Eco-Terrorism

Just returned from a holiday trip to the beautiful island of Bali.

This is not your typical vacation photo. It was taken in front of a

beachfront restaurant where there was a chain of restaurants built

along the seashore. I think this is a good example of what mis-

managed tourism can do to mother nature. I was starving when I

arrived at the restaurant. But I did not have much of an appetite

left in me after taking this photo. This photo demonstrates there is

another form of "terrorism" in Bali. Tourism in Bali has slowed down

significantly after the bombing attack. The island's hotel occupancy

is only about 15-20%. For better or for worse, the island can now

take a breather from mankind.

I agree with your concept for this photo. This ugly part of tourism should be documented. It's just hard for me to see what are in these piles and wonder how it would look if you took it closer and from a lower angle....

With all due respect, I'm not sure that I agree with your conclusion. It would be interesting to get more background information. Are you saying that tourists dumped this debris in the water or on the beach? It is just as possible that this debris is dumped by locals or off-shore.

I have witnessed cases where tourism has helped to clean up areas as most tourists have no interest in visiting areas that are trashed like this.

In many places off of the Phillipines local fishermen use cyanide and explosives to fish, devastating the reefs. In some cases, when local people realize that tourists will pay to visit pristine waters, it can provide an incentive to maintain the ecology for the long term benefit of the people and the region.

I am not claiming that the hotel/visitor industry is free of culpability, just that the picture is often much more complex than it may first appear.

Alex, I am not claiming that these trash were dumped by the tourists in Bali. Like you suggested it would require further research. But, whoever had dumped the garbage is actually irrelevant. The important point is that these garbage somehow had ended up in the ocean. If you look closely, these trash are made up of plastic items (disposable cups, bottles, bags) and emptied coconuts. These things are largely associated with tourists. Tourism is Balinese people's livelihood. I just think that in some parts of Bali, it is tragically mis-managed.

David, thanks for your response. In the end this is an effective image because it required the viewer to think about what is going on and want to learn more. Best wishes!