Ecotourism Led by Communities.
Not Just Promoted for Them.

The journey of JED began with a simple but powerful process: listening to the land and the people who live on it.

In 1999, the Wisnu Foundation worked together with several Balinese communities — Nusa Ceningan Island, Banjar Lawak in Beloksidan Village, Banjar Kiadan in Pelaga Village, Banjar Dukuh in Sibetan Village, and the traditional village of Tenganan Pegringsingan — to conduct participatory mapping of their territories.

Using simple tools and deep local knowledge, villagers spent nearly a year mapping their landscapes: forests, farms, water sources, sacred sites, and cultural spaces. This process was not just about drawing maps — it was about reclaiming understanding and collective stewardship of their own resources.

The participatory maps became more than documentation. They became the foundation for village spatial planning and future development.

As communities discussed how to protect their landscapes while creating sustainable livelihoods, an idea began to emerge:
What if villages could collaborate to build a shared economic network based on their cultural and ecological strengths?

During a strategic village meeting held in Banjar Kiadan, Pelaga, the concept of a village-based ecotourism network was born.

Communities began participating in tourism capacity-building programs — learning guiding skills, hospitality, environmental interpretation, and organizational management.

That same year, the communities agreed to establish a network that would later be known as JED – Jaringan Ekowisata Desa (Village Ecotourism Network).

Four founding members formed the network:

• Banjar Kiadan, Pelaga
• Banjar Dukuh, Sibetan
• Tenganan Pegringsingan
• Nusa Ceningan

Administrative support was provided by the Wisnu Foundation.

In its early days, JED operated with modest resources contributed directly by its member communities. The network experimented with several economic initiatives, including the distribution of staple goods such as rice, coffee, and seaweed.

Ecotourism was initially a complementary activity — but it soon revealed its potential.

On June 4, 2002, JED was officially launched by I Gede Ardika, the Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, who recognized JED as a pioneering model of community-based tourism in Indonesia.

From this moment, JED became a living example of how villages could collaborate to shape tourism on their own terms.

A major setback occurred when the cooperative staple-goods business suffered financial issues.

Rather than weakening the network, the experience strengthened the communities’ resolve. Members collectively decided to refocus their efforts on what truly aligned with their vision: community-based ecotourism services. This decision marked a turning point that shaped the future direction of JED.

The conservation group Kurma Asih from Perancak joined the JED network, bringing extensive experience in coastal ecosystem conservation and community engagement. Their participation marked an important step in JED’s expansion beyond its founding villages, strengthening the network’s commitment to environmental conservation across diverse landscapes in Bali.

Kurma Asih, which means “Turtle Lovers,” is a  community group whose members transformed from former turtle poachers into dedicated conservationists. Today, they are among the strongest advocates for protecting some of Indonesia’s most endangered sea turtle species. Their efforts help ensure that sea turtles can safely come ashore to lay their eggs, that hatchlings have a greater chance of reaching the ocean, and that future generations can continue to witness these iconic marine animals in the wild. Through conservation, education, and community involvement, Kurma Asih demonstrates how local people can become powerful guardians of nature.

The community-based ecotourism management group from Nyambu Village joined JED, bringing new initiatives in sustainable village tourism and environmental education.

Nyambu has since become an important example of how a village can integrate ecotourism with community learning spaces through the Nyambu Sustainability Hub and a range of sustainability programs. Led largely by women community members, many of whom are homemakers, the initiative demonstrates that women can play a central role in tourism, actively introduce their village to visitors, and take pride in the local culture, knowledge, and natural resources they help protect.

The Indigenous community of Adat Dalem Tamblingan in Buleleng (representing four traditional villages) joined the JED network, bringing their deep cultural and spiritual connection to the sacred Alas Mertajati Forest and Lake Tamblingan.

Their participation strengthened JED’s commitment to protecting living landscapes where culture, spirituality, and nature are inseparable. Through JED, the community seeks to share their conservation movement with visitors, raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding the sacred forest and lake ecosystem, and support ongoing efforts to reclaim and restore these ancestral lands. As one of Bali’s most important freshwater ecosystems, the Tamblingan watershed plays a vital role in supporting water resources across the island, making its protection essential for both local communities and future generations.

As Nusa Penida faces increasing tourism pressure and the challenges of overtourism, both community groups have chosen a different path, prioritizing meaningful, educational, and community-centered tourism experiences over short mass-market visits. Their approach encourages visitors to engage more deeply with local culture, livelihoods, and the island’s natural environment.

Nusa Penida is home to distinctive ecosystems, dramatic coastal landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. The island is also known for its Cepuk weaving tradition, one of Bali’s oldest textile arts, which survives in only a handful of villages today. Through ecotourism, the communities of Ped and Tanglad are working to preserve these cultural treasures while creating sustainable opportunities for local people.

The Kayoman Water Conservation Group from Pedawa became the newest member of JED, bringing a strong focus on environmental stewardship and the preservation of Bali Aga cultural heritage. Their work is centered on protecting and restoring mountain water sources that are vital to the village’s future and the wider ecosystem of northern Bali.

Led by passionate young conservationists, the group regularly organizes environmental education, literacy, and conservation programs that inspire younger generations to value their unique Pedawa identity and traditions. Through activities such as water spring restoration, tree planting, community learning, and cultural engagement, Kayoman is nurturing a new generation of environmental guardians committed to protecting both their cultural heritage and natural resources for the benefit of future generations and Bali as a whole.

What began as a participatory mapping initiative has grown into a collaborative network of villages across Bali.

Today, JED connects communities who share a common commitment:

• protecting nature
• preserving cultural heritage
• strengthening local economies
• and ensuring tourism remains in the hands of the people who call these places home.