The new technological aspects of eco-sustainability: the Mandalika Project
Infographic by Aliska Defeour
The Mandalika Project, a government-mandated project, looking to create a new and sustainable alternative destination to Bali, has inspired some exciting new technologies for eco-sustainability. These new developments, which are looking to be implemented in Bali as well, are intended to make Lombok a sustainable tourism paradise.
The quickly developing island of Lombok is slated to become a fantastic and environmentally sustainable eco-tourism destination through the guidelines put into place by the Indonesian government. This project promises to redefine eco-tourism to bring people closer to a healthier lifestyle and one that is in tune with the natural environment.
People love to experience nature and the beauty of tropical landscapes, however, tourists often forget to explore nature in a way that does not harm the natural environment and local ecosystems.
It’s no secret that tourism is one of the largest global industries. However, to secure the environment from the negative impacts of tourism industry, eco-tourism is continuing to gain more popularity. In response to this new wave of awareness on the trend of eco-friendly tourism, there is an increasing appreciation for businesses that can provide eco-conscious services and experiences that balance the need for comfort with that of preserving the local environment.
These latest Mandalika Project initiatives are based on the idea of implementing clean and environmentally friendly technologies, providing all facilities with clean energy, while minimizing waste and granting a fair use of natural resources.
Eco-tourism at its finest: Here is a list of the newest technologies that will come to life as a part of the Mandalika Project.
Solar Farms: Under 'ITDC's master-plan, the local solar power plant will utilize the land under the solar panels as a greenhouse to grow crops organically. The company will develop the solar power plant in stages and expects to reach full completion by the end of 2019.
Electric Train: In order to support the vision of the Kuta Mandalika development, an internal transportation system is to be designed in synergy with the concept of eco-sustainability. The electric train has been chosen as the most efficient alternative for an eco-friendly means of transportation throughout the entire area of development.
Cable car: In order to provide tourists with the opportunity to embrace the local environment, there will be a cable car for public recreational transport. Connecting the hills at the north of the complex, it will stretch 4km and allow visitors to enjoy 360° views of Mandalika.
Innovative water treatments: Dubbed as "Mandalika Eco-Water”, this infrastructure project comes with the goal of providing clean water to satisfy the needs of the hotels and hospitality facilities. The construction project is directly guarded by PT ITDC together with EBD Bauer, one of the US companies that has experience in processing seawater into a clean and drinkable end product. The success of building the seawater treatment plants in Dhahran and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Philippines, and Turkey, is the main reason for the ITDC’s decision to partner with Bauer EBD as joint venture to bring a sustainable supply of clean water to Lombok.
SWRO plants: Solar cell energy and hybrid technology usage have also been integrated into the project. The power plant, which occupies up to 50ha of land, will help supply half of the power demand, projected to reach 110 megawatts by 2025.
Tidal energy system: UK-based marine renewable energy developer SBS has submitted a preliminary grid extension feasibility study for Lombok to Indonesia’s state-owned electrical utility as part of Nautilus tidal energy project development. The first project is expected to eventually deliver 150MW from tidal-stream resources in the Lombok Strait.
Additionally, the Mandalika development project is allocating more than 51% of the area as “green space” to conserve a pure and natural environment for the local community as well as to preserve both fauna and flora biodiversity on the island. Only low impact activities will be offered in the area like hiking and cycling in order to keep the promise of it own sustainability goals. Although, Kuta Lombok visitors will still be able to access and experience a wide range of different natural habitats nested in some pristine areas of the island.
For now, Bali is still the superstar destination of Indonesia, but it is predicted that Lombok will bring a good degree of novelty to the Indonesian tourism industry. Lombok is considered a major priority of the government and is a key destination among the “10 new Balis project”. The actual level of success of the project will directly rely on the implementation of these new eco-friendly technologies and initiatives, which will be further replicated throughout other destinations for the same result: to create a haven for sustainable tourism.
Are you involved in a sustainable project located in a coastal area and are looking for partners or advice, set up a call with one of our consultants here to see if we can work together.