Wayan Wardika establishes Indonesia's first firefly conservation program in Bali

Wayan Wardika founded the organization Bring Back the Light in 2020 on his family farm in Taro, Bali, to protect native firefly species.

Rapid land development, light pollution, and the use of agricultural pesticides have caused firefly populations to vanish from the region. These insects serve as pollinators, pest controllers, and indicators of environmental health across Southeast Asia. Lead scientist Cindy Chayani and a research team manage a captive breeding program to rewild local populations.

The team nurtures larvae in custom terrariums that mimic jungle and wetland habitats for up to two years. They release approximately 90% of the adult insects back into the wild to encourage mating and egg production. This initiative has released nearly 20,000 larvae and adults to date. Wardika is also transitioning 35 neighboring farmers to chemical-free agriculture to create a pesticide-free sanctuary.

He provides organic fertilizers made from cow manure and eco-enzymes made from food waste to the farmers for free. He also reimburses these farmers for any financial losses they incur during the shift to organic methods. Wardika funds these operations through organic produce sales and firefly ecotourism.