Semarang, Central Java – On April 26, 2025, students of Bachelor Study Program in Public Health majoring in Environmental Health of FPH UNDIP 2025 or often known as Convident (Community of Environmental Health Student) held a mangrove planting event in commemoration of Earth Day with the theme of Conservation Action for a Sustainable Earth and Environmental Love in the Nation’s Next Generation held at the Mangkang Mangrove Project, precisely on Mangunharjo Beach, East Mangkang, Semarang City. The event was opened by remarks from Dr. Budiyono, S.K.M., M.Kes as the Dean of FPH UNDIP and remarks from Dr. Yusniar Hanani Darundiati, S.TP., M.Kes as the head of the Environmental Health which was followed by material on the origin of the Mangkang Mangrove Project and how to plant mangroves delivered by Mr. Sururi as a resource person and pioneer of mangroves in Mangunharjo.
This activity was attended by Bachelor students of Public Health majoring in Environmental Health in 2025, FPH students of the class of 2023, Masters in Environmental Health UNDIP’s students, Unnes Environmental Health students, Environmental Health alumni, FPH Undip lecturers specializing in Environmental Health. The planting of mangroves was carried out by all participants, with a total of 500 seedlings planted. After the planting activity, we also clean the area around the beach so as not to leave the rest of the planting activities.
Mangrove planting is an activity carried out to achieve 5 SDGs points, namely: SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities Communities), mangroves can protect cities; SDGs 13 (Climate Action), mangroves play a role in mitigating natural disasters; SDGs 14 (Life Below Water), mangroves can preserve marine life and prevent coastal environmental degradation; SDGs 15 (Life on Land), mangroves support the balance of terrestrial ecosystems and increase biodiversity; SDGs 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), collaboration between students, academics, and the local community. This activity is expected to maintain the balance of the coastal ecosystem, because mangroves function to prevent coastal abrasion, protect coastal areas from large waves, and become a habitat for various types of flora and fauna. In addition, mangroves play a role in absorbing carbon dioxide, thereby helping to reduce the impact of climate change. This planting effort also increases public awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and supporting the sustainability of natural resources in coastal areas.