In the heart of Bali, FIREFLY GARDEN is a living artwork where light returns to the night. Once abundant across rice fields, fireflies have nearly disappeared, their glow fading with pollution and urban growth. Together with a devoted team of local Balinese, Roosegaarde has created the world’s first large-scale breeding program to restore them as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

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FIREFLY GARDEN is both science and poetry — where biology becomes design, and design becomes devotion. Each spark of light is a sign of ecological balance and a vision of a future Bali where eco-tourism nurtures rather than consumes. Instead of extracting from nature, we learn to give back, creating harmony between people and the living environment. A future highlight could be an intimate dining experience for two, surrounded by glowing fireflies — a serene glimpse of Bali’s future.

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The short film Return of the Fireflies captures this journey. Shot under red light invisible to fireflies, it enters their world without disturbance, offering a rare view of their silent courtship. More than a document, it is a luminous love story and a poetic call to action — reminding us that we may be the last generation to witness this living light. The film has received international acclaim, winning multiple awards including Best Microfilm in the USA, Award Winner Short Film in Italy, and Outstanding Achievement in India, with official selections across Kyoto, Mexico, Indonesia, Sweden, the USA, and the Netherlands.

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As Daan Roosegaarde says: “Fireflies are the gatekeepers of a better future. Their return shows us how harmony between humans and nature can begin again.”