Enviro News Asia, Meulaboh – UTU The Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universitas Teuku Umar (UTU) carried out a mangrove planting initiative around Kuala Bubon Beach in Samatiga district, West Aceh, on Sunday (6/14). The concrete action was taken to help prevent coastal abrasion, restore coastal ecosystems, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the university’s UTU Berdampak (UTU Makes an Impact) program.
Before the seedlings were planted, students first held a public awareness session at the local village hall. The event was opened by UTU supervising lecturer Dr. Kiswanto, M.Si., and continued by Saifulami, who serves as both Chairman of the Tuha Peut customary council and Panglima Laot (traditional sea commander) of Samatiga district. The activity involved cross-sector collaboration, bringing together academics, village government officials, local residents, and environmental activists in West Aceh.
During the session, students shared academic knowledge on selecting quality seedlings, proper planting techniques suited to coastal zoning, and the strategic functions of mangroves. Beyond protecting the coastline, mangrove forests also serve as habitats for marine life and as carbon sinks. The program stands as evidence of the university’s commitment to delivering real solutions to global environmental issues.
The environmental initiative received high appreciation from the village government and the Kuala Bubon community. Local fishermen even joined students directly in the tidal area to plant the seedlings. Going forward, the mangrove forest is expected to help restore the coastal ecosystem while boosting the local economy through the development of an ecotourism area.
Panglima Laot of Samatiga district, Saifulami, welcomed the students’ initiative and expressed hope that the community would maintain what had been planted together.
“Local communities are expected to act as guardians of sustainability, monitor the growth of the seedlings, and prevent the conversion of mangrove land for other uses,” Saifulami said.
Through the Community Service Department (Pengmas) of the BEM Faculty of Health Sciences, led by Telsa Amanda, the planting initiative was designed to create long-term benefits for the community’s living space. The collaborative effort aligns with SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 14 on the conservation of marine ecosystems, reflecting the broader vision of UTU Berdampak in applying academic knowledge directly within the community. (*)
