UNAIR NEWS 51动漫 (), in partnership with Trans ASEAN Backpackers (TABS), organized a coastal cleanup and mangrove planting activity to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). The activity was part of the main series of Sea of Change SDG Forum. An event, themed Climate and Land Forest and Biodiversity as Natural Climate Solution of ASEAN, took place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Taman Mangrove Wonorejo, Surabaya, East Java.
Cleanup and mangrove planting
In an interview, Prof. Hery Purnobasuki Msi PhD, head of Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), said the program reflected a concrete form of international collaboration in strengthening environmental awareness and addressing global climate challenges.
Prof. Purnobasuki added that TABS delegation consisted of selected participants aged 18 to 20 who passed a rigorous selection process. Through activity, participants not only learned about mangrove conservation but also contributed to sustainable development efforts focused on climate action and life below water.
淭his activity is important because it involves young people, including TABS participants who bring Malaysian youth to directly observe environmental conditions and build environmental awareness, Prof. Purnobasuki said.
The activity began with a boat trip to a mangrove conservation site. Participants then carried out a 30-minute beach cleanup by separating organic and inorganic waste. Most waste found around mangrove areas originated from various regions in East Java. Activity continued with mangrove planting.
淎 total of 500 mangrove seedlings were prepared, and participants were free to plant as many as they wished, conservation officer said.
Participant reflections
One participant from TABS, Muhammad Taqiuddin Bin Niza, known as Taqi, shared his first experience in mangrove conservation activity. He said activity was engaging and required direct involvement.
淚 believe this activity must be experienced directly. Seeing worsening climate conditions, I feel encouraged to contribute to improving environmental conditions, Taqi said.
The program continued with a series of talk shows and seminars discussing the role of young people in protecting the global environment. 淲e hope this activity can become an annual collaboration so that the spirit of environmental awareness among students continues to grow, Prof. Purnobasuki said.
Author: Muhammad Nabil Fawaid
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
