The Aquaculture Student Association, under the Department of Social Affairs and Community Service, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, successfully held the “Social Camping (SOSCAMP)” program on June 28–29, 2025, at Jung Koneng Mangrove Park, Bangkalan. This initiative aimed to raise students’ awareness of environmental issues, particularly those affecting coastal areas rich in biodiversity. With the theme of mangrove conservation and soft-shell crab cultivation, the event sought to deepen participants’ understanding of the crucial role coastal ecosystems play in supporting human and environmental well-being.
Over two days and one night, participants engaged in a variety of educational and hands-on activities. The program began with a workshop on soft-shell crab farming led by Mr. Syahril, a local community leader of Jung Koneng Beach. In the afternoon, students took part in mangrove planting and monitoring activities to check the growth of mangrove trees previously planted by HIMAKUA members in earlier years. The evening session featured a guest lecture by Mrs. Ayu Lana Nafisyah, S.Pi., M.Sc., who shared insights into mangrove ecology and explained how these coastal trees serve as vital protectors of the marine environment. To ensure comprehension, participants completed a short post-test assessing their understanding of the material presented during the lecture.
As the night continued, the atmosphere became livelier with a “bonding night” featuring fish grilling and social gatherings between students from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts. This activity was designed to strengthen camaraderie and teamwork among students while fostering a sense of shared responsibility toward environmental stewardship. The evening concluded with stories, laughter, and shared meals, leaving participants with a lasting sense of togetherness and community spirit. Through this interactive and educational approach, SOSCAMP aimed not only to enhance knowledge but also to inspire young people to become proactive agents in preserving coastal environments for future generations.
The second day of SOSCAMP began energetically with a morning exercise session followed by an entertaining balloon relay game that encouraged teamwork and enthusiasm. The morning continued with a collaborative beach cleanup, where participants collected waste and debris that threatened the local ecosystem. This activity promoted environmental consciousness while directly contributing to a cleaner and healthier coastline. The program concluded with a communal breakfast, where participants shared experiences and reflections on their time together. By combining fun, learning, and community service, SOSCAMP 2025 successfully instilled environmental awareness, social responsibility, and a strong sense of unity among UNAIR students. The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences continues to support initiatives like SOSCAMP as part of its commitment to academic excellence, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment in line with Universitas Airlangga’s vision of contributing “Excellence with Morality.
