BHA Partners with Sungai Watch to Combat Plastic Pollution

The Bali Hotels Association (BHA) reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability by continuing its support for Sungai Watch in the fight against plastic pollution. BHA has played a crucial role in the installation of a new trash barrier at a river on Jl Pendawa Kekeran, Mengwi, Badung, further strengthening efforts to protect Bali’s waterways.

BHA members and the BHA Head of Sustainability joined the Sungai Watch team at the installation launch. This strategic location was selected due to the presence of numerous open dumps downstream, which contribute significantly to plastic waste flowing into Bali’s rivers and oceans.

Co-founder of Sungai Watch Gary Bencheghib underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. “We’re destroying the planet at such a rate that in order to solve plastic pollution, we need to go a million percent and give it our everything,” he said.

BHA Board Member for Sustainability John T. G. Nielsen highlights the importance of industry collaboration. “Protecting Bali’s environment is now a top priority for everyone, especially in the tourism sector. We are grateful for the support of BHA members and the extraordinary efforts of Sungai Watch to help safeguard Bali’s natural beauty,” he said.

The launch of this second barrier in partnership with Sungai Watch is a key milestone in BHA’s comprehensive sustainability vision. Through this initiative, BHA continues to lead efforts in reducing single-use plastics across its member hotels and educating employees on the importance of minimizing plastic use both at work and at home.

BHA Members Present at the Launch, Desa Potato Head , Fivelements Retreat Bali, Grand Mercure Bali Seminyak, Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu , Viceroy Bali and WakaGangga.

Looking ahead, BHA remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving Bali’s unique heritage and promoting responsible tourism practices. In 2025, the association will continue to foster collaboration among its members and drive impactful sustainability initiatives that benefit both the environment and the local community.

BHA Chairman Franklyn Kocek affirms this vision that The association will focus on strengthening partnerships, driving innovation, and enhancing Bali’s reputation as a world-class destination. Embodying this mission, BHA has introduced its new slogan for 2025 “Hospitality with Purpose” a commitment to ensuring that every guest experience aligns with Bali’s cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability goals. BHA remains a trusted voice in the hospitality industry, leading the charge for meaningful change in sustainable tourism.