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Denpasar. The United Nations World Tourism Organization has selected Bali for a pilot project to develop environmentally friendly tourism.

Geoffrey Lipman, the UNWTO assistant secretary general, said Bali had been chosen because of its local wisdom regarding the balance between mankind, nature and spirituality.

“That wisdom is alive and well and is still deeply held to this day,” Lipman said during a presentation at the office of the Bali governor in Denpasar last week.

The question now, he said, was how to apply this wisdom to meet actual challenges such as climate change that could damage the environment.

Although the natural environment in Bali was relatively well preserved thanks to the intimate relationship between its people and nature, it was still at risk, especially without proper planning, he said.

Lipman said his agency would work to assist Bali in meeting these challenges.

Initially, UNWTO would analyze Bali’s problems and needs, including such issues as alternative energy sources and natural conservation.

It would also try to help Bali secure financial support from international donors such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, he said.

Lipman added that it was necessary to implement the green tourism concept as part of a green economy.

“The concept encompasses reduction of carbon dioxide production, environmentally friendly investment, the use of alternative energy, preservation of biodiversity and other issues,” he said.

Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika expressed hope that the nomination would strengthen the island’s reputation as an environmentally friendly tourist destination. He said he hoped tourists who visited Bali would be those who appreciated the preservation of the natural environment and culture.

Pastika said the nomination challenged all Balinese to reconsider nature and its preservation.