Cleaning up the beaches...

It's been a period of flux for the island of Bali at the moment. Whilst it's still regarded as one of the more attractive destinations by many there also lies a problematic side to the island, and one that directly affects the daily experiences of those looking to experience the varied water sports on offer here. The problem? Trash. With the development boom that has gripped the island over the past 20 or so years the infrastructure requirements to deal with the additional Hotels, Resorts and facilities were not addressed accordingly. The recent article in Time Magazine left the tourism directors reeling, and for good reason. The state of Kuta Beach at certain times of the year leaves a lot to be desired. Reflective of a world famous paradise retreat? Nope. Reflective of a society impervious to the site and stench of piles of trash in public places? Yep.

The fingers invariably point to the neighboring island of Java, or the wind, or the Ocean currents from lands afar, but never at the local issues. Those of non existent trash collections, of piles of garbage greeting and bidding farewell to many road travelers as they enter and leave villages throughout the island. Of the very convenient ravines up in the mountains, where for the majority of the year the warm weather is generally cause for fire hazard concerns than anything else. It's not until the rains of the rainy season commence that we see the increase in beach trash. Due simply to the rainfall raging down through these ravines and rivers towards the Oceans where upon they spew their cargo of waste into the coastal waters of the island. Tidal currents only flow so far out before they swing back in and therefore bring with it the untold tonnes of trash that are then dumped fairly and squarely onto the beaches.

This mornings session was planned for the Padma Beach break where the currents can rip at low tide, and it was low tide. I was really pleasantly surprised to see literally hundreds of people, including whole classes of school kids, being herded onto the beaches for as far as the eye could see, plastic bags in hand, each chicken picking style reaching into the sands and collecting the trash.

This though was just one low tide in a succession of never ending low tides. When the tides rotate and along comes the high tide waters it will, once again, bring with it the mountains of trash. It's heartening to see that the authorities are now addressing the issue. I hope that it continues well beyond the current public attention lifespan. Many surfers and other Ocean sports enthusiasts past present and future who have tasted the delights of Bali's water borne potential will, I'm sure, also be applauding this initiative.

Cheers,
Mark.