Singaraja- Mangrove areas are among the most important ecosystems in the world, especially for coastal regions. Mangroves not only serve as habitats for various flora and fauna species but also play a key role in maintaining ecological and climate balance, protecting coastlines, and supporting the livelihood of coastal communities.
Pejarakan Village, located in the Gerokgak sub-district of Buleleng, is one of the villages on Bali Island with a significant mangrove area. The village has a coastline stretching 14.23 kilometers, some of which falls within the West Bali National Park (TNBB), with mangrove forest area covering around 120 hectares. The village community in West Buleleng realized the importance of mangrove forests for their lives. This understanding has led to a deep commitment to the preservation and protection of the mangroves.
The “Love Mangrove” movement has been gaining momentum since 2004. This initiative has been kept alive and garnered increasing support from the community, resulting in a greater coastal area and an expanding mangrove forest.
The movement has grown stronger with the involvement of the environmental care communities and the Pejarakan Village Environmental Task Force, initiated by Abdul Hari. The man born on July 16, 1981, Abdul Hari, has been focusing on mangrove conservation for decades, alongside dozens of residents now part of the community. These positive steps have received significant support from both the village government and the local community.
Mangrove conservation is intended to be a legacy for future generations. Therefore, the conservation movement also involves the younger generation, even children, with educational support from several institutions, such as the Indonesia Animal Network (JSI) and the Jagat Animal Network (JAN). This approach ensures that the young generation understands conservation while adhering to the “Tri Hita Karana” philosophy.
Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) is also contributing to mangrove conservation efforts in Pejarakan Village. Hundreds of Pre-service Teacher Professional Education (PPG) students were invited to participate in mangrove planting, on Sunday, September 1, 2024. PPG Coordinator Undiksha, Drs. I Gede Nurjaya, M.Pd., explained that the activity, themed environmental awareness, is an implementation of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy promoted by Undiksha, which includes fostering harmony with the environment. This initiative also aligns with the government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the national agenda that emphasizes marine conservation. He hopes that through this mangrove planting, students or future teachers will become pioneers in environmental prevention.
The head of Pejarakan Village, represented by the head of Marga Garuda District, Gede Suardana, also expressed appreciation of Undiksha’s contribution to mangrove conservation. He expected that this collaboration would always continue.
Currently, the mangrove forest area Pejarakan Village not only serves to protect the coastal ecosystem but has also been developed as an echo-tourism site, expected to provide significant benefits to the community and the village.
In addition to mangrove planting, Undiksha’s PPG Pre-service students also visited West Bali National Park (TNBB) to learn more about the conservation of the Bali starling, a protected bird species. While at the park, the students also conducted a plastic waste clean-up. Previously Undiksha had also provided cleaning facilities at Pulaki Temple.
