In response to the threat of coastal erosion, UGM Forestry students joined forces with students participating in the Community Service Program (KKN) to transform Wuni Melodi Beach in Kebumen Regency, Central Java.
In late December 2023, the collaborative effort saw the planting of thousands of Cemara Udang and Cemara Belitung tree seedlings, aiming to mitigate the impacts of abrasion, tame the relentless coastal winds, and nurture cooler air conditions.
Under the guidance of Dr. Winastuti Dwi Atmanto, a lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry and the Field Supervisor of KKN, 1,700 tree seedlings were strategically planted along the coastal stretch in collaboration with residents.
The initiative went beyond planting itself; it encompassed a sustainable approach, emphasizing ongoing care for the plants during their crucial initial growth.
“This isn’t merely a one-time planting event; it’s a commitment to sustainability. Beyond the initial planting, we’re dedicated to nurturing these plants in their first month and closely monitoring their progress to gauge the success rate of the planting effort,” Dr. Atmanto explained on Thursday (Jan. 4).
Structured as part of the Forester in Action program, the reforestation endeavor commenced with preparatory activities such as placing markers, digging planting holes, and enriching the soil with manure to fortify the seedlings’ development.
The distribution of the seedlings adhered to a carefully devised pattern, interspersing Cemara Udang and Cemara Belitung in a harmonious arrangement that considered the unique functions of each plant.
“The Forestry students maintain an ongoing watch on these seedlings’ growth through monitoring initiatives. The goal is to ensure that this undertaking yields tangible and sustainable benefits, aligning with the overarching theme of sustainable development goals for enhancing environmental quality,” the field supervisor added.
Dr. Atmanto underscored that this student-driven reforestation endeavor epitomizes the essence of community service, aiming to uplift local communities and foster a more resilient environment.
“We intend to instill a sense of service and a research-oriented mindset, particularly among the Forestry students. This event strongly emphasizes community service by actively involving the public in collaborative efforts to integrate student and community roles in nurturing our forests,” Dr. Atmanto emphasized.
In a subsequent meeting between the students and the local community, an agreement was reached, delineating responsibilities. The students pledged to oversee the initial care of the planted seedlings, with the residents committed to continuing the maintenance within a specified timeframe.
“From the student’s perspective, we’re hopeful that the local community will embrace the role of guardians for these planted trees, fostering their sustainable growth in the long run,” Dr. Atmanto concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson