Subak, a Nature-based Solutions Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract

Subak, an inherited communal water management in the agricultural system for centuries in Bali Island – Indonesia, has been widely known as a UNESCO World Heritage Culture since 2012. Subak’s philosophy “Tri Hita Karana” (three causes of prosperity) has become the foundation for Subak members to practice sustainable agriculture. Its institutional and operational practices were found to be a good example of ecosystem services management in a cultural way. In an attempt to assess Subak’s eligibility as a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) activities in ensuring the ecosystem services delivered to its people, we conducted a self-assessment using 8 criteria and 21 indicators based on NbS guidelines. The result shows that Subak addressed three out of seven societal challenges as a core of NbS: environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, food security, and water security. We also identified some problems and challenges faced by Balinese and Subak in terms of the system’s sustainability. We concluded that Subak could be categorized as an NbS, specifically NbS Type 2 for sustainability and multifunctionality of managed ecosystems. Supports from the central government both in terms of regulatory and policies are needed, as well as promoting Subak to other related sectors such ecotourism.