Bali To Launch Pilot Project In WCH Area

Denpasar, Bali, Oct 16 (ANTARA) - The Bali provincial government has announced plans for a pilot project that can help increase the income of farmers practising the traditional Subak system, which has been recognised by the UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage (WCH). "The pilot project will be implemented in 2013," said I Ketut Suastika, the Head of Culture Department of Bali province, here on Tuesday. The government discussed funding for the pilot project during a Regional Budget (APBD) meeting with the Commission IV of Regional Parliament (DPRD) of Bali, he added. "The pilot project will pave the way for other measures that need to be taken," Suastika stated. UNESCO declared the agricultural areas of Jatiluwih Catur Angga Batukaru (in Tabanan district), Pura Taman Ayun (Badung district), Pakerisan watershed (Gianyar) and Pura Ulundanu Batur (Bangli) as WBD sites in June. "With the international recognition, some 1,000 hectares of rice fields, spread across four districts, will receive funds for their protection and maintenance so their sustainability is maintained," Suastika noted. "This is also means that these areas cannot be used for any activity other than agriculture. The residents, particularly the farmers, are very happy about this development," he added. Suastika expressed hope that the Regional Working Unit (SKPD) associated with the WBD areas would step up efforts to increase the farmers` income in order to improve their prosperity.