T

he launch of Nyambu Village as an ecotourism destination has started to favor local residents, including executives of the community- and environment-based program.

Niluh Dewi Darmini, 22, a graduate of senior high school who joined the ecotourism management program, for instance, said the training program had allowed her to broaden her horizons, boosting her confidence in her options for working in village tourism.

She no longer sees working in the tourist industry as limited to hotels in Denpasar or other cities, as many of her peers do.

“When the ecotourism in my village develops, I will try to persuade my friends working in tourism in the city to return to the village to work here. If they can get an income here, the amount of which is comparable to what they receive in the city, why shouldn’t they work here?” said the DWE Nyambu manager of finance.

I Nyoman Wijaya, a painter who is currently also a manager of product development under the DWE Nyambu initiative, said that since the program was introduced, demand for painting workshops had increased significantly.

“A painting course is included on the program, which is great for me,” said Nyoman, who runs a relatively new homestay next to his studio.

Satya, 34, a director of the Nyambu DWE, said that local people had been made more aware of the need to keep the environment clean as an impact of the ecotourism program. “In the past I disposed of garbage anywhere, but now I dispose of it in the proper place,” said Satya, who runs a welding workshop.

Based on feedback from visitors during the three-month-long trial period, “we learned the importance of keeping environment clean”.

Satya also works as a guide, though he prefers to be called a krama (a friend of visitors).

He acknowledged that in the past he had no self-confidence, especially when speaking before the audience but “the training program for guides that I took part in changed my life. I now feel highly confident when speaking before guests”.

Aside from the increased awareness about ecotourism among local people, DWE Nyambu has also stimulated artistic and cultural activities, such as painting workshops and arts performances.

“The existing traditional Balinese dance and music groups have increased the frequency of their rehearsals because of an increased request for shows,” said local village head Ida Bagus Putu Sunarbawa.

Niluh Putu Kristina Yanti, 17, a dancer, said with a smile that prior to the program, she danced once a week when there was an event but now, “I am invited to dance almost every day.” (JP)