Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches and underwater world, but today, its coral reefs are facing serious challenges. About 50% of Bal’s Coral Reefs are damage. One big problem is plastic pollution. Indonesia, along with five other countries in the Coral Triangle (like Malaysia and the Philippines), makes up 76% of the world’s coral species. Sadly, these same countries are also some of the biggest contributors to the 13 million tons of plastic that end up in the ocean each year.
The situation gets worse when we talk about microplastics. These tiny plastic pieces may look harmless, but they block sunlight and make it hard for coral to breathe. It’s like covering a plant with a plastic bag—corals can’t grow or survive properly. Scientists say this is damaging coral metabolism, which is how they get their energy and stay healthy.
Plastic waste is intimately tied to the issue of waste management. In Bali, it’s still common for people to throw trash into rivers. This waste doesn’t just disappear it travels down to the ocean. Without proper trash systems in place, even everyday habits like littering after lunch can hurt the ocean in the long run. Sadly, all this waste ends up in Bali’s waters, especially during certain seasons due to the island’s unique ocean currents.
Speaking of ocean currents, Bali sits in a tricky spot. The Lombok Strait, where the strong Indonesian Throughflow (Arlindo) passes, brings both blessings and problems. On the bright side, it helps keep Bali’s marine life rich and diverse. But on the downside, the same currents collect trash from the west, north, and east of Indonesia and drop it into Bali’s sea during specific times of the year.
Lastly, overtourism also puts pressure on coral reefs. Bali has become the second most crowded island in the world for tourists. While tourism boosts the economy, it also brings more waste, more construction near beaches, and more boats around coral spots. Without better planning and care, all this could cause even more damage to the reefs we all love to visit.
As R.O.L.E. Foundation, we believe that protecting Bali’s coral reefs starts with education, action, and community involvement. We see the daily impact of plastic waste, poor habits, and overdevelopment, and we know change won’t happen overnight, but it can start today. Through our Coral Restoration Program and Zero Waste Education Center, we aim to build a generation that respects the environment. Coral reefs aren’t just beautiful—they are life-support systems for Bali’s people, culture, and economy. To learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
All images are subject to copyright and owned by ZeroWaste Center by R.O.L.E. Foundation.
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