Pitching in for Pristine Beaches in Bali

Zack Petersen

You’re going to have to go far out of your way to find a reason not to sneak out of town next weekend to volunteer at the Big Bali Eco Weekend.

The popular three-day event, which attracted about 15,000 people last year, returns with a number of attractions and events, including Bali’s largest turtle hatchling release, a golf tournament features prizes like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a Jeep Wrangler, a community-wide beach cleanup that spans more than nine kilometers of beach front and a chance to hang out with professional surfers and former Miss Universes.

Despite all of the fun diversions, the Big Bali Eco Weekend exists for a serious reason. Bali’s world-famous beaches are riddled with trash and if people don’t start making an effort to protect what is left, the damage might be irreversible soon.

The fight for the beaches is a hard one as the causes are numerous.

Millions of tourists flock to the beaches of Bali every year and the sad fact is, many of them leave their trash behind. But more importantly, as tourism spreads and the Balinese look to accommodate the ever-growing numbers, locals need to learn proper methods to dispose of their trash properly.

“We need everyone who needs Bali to give back, that includes people whose homes, businesses, or industries gain an advantage from the beauty of the island,” said Putri Silalahi, the media and communications manager for Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, which is co-sponsoring the event with Quicksilver.

“We invite them to join Bali’s Big Beach Clean Up on the morning of July 8 in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Legian and Kedonganan.”

Putri added that the organizers are expecting up to 200 volunteers to take part in the beach cleanup alone. But they’re always looking for more hearts and hands.

“With this Bali’s Big Eco Weekend 2012, we’re trying to gather all of the business owners and corporations to help buy a Barber beach tractor, which can clean Bali more extensively,” Putri said. “And at the same time, the Big Eco Weekend is spreading awareness that the waste problem is something the island can no longer afford to have.”

But the event gets its serious message across through two days packed with fun and interesting events for the whole family.

The weekend kicks off at the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort with a “Four Man Team Texas Scramble” golf tournament.

On Saturday, events include the release of the baby sea turtles and two surfing competitions. Watch local legends Tipi Jabrik and Dede Suryana face off against pros. There will also be a meet and greet with surf legends such as Mark Richards, Tom Carrol and Martin Potter.

Sunday’s highlight is the big cleanup effort of five of Bali’s most iconic beach fronts.

Although it is rewarding enough knowing that you are contributing to the preservation of Bali’s idyllic scenery, seeing some surfing or baby turtles can’t hurt.