The pilot project on wastewater, led by Erbi Setiawan, PhD, at INREEF, represents an innovative approach to understanding and mitigating wastewater impacts in Bali’s coastal areas. The project is built on a strong collaborative foundation, bringing together the expertise of BROL Bali, the Udayana University research team, and local stakeholders, including the Klungkung local government. During a recent field visit, the teams conducted extensive sampling across key sites, with support from both students and lecturers from Udayana University, highlighting the project’s educational and participatory dimensions. In addition to fieldwork, the project contributes to knowledge sharing through events like the Water Symposium on 19 August 2025, organized with Udayana University, which brought together academics, students, and community leaders to discuss water management and sustainability. The symposium was attended by high-level figures, including the university rector and the deputy governor, reinforcing the importance of integrating research, education, and policy. These efforts underscore how the project not only generates scientific data but also builds local capacity and awareness around water issues.
The project also emphasizes collaboration with local communities and youth initiatives to ensure practical and socially relevant outcomes. Interviews with a cottage owner provided insight into everyday water use and the challenges small-scale accommodations face in managing wastewater sustainably, while discussions with a marine biologist in Nusa Lembongan highlighted the ecological impacts on coral reefs and seagrass beds. The team also worked closely with the Bali Youth Water Parliament for Water, a local youth movement advocating for sustainable water management, strengthening community engagement, and intergenerational dialogue. By integrating field data, community knowledge, expert ecological insights, educational initiatives, and policy guidance from the Klungkung government, the pilot project aims to develop actionable strategies that improve wastewater management, safeguard marine biodiversity, and foster sustainable tourism in Bali.