Learning from the Subak World Heritage Property: The Importance of Co-Creation for Water Management and Climate Adaptation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Cultural Landscape of Bali Province, a UNESCO World Heritage property in Indonesia, features ancient rice terraces and the subak irrigation system, reflecting a millennium-old harmony between humans, nature and the spiritual world. The subak landscape faces increasing challenges that threaten its sustainability. Alongside the pressure of rapidly expanding tourism, the subak system is increasingly vulnerable to water scarcity and shifting weather patterns due to climate change. This article examines the role of co-creation and local knowledge, advocating for the incorporation of community-led practices in the management of World Heritage properties. Co-creation can improve the effectiveness of management plans, align conservation goals with local communities’ adaptive practices and enhance the resilience of the subak system. The article underscores the critical need for World Heritage management plans to integrate climate adaptation strategies rooted in local knowledge, ensuring a more responsive and sustainable approach to preserving the heritage landscape.
Source: Blue Papers
Author: Diana Rahman
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416294536