of the water sources serving other regencies and municipalities in Bali, Bangli shares a responsibility to protect its natural environment and ensure the availability of water resources.
“These efforts require collaboration between the government and communities, while also taking into account the well-being of the people who contribute to environmental protection,” he said.
Protecting Kintamani’s upper watershed requires coordinated action across different sectors. Local communities, regional and village governments, customary villages, security authorities, and other relevant institutions all have important roles in safeguarding the area and preventing activities that could damage the environment.
Bangli Police Chief AKBP Anggun Adhika Putra, S.I.K., M.M., also expressed his appreciation to LBH Bali Woman Crisis Centre and all parties involved in the initiative. He stressed that tree planting must be followed by consistent maintenance to ensure lasting environmental benefits.
“Tree planting is not merely a ceremonial activity; it is a long-term investment in the environment and future generations. Challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, and threats to water availability require collective awareness and concrete action.
“Through our Green Policing approach, we encourage everyone to take part in environmental protection, including ensuring that the trees planted today are properly maintained and monitored so they can grow successfully. We invite the communities of Buahan and Kedisan to remain actively involved in protecting the environment in their respective areas,” he said.
Empowering Women as Conservation Leaders
TIRTA LESTARI operates in Buahan and Kedisan villages through an ecosystem-based conservation approach that emphasizes community participation. A key component is the establishment and development of women-led conservation groups in both villages.
The groups provide women with opportunities to participate in environmental decision-making and natural resource management at the village level. Their involvement includes planning conservation activities, organizing tree planting, and developing group work plans for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
Director of LBH Bali Woman Crisis Centre, Ni Nengah Budawati, said that women’s participation is essential to building an inclusive and sustainable approach to natural resource governance.
“Conservation is not simply about planting trees. It is also about strengthening the role of women and local communities as key drivers in protecting natural resources. Through TIRTA LESTARI, we encourage active community participation throughout the conservation process, from planning to maintenance and monitoring, to ensure that protecting water sources remains a shared responsibility,” she said.
For local residents, the initiative represents an opportunity to contribute directly to protecting the environment and the water resources that sustain their communities.
Ni Wayan Rasmini, a member of a women-led conservation group, said the program provides an important platform for residents to take an active role in environmental protection.
“Through this initiative, we want to help protect our village environment and water sources. Planting trees is the first step, but it must be followed by collective care and maintenance so that the benefits can be enjoyed over the long term,” Rasmini said. [iah]