Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, a resort on Bali.

Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, a resort on Bali.
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Resort on Bali wants to help save fireflies

Buahan will launch a project to support local firefly populations in March.

This Bali resort is anything but typical: the 16 lodges of Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape have no walls, with guests invited to enjoy the unspoilt nature. Now, the resort will launch a conservatory dedicated to supporting and restoring local firefly populations, called Lentera Bumi, meaning “lantern of the earth”. The launch will coincide with Nyepi in March, known as the Day of Silence, where Balinese Caka New Year is celebrated in pure serenity for 24 hours

Fireflies play an essential role in nature´s food cycle stability and as an indicator of healthy natural ecosystems. But populations are dwindling across the globe due to habitat loss, pesticide use and pollution. The new project aims to counter these factors with inspiration from the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy that values connections between spirit, humanity, and nature. It is guided by biology experts from the University of Udayana Bali and involves a firefly breeding nursery, education of surrounding communities, as well as new organic farming practices on the resort´s onsite farm and rice field. It includes replacing commercial pesticides and agricultural chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives made with natural ingredients.

“It is a continuous process to work in harmony with nature while orchestrating collective efforts from the surrounding community to align with our own operations,” said Puspa Anggareni, Resort Manager of Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape.

A ‘Silence Day package’ is available with a minimum two-night stay in one of the lodges (called bales), including daily lunch, spa treatment, wellness and leisure activities, as well as access to an experience witnessing the release of the newly-bred fireflies back into their natural habitat during the night.

Robert Prazak
Robert Prazak
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