Singaraja- The environment is very important for the survival of humans and other creatures. Therefore, there need to be efforts to maintain its sustainability. This was carried out by the Student Republic Student Executive Board (BEM-REMA) of the University of Education of Ganesha (Undiksha). This student organization planted mangroves on the coast of Sumberkima Village, Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency on August 24 and 25 2021.
The student president of the Undikaha Student Republic, Kadek Andre Karisma Dewantara explained that this activity was a derivative activity and the main agenda for BEM-REMA every year. “This activity is a real form of concern for the environment. Besides that, in Undiksha’s vision, there is Tri Hita Karana. This is one form of implementation of palemahan, which is protecting the environment or nature,” he explained.
The implementation of this activity, which was also filled with beach clean-ups, was carried out in collaboration with the Sumberkima Village Government, the Sumberkima Tourism Awareness Group, the Sumberkima Bay Monitoring Community Group, and nature-loving students. “We hope that planting mangroves can make coastal ecosystems better and be able to provide benefits to villages and coastal communities,” he added.
Deputy Chancellor for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Public Relations of Undiksha, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Suastra, M.Pd., who also attended, gave his appreciation for this program because it is in accordance with Undiksha’s vision which is in harmony with nature. “So apart from carrying out activities with the community, we also care for nature, one form of which is planting mangrove trees on the beach,” he said.
The academic who has served as the Director of the Undiksha Postgraduate Program hopes that this mangrove planting can make coastal areas more sustainable and can help community empowerment. “This activity is very much supported by the traditional village and the service. This forest is also used as a place for crab cultivation which is very expensive. So this really helps to empower the community, nature is also getting better, the oxygen we receive is cleaner and healthier,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of Sumberkima Village, I Nengah Wirta, said that the preservation of mangrove forests is carried out in a sustainable manner. This was not only done with BEM-REMA Undiksha but also with other parties. Some of them also directly donated mangrove seedlings. “In this conservation, the community is always involved,” he said. (hms)
