HeroGreen is one of the work programs from the Social and Environmental Department within the Environmental Division of BEM FST UNAIR. HeroGreen focuses on addressing environmental issues through green initiatives, particularly through reforestation. The goal of this action is to raise awareness and encourage concern among students about environmental issues.
BEM FST UNAIR students collaborated with the environmental community, Earth Hour Surabaya. Earth Hour Surabaya is an organization with a vision to bring about positive change for the planet. The HeroGreen activity was attended by environmental ambassadors, ambassadors for flora and fauna, Eco-Tourism ambassadors, and the Cak Ning Surabaya, who all participated in the success of this event.
This activity was conducted as a part of the celebration of World Environment Day, which falls on June 5. The HeroGreen action was implemented through the planting of 100 mangrove seedlings at the Wonorejo Mangrove Eco-Tourism, Surabaya, on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Coastal environmental damage has become an increasingly serious and pressing issue, requiring immediate attention. Several factors contribute to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, including natural factors like climate change, abrasion, and water pollution caused by human activities. Coastal abrasion occurs when sand from a beach area is extracted, which over time forms depressions that trigger the migration of sand to these depressions, ultimately leading to beach erosion (Ongkosongo, 2004).
Mangrove planting is a key strategy in preventing coastal abrasion. Mangroves play a comprehensive role, offering ecological, economic, and social benefits. They provide biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and serve as habitats for various marine species (Mudmainah, 2015). Mangrove trees, in particular, protect coastal areas vulnerable to erosion.
Before the action was carried out, the Eco-Tourism guide provided a briefing to educate volunteers on the mangrove planting process. The seedlings used in the planting action belong to the Rhizophora genus, which will replace the Avicennia genus of mangroves after 15-20 years, once they mature and eventually fall. The mangrove planting process is relatively simple. First, volunteers look for sticks planted in muddy soil as markers, indicating where planting holes have already been prepared. Second, the mangrove seedlings are placed in the mud hole, ensuring the polybag is no longer visible. It is important not to remove the polybag from around the root system as this could damage the plant’s roots, preventing the mangrove from thriving. After planting, the seedling’s stem is tied to the stick with raffia rope to ensure it doesn’t fall over. This rope is removed after one year, once the seedling is firmly rooted. A total of 100 mangrove seedlings were successfully planted.
“We greatly appreciate the contributions made by those who participated in the HeroGreen activity. Honestly, this action is not only a step to restore the critical mangrove ecosystem but also a responsibility to maintain the environmental balance. We hope that the mangrove forest planted in Wonorejo will once again play a key role in protecting the coast, marine life, and become a green legacy for future generations,” said the person in charge.
References :
Mudmainah, V. (2015). Kerentanan Ekosistem Mangrove terhadap Ancaman Gelombang Ektrim/Abrasi Di Kawasan Konservasi Pulau Dua Banten. Bioedukasi. 8(2)
Ongkosongo, Otto S. (2004). Degradasi Lingkungan Pesisir. Prosiding Hasil Workshop : Deteksi, Mitigasi dan Pencegahan Degradasi Lingkungan Pesisir dan Laut di Indonesia. IndoRepro, P2O LIPI dan P3 TISDA BPPT. ISBN 979- 98828-0-X.
