Beautiful Indonesia and why the Balinese have become the most prolific rice growers in the archipelago! With @hidwii, @_ahmadtito, and @hendriwlsss / Ancient civilizations worldwide practiced irrigation, which has been crucial in shaping the world as we know it today. The earliest known irrigation system began in Egypt and Mesopotamia around 6000 BC. The Nile, historically considered the longest river in the world, flooded for a few months each year. The Egyptians diverted the water to the different fields so farmers could grow crops in places that otherwise would not have been available for agriculture. Terrace irrigation is also an ancient technique that was used all over the world. The Zana Valley in Peru provides an example of this technique, and the remains of irrigation canals found here date back to 4000 BC. These are the earliest systems in the Americas discovered thus far. Worldwide there are many other examples of irrigation systems, and they are still essential in many regions. Bali is a great example. The beautiful rice fields in Bali and their irrigation systems are one of the main tourist attractions here, but they are much more than that. For the Balinese, irrigation is not simply providing water for the plant’s roots. Water is part of a complex, pulsed artificial ecosystem. Are you familiar with the term ‘Subak’? Developed in the 9th century, Subak is the water management system for the paddy fields in Bali. The water management is under the authority of the priests in water temples, who practice the traditional Tri Hita Karana Philosophy. The literal translation is roughly the “three reasons for prosperity.” And these include harmony with God, among people, and with nature. Born of the cultural exchange between Bali and India over the past 2000 years, it is interesting to see how the harmony between such elements has shaped the landscape of Bali and ultimately enabled the Balinese to become the most prolific rice growers in the archipelago despite the challenge of supporting a dense population. What would happen if other water management systems worldwide followed this same philosophy? 🌳