Bali's iconic rice terraces, which once formed an intricate ancient water management system spanning over a millennium, are now facing severe threats.

Recent reports reveal that approximately 6,500 hectares of these historic fields have vanished due to urbanization, agricultural shifts, and climate change.

Locals, who traditionally relied on the terraces for sustenance, are now contending with dwindling water resources, forcing them to purchase water from external sources.

The article highlights how this once self-sustaining ecosystem, which supported both agriculture and biodiversity, is being eroded by modern pressures.Experts warn that without urgent conservation efforts, the cultural and environmental legacy of Bali's rice terraces could be lost forever.

The piece also draws a parallel with Singapore's successful NEWater initiative, where wastewater treatment has created a sustainable water supply, offering potential lessons for Bali's preservation challenges.