Environmental Impact Assessment in Coastal Tourism Development: Evaluating Community Participation in Tourism Licensing Decisions in Bali

Abstract

Coastal tourism development in Bali has generated significant investment while placing increasing pressure on coastal ecosystems and communities dependent on coastal resources. Environmental impact assessment is intended to prevent or mitigate environmental harm, yet questions remain concerning whether affected communities are meaningfully involved in tourism development decisions. This article examines community participation in environmental impact assessment and tourism licensing for coastal development projects in Bali. Using normative juridical and policy analysis, the study evaluates environmental law, tourism licensing, public participation requirements, and administrative decision-making. The article argues that procedural participation should occur before critical licensing decisions are finalized and should provide communities with sufficient information to assess potential environmental and livelihood impacts. Consultation mechanisms that merely inform communities without allowing meaningful influence may fail to satisfy substantive principles of environmental justice. The study proposes a participation framework emphasizing early disclosure, accessible environmental information, independent community assistance, documented responses to public objections, and effective administrative review. Such safeguards would improve both the legitimacy and quality of coastal tourism decisions. The article concludes that environmental impact assessment should function not merely as a technical environmental instrument but also as a mechanism for protecting community interests in tourism development. Strengthening participatory procedures is therefore essential to achieving environmental justice in Bali's coastal tourism sector.