With a mission to breathe life back into the scorched slopes of Mount Lawu in Magetan, students from the undergraduate Forestry program and Vocational College at UGM, class of 2022, embarked on a remarkable tree-planting endeavor, introducing 6,000 seedlings to the region.
On Dec. 9, 2023, the spirited tree-planting initiative unfolded across eight locations in the Panekan District, Magetan Regency, East Java.
“The tree planting activity aims to green the Lawu area, particularly areas previously scarred by fires, bestowing ecological advantages upon the local community,” explained the activity supervisor, Dr. Winastuti Dwi Atmanto.
Dr. Atmanto underscored the significance of this green initiative. Beyond the environmental impact, the activity aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to climate change mitigation and terrestrial ecosystem preservation while providing a hands-on learning platform for forestry students.
More than 370 UGM students participated in the tree planting on Mount Lawu, showcasing their commitment to community service. The endeavor featured planting 34 diverse tree species carefully cultivated by the forestry students.
Among the species were meranti, merawan, lerak, matoa, kluwih, coffee, nagasari, eboni, majegau, kawis, sengon buto, and more.
The saplings, nurtured from inception in the forestry students’ nurseries, represent a comprehensive effort—from media preparation to cultivation—culminating in the successful planting on Mount Lawu.
“These tree species are expected to benefit the local community and existing ecosystems,” Dr. Atmanto said.
The tree-planting activity extended beyond the physical endeavor. A prelude to the hands-on effort, a discussion forum unfolded on Dec. 8, 2023, bringing together over 450 attendees.
Author: UGM Forestry students
Editor: Ika