Foreword of The Natural Guide to Bali

"Ecotourism in Indonesia can become a key tool to improve the people’s welfare and contribute to ecological protection. In fact, ecotourism has already succeeded in turning communities away from destructive environmental practices and move them towards conservation in several in places in Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ecotourism Network (Indecon) welcomes the publication of The Natural Guide. We believe that this book will benefit the tourists and local communities alike – as well as the various groups that are involved in ecotourism and community-based tourism.

The Natural Guide is contributing to an important aspect of the development of ecotourism. Our experience at Indecon has taught us that marketing and promotion are among the biggest obstacles to the development of community-based tourism. For this reason, the publication of The Natural Guide is in line with our vision of ecotourism development in Indonesia. Besides helping the people by increasing the inflow of visitors, this book also provides education both for the tourists and the local people, while supporting environmental conservation efforts." Ary Suhandi, Executive Director, The Indonesian Ecotourism Network