I Gusti Agung Prana nominated for prestigious UNEP Sasakawa Award

Indonesia-Balinese conservationist and eco-tourism expert I Gusti Agung Prana was nominated to the United Nations Environment Programme for its prestigious Sasakawa Environment Prize. The annual prize honours individuals who have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to the management and protection of the environment. Nominations for this year's awards closed April 30, 2003.

Prana, a travel agency and hotel owner, is the driving force behind the globally recognized, community-based Karang Lestari Coral Conservation Foundation in Pemuteran, North Bali.The nomination recognized Prana for his remarkable capabilities in advancing environmental awareness and promoting understanding between international scientists, conservationists, business owners, fishermen and community leaders.

With grass roots funding and donations, the Karang Lestari project began in June 2000, using the simple, sustainable technology to cultivate and increase coral growth rates, increasing reef fish density and providing a suitable marine life habitat for regeneration. Fish habitats are deployed in North Bali fishing grounds to improve economic life, while coral regeneration facilities improve the near shore marine ecosystem, making it an ecotourism attraction and thus improving another dimension of the local economy. The community-based and supported project has converted fishermen into protectors, caretakers and advocates for their natural marine environment.

The Sasakawa Award nomination was made by Dana A. Kartakusuma, Director of the Bureau for Planning and International Cooperation for the Indonesian Ministry of Environment. Supporting referees for the nomination include Dr. Ketut sugama, Director of the Research Center for Aquaculture under the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries; Dr. Thomas J. Goreau, President of the Global Coral Reef Alliance; and Ian Buchanan, Chairman of Booz Allen Hamilton.

Supporting documents were provided by Indonesian Minister of Culture & Tourism I Gede Ardika; Indonesian Ministry of Culture & Tourism Director of Bilateral and Regional Cooperation I Gusti Putu Laksaguna; and President of Sun & Sea non-profit corporation Professor Wolf Hilbertz.

"Far more significant than the words that describe the eligibility criteria for the Prize is the larger idea that lies behind it," said UNEP Executive Director Klaus Toepfer, who visited the North Bali conservation site I n July 2002. "At its core is the recognition that those honored with this Prize represent a quest for excellence and a unique commitment to a contract with humanity. The laureates display these qualities to an uncommon degree," he added.

Among recent Prize winners:

2002: Development Alternatives group founder Dr. Ashok Khosla in 2002

2001: Huey D Johnson, founder of the Green Belt Movement International and Resource Renewal Institute

2000: Dr. Michel Batisse, Organizer of the Man & the Biosphere conference in Paris in 1968, a groundbreaking environmental event

1999: Nobel Chemistry Prize Winner Professor Mario Molina

1998: Ian Bruce Carrick Keirnan, creator of the Clean Up the World Campaign,

1997: CNN Earth Matters creator Barbara Pyle

Text Summary of Sasakawa Award Nomination

IG AGUNG PRANA

"Agung Prana has remarkable ability to span several worlds, combining the best of them. A traditional Balinese leader, he is listened to with care and respect. As a cosmopolitan world citizen, he seeks to adapt the best of modern science and environmental management to Balinese needs. As an ecotourism pioneer, he reaches a global community of travelers. This unique combination has made him extraordinarily effective in spearheading new approaches to environmental management, both on land and in the sea, applying them to make Bali, Indonesia, a better place for Balinese and visitors alike.

As a young man, Prana was a tour guide for the largest national tour company. During those early years he came to understand the need for education and understanding to protect the environment from the ever-increasing degradation as increasing numbers came to enjoy the beautiful island. Economic dependency on tourism required controls to prevent spoilage of Bali's natural beauty. This issue was little understood and unregulated by authorities.

Prana continued his career in the manufacturing sector, but these early lessons were never far from his mind. In the early 1990s he pioneered eco- tourism in Bali's undeveloped northwest, one of the island's poorest areas. He began working with local leaders, using the strong social institutions existing in all Balinese communities to educate and promote environmental concern. From village meetings-where all things are discussed among every society member-to incorporating environmental themes into ancient Balinese dancing drama, so every community member could understand the importance of taking ownership of their own natural resources, Prana was there to influence.

Over the years, he pioneered basic systems that led to education and empowerment, encouraging public participation in community-based environmental protection programs. To support these efforts he established direct income streams from tourism back into the community. He coordinated support between the community and relevant government ministries and departments, and invited international experts and scientists to contribute their knowledge to improve natural resources and the community.

Today, Prana is an active director on the Bali Tourism Board, Indonesian Association of Travel Agents chapter in Bali and Bali Tourist Attractions and Destinations Board, in charge of environmental concerns and cultural heritage sites. He is an culture and eco-tourism expert advisor to Bali's capital city and regency. 

Prana founded "Karang Lestari Reef Restoration Foundation" in Pemuteran Northwest Bali. He played an integral role in creating the now-famous community marine patrol to end destructive fishing practices, the first of its kind in Indonesia. Such community-based marine restoration and protection projects have won national and international awards, including the Best 2002 Marine Coastal Program in Indonesia from the Indonesia government and Best 2002 Underwater Eco-tourism Project in the world from Skal International, the world's largest professional tourism organization. 

Pemuteran's coral reef restoration project is the largest of its kind in the world. The imperative to transform fishing communities from hunters to farmers is realized. This was achieved without major funding, but through Prana's leadership and voluntary commitment of people and scientists. This success brought attention, visits and full support from Indonesian and ASEAN ministers of tourism, environment, fisheries and marine affairs. Pemuteran village now is a government pilot project, serving as a environmental showcase for Indonesian communities.

These active programs are Prana's living legacy of environmental protection, now being studied throughout Indonesia. The influence of this success is an effective grass root plan for worldwide communities experiencing similar problems."