Bali's iconic padi fields at risk of extinction from climate change

Subak system tops list of Unesco sites that could be wiped out by 2050: Study

- Linda Yulisman

In the heart of Bali, where yellow-green padi terraces ripple across the landscape like waves, ancient subak rice fields bear witness to the island's rich cultural heritage. These intricate, community-led irrigation systems have nourished both the land and its people, a symbol of the delicate balance between nature and tradition.

But as the shadow of climate change looms larger with each passing year, this harmonious relationship is under threat. Experts warn that by 2050, the picturesque subak rice fields could face extinction, leaving the island's landscape and way of life irrevocably altered.

But such a scenario can be avoided with countermeasures, they add.

Indonesia's subak system in Bali tops a list of 50 Unesco World Heritage sites at risk of extinction by 2050 due to climate change, according to a study by Climate X.

Bali's subak is vulnerable to surface flooding, extreme heat and drought, noted the study that was released in August.

"Our findings serve as a stark warning for governments, preservationists and the global community to prioritise the safeguarding of our planet to preserve our ancient monuments and our current assets and infrastructure - and to protect life today and into the future," said Climate X's chief executive Lukky Ahmed.

Subak is a thousand-year-old system that ensures fair water disor tribution to all farmers within a specific community. The water, sourced from lakes, rivers springs, is channelled through canals, weirs, villages and temples, wending its way downhill to irrigate subak land.

The climate risk analytics firm looked at 500 sites and identified the 50 most at risk due to climate change. Other Indonesian World Heritage sites facing extinction risks by 2050 include the Ombilin coal mine in West Sumatra and Komodo National Park - home to the world's largest living lizards in in East Nusa Tenggara.