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Designer, activist, academic,
and author of Lo—TEK,
Design by Radical Indigenism.
A leading expert of Lo—TEK nature-based technologies for climate-resilience.
Her eponymously named studio brings creative and conceptual, interdisciplinary thinking to urban projects and corporate clients interested in systemic and sustainable change. Julia regularly teaches urban design at Harvard and Columbia University.
Bali UNESCO World Heritage Biocultural Conservation and Tourism Management Plan
Date: 2013 - 2014
Location: Bali, ID
Project Team: Julia Watson + Dr. J. Steven Lansing + The Christensen Fund in association with The Samdhana Institute
Client: Ministry of Culture and Education
Julia Watson led the proposal for Bali’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, which offered comprehensive guidelines to achieve the conservation goals established in the site’s nomination of sixteen thousand hectares of sacred rice terraces and water temples.
The Pintu Gerbang Tanah Suci (Gateway to Sacred Lands): A New Model for World Heritage Conservation, is a comprehensive Tourism Management and Conservation Plan designed by Julia in collaboration with Dr. J. Steven Lansing. Commissioned by Indonesia’s Ministry for Culture and Education, this plan addresses the preservation and celebration of the cultural and biological diversity found in five unique sites in Bali, including 16,000 hectares of sacred rice terraces and water temples, nominated for Bali’s first UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The plan introduces innovative governance systems and eco-technologies, creating a sustainable framework for community-led conservation. The design concept reimagines the World Heritage visitor experience by integrating interpretive walks, scenic lookouts, and upgraded museum exhibits. These elements allow visitors to deeply connect with the sacred landscape and its cultural significance. The plan also emphasizes the importance of sustainable local development, incorporating eco-entrepreneurial pilot projects funded by tourism. These initiatives are designed to promote economic growth within local communities, while ensuring that conservation efforts remain at the forefront.
Through this approach, the Pintu Gerbang Tanah Suci plan not only aims to safeguard Bali’s rich heritage but also to create a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors. By intertwining conservation with tourism and local entrepreneurship, it offers a holistic vision for the future of World Heritage management, balancing preservation with innovation, community involvement, and sustainable economic development.
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