The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable marine and fisheries development through active participation in a mangrove planting initiative organized by WWF Indonesia. Conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM, the activity took place in the coastal areas of Kepetingan Village, Pucukan Village, and Segoro Tambak Village in Sidoarjo Regency. This initiative brought together various stakeholders in a collaborative effort to plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings, marking a strategic contribution to coastal ecosystem preservation. FPK UNAIR’s involvement reflects its ongoing dedication to integrating academic expertise with real-world environmental action, while strengthening partnerships that support sustainable development in coastal and marine sectors.
The mangrove planting program forms part of a larger initiative titled “Advancing Inclusive Blue Economies through Sustainable Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Habitat Protection in Indonesia,” led by WWF Indonesia with financial support from the COAST Facility for the 2025–2028 period. This program is designed to enhance small-scale fisheries and sustainable aquaculture while promoting the protection and restoration of coastal habitats as a foundation for inclusive blue economic growth. A key feature of the initiative is its emphasis on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), ensuring that diverse community groups are equitably involved in the development process. By embedding inclusivity into environmental action, the program demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates ecological, social, and economic dimensions.
The activity engaged approximately 30 participants representing a wide range of stakeholders, including the East Java Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, the Sidoarjo Regency Fisheries Office, fisheries extension officers, and academics from several higher education institutions such as Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Sidoarjo Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic, and Universitas Airlangga. Community participation was also significant, with local monitoring groups such as Pokmaswas Segoro Tambak and Pokmaswas Ketingan Jaya actively involved alongside village authorities. This diverse participation highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and demonstrates how collective action can enhance the effectiveness of conservation initiatives.
The series of activities began with on-site technical coordination, followed by the collaborative planting of mangrove seedlings in designated coastal zones. Mangroves play a critical ecological role, serving as natural barriers against coastal erosion, enhancing habitat quality for marine organisms, and contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. Beyond its ecological benefits, the activity also functioned as an educational platform, raising awareness among participants about the importance of mangrove ecosystems in maintaining coastal balance. By combining practical engagement with knowledge sharing, the program successfully fostered environmental awareness and encouraged long-term stewardship among participants.
FPK UNAIR’s participation in this initiative underscores the significant role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development goals. The activity aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action) through climate mitigation efforts, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Additionally, the inclusive approach adopted in the program reinforces the importance of social equity in sustainability initiatives, ensuring that environmental efforts are accessible and beneficial to all segments of society.
Through its involvement in the mangrove planting initiative, FPK UNAIR not only contributes to environmental conservation but also strengthens its role as a solution-oriented academic institution that prioritizes societal impact. This activity is expected to serve as a sustainable starting point for ongoing coastal rehabilitation efforts, while also encouraging broader public awareness of the importance of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems. Ultimately, such initiatives play a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of natural resources and supporting the resilience of coastal communities for future generations.
