Enviro News Asia, Padang — Padang State University (Universitas Negeri Padang/UNP) has strengthened efforts to protect coastal ecosystems in West Sumatra through mangrove planting and a coastal cleanup campaign at Setan Island in the Mandeh tourism area, Pesisir Selatan Regency.
The environmental initiative was conducted on August 2, 2026, as part of a community engagement program led by UNP. The activity brought together local environmental authorities, the Koto XI Tarusan sub-district administration, village-owned enterprises, tourism awareness groups, youth communities, local residents, and visitors.
Participants planted mangrove seedlings and collected plastic waste along the shoreline. The activities were designed not only to improve coastal environmental conditions but also to raise awareness among local communities and tourists about the importance of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
Several UNP academics and students participated in the initiative, including professors from environmental and related disciplines, PMDSU students, and doctoral students from the university’s Environmental Science program.
Setan Island was selected because its coastal ecosystem plays an important role in protecting shorelines from erosion and abrasion. Mangrove vegetation also contributes to maintaining ecological functions and supporting the balance between coastal and marine ecosystems.
The coastal cleanup focused particularly on plastic waste, which can enter marine ecosystems, threaten coastal organisms, and reduce the environmental quality and attractiveness of tourism destinations.
UNP said the initiative is intended to go beyond a one-time planting and cleanup campaign. The university hopes to encourage local communities and tourism managers to take a more active role in maintaining the area over the long term.
The initiative also reflects the role of higher education institutions in addressing environmental challenges through community-based education and practical solutions. By combining ecosystem restoration, waste reduction, and public awareness, the program aims to support both environmental protection and sustainable tourism development in the Mandeh area.
UNP said the activities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 14 on Life Below Water, through mangrove restoration, plastic waste reduction, and coastal ecosystem protection. (*)
