GREEN CHAPTER | Leading the Way: Sustainability in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry on Nusa Lembongan

The allure of Bali’s Nusa Lembongan has captivated travellers with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. As tourism continues to grow on this small island, it becomes crucial for the hospitality industry to prioritise sustainability. As one of the leading Boutique resorts on the island, Batu Karang plays a significant role in setting an example and implementing eco-friendly initiatives to actively contribute to the preservation of this unique island sanctuary.

Here at Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa in our 17^th year of operation, we have continued to improve our infrastructure with various eco-friendly practices and systems such as the use of reverse osmosis (RO) systems, water bottling plant, and hydroponic gardens to name a few, which all help to reduce the environmental impact and preserve the island’s natural beauty. Read more below where we unpack in more detail!

• In-house Water Bottling Plant System for Plastic Reduction

Plastic waste is a global concern, particularly in tourist destinations. By establishing a water bottling plant system in 2018, Batu Karang has eliminated the need for single-use plastic water bottles. This system allows our guests to refill their reusable water bottles with filtered water, reducing plastic waste generated by traditional single-use bottles. This simple initiative has had a significant impact on reducing the island’s plastic footprint. In Bali and many parts of the world, the vast majority of plastic bottles end up in landfills and the ocean, or are burned, generating air pollution detrimental to human health and the environment. With the automated water-bottling plant in house, Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa (46 rooms and 2 F&B venues) has been able to eliminate more than 56,000 plastic bottles per year, as well as reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting the plastic bottled water between Bali mainland and Lembongan Island.

• Cultivating an in-house Hydroponic Garden for Sustainable Food Production

As a small island, Nusa Lembongan faces challenges in sourcing fresh produce sustainably. Batu Karang has addressed this issue by implementing hydroponic gardens. Hydroponics is a soil-less farming technique that uses nutrient-rich water solutions to cultivate plants. By growing our own vegetables and herbs locally, we have been able to reduce the need for importing food, thus minimising transportation-related carbon emissions. Additionally, hydroponic gardens also serve as an educational attraction for guests, promoting awareness of sustainable farming practices and knowing they are eating as FRESH as it gets!

• Implementing RO Systems for Responsible Water Consumption

Freshwater scarcity is a pressing issue for islands like Nusa Lembongan. To reduce the strain on local water resources, Batu Karang invested in a reverse osmosis (RO) system. This system utilises advanced filtration techniques to convert saltwater or brackish water into clean, drinkable water. By implementing RO systems, resorts like us can minimise the need for freshwater extraction, ensuring the island’s limited water sources are conserved.

• On Site Sewage Treatment Plant for an Efficient approach to wastewater management

  An on-site sewage treatment plant that returns water back to the water table through gardens offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to wastewater management. It helps conserve water, reduce pollution, promote nutrient recycling, recharge groundwater, enhance biodiversity and contribute to climate resilience.

Other eco-conscious initiatives we take:<center>