Trump hotel in Bali could help suck island dry
BALI, INDONESIA — A project to develop a Trump hotel in Bali could threaten the island's water supply.
On August 14, 2015, then presidential candidate Donald Trump signed an agreement in collaboration with Indonesian investor Hary Tanoesoedibjo's MNC Group to develop the Trump International Hotel and Tower Bali, according the the SCMP.
The proposed "six-star" resort and 18-hole golf course are set to be built on a cliff-top site previously home to the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali, according to the SCMP.
Of particular concern is the proposed development's environmental impact on the water supply.
According the NPR, Audubon International estimates the average American golf course requires about 312,000 gallons of water a day.
According to Deutsche Welle, over half of Bali's groundwater is used by the island's tourism industry. The industry's water demands are putting Bali's rice terraces and subak irrigation system at risk.
Deep borewells drilled by hotels and villa-based resorts have led to saltwater leaking into and contaminating groundwater.
According to Vice, the tourism industry has caused as many as 260 of Bali's 400-plus rivers to dry up.
If the Trump development is completed as planned, it would be the largest resort on the island.
On August 14, 2015, then presidential candidate Donald Trump signed an agreement in collaboration with Indonesian investor Hary Tanoesoedibjo's MNC Group to develop the Trump International Hotel and Tower Bali, according the the SCMP.
The proposed "six-star" resort and 18-hole golf course are set to be built on a cliff-top site previously home to the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali, according to the SCMP.
Of particular concern is the proposed development's environmental impact on the water supply.
According the NPR, Audubon International estimates the average American golf course requires about 312,000 gallons of water a day.
According to Deutsche Welle, over half of Bali's groundwater is used by the island's tourism industry. The industry's water demands are putting Bali's rice terraces and subak irrigation system at risk.
Deep borewells drilled by hotels and villa-based resorts have led to saltwater leaking into and contaminating groundwater.
According to Vice, the tourism industry has caused as many as 260 of Bali's 400-plus rivers to dry up.
If the Trump development is completed as planned, it would be the largest resort on the island.