On August 20th, 2025, Eco Tourism Bali had the honor of being represented by our COO, Rahmi Fajar Harini, as one of the keynote speakers at TEDxTabanan. In her talk, “Driving Positive Change Through Sustainable Tourism Community,” Ibu Rahmi shared a compelling vision for the future of Bali’s tourism.

She began with a sobering reality: Bali, the island known worldwide as paradise, is under immense pressure. Overcapacity in tourism, coral bleaching, trash pollution, and water scarcity are no longer distant threats they are challenges we face today. If left unaddressed, Bali risks losing its culture, biodiversity, livelihoods, and quality of life.

Yet amid these challenges lies an opportunity. Ibu Rahmi asked an important question: “Can business value change? Can tourism truly be a catalyst for sustainability?”

Through the journey of Eco Tourism Bali, she illustrated how the answer is yes. By embedding sustainability into the core of business models, we can create shared value that benefits the environment, society, and the economy at the same time.

At Eco Tourism Bali, this belief has driven tangible action:

• Restoring 630 coral colonies and planting 6,000 mangroves to protect marine ecosystems
• Rescuing and releasing 275 sea turtles back into the ocean
• Engaging 1,500+ people in hands-on sustainability programs
• Certifying 36 hotels and restaurants for responsible practices
• Uniting 50+ businesses under a shared commitment to sustainability

We are also proud to be Bali’s first and only locally-led sustainable tourism verification body, standing among 140 global standards worldwide. This milestone reflects our conviction that local leadership matters and that Bali’s solutions can inspire the world.

Ibu Rahmi’s talk was not just a presentation of data and achievements; it was a call to action. Tourism, she reminded the audience, is more than business, it is a powerful force that can restore balance, protect nature, and uplift communities if we choose to lead with purpose.

We extend our gratitude to TEDxTabanan for providing a platform to share this vision and for bringing together leaders, innovators, and changemakers who believe in building a sustainable future.

At Eco Tourism Bali, our journey continues. We remain committed to creating a movement where tourism is not just about visiting paradise, but about preserving it, for today and for generations to come.