Saturday (December, 13 2014), members of the Public Administration Department Students’ Association of the faculty of social sciences, participated in the ‘mangrove planting program’ conducted to commemorate the anniversary of the students’ association.
There were more than 90 students of YSU Public Administration Department and the Faculty of Forestry of University of Gadjah Mada. The community in the nearby neighbouhood were also invited to participate in the program, including Baros Youth Association.
The chief of Baros Youth Association, Dwi, gave his speech and some explanation on the mangrove species, the area the mangroves are to be planted, and the correct planting procedure. The participants were also invited to ask questions related to mangrove planting.
Mangroves forms an ecosystem of which condition depends on the tides of the sea. “Among mangrove species, some of them are Rhizopora, Avicennia spp, Sonneratia, and Bruguiera. Avicennia spp is the strongest species to be planted in the front part of the mangrove ecosystem whereas Rhizopora is good to beautify the scenery. Mangroves can be planted in sandy or muddy areas. Then, choose the right species for the area and follow the suggested planting procedure,” he explained.
“The southern coastal area of java island has an extreme contour so that mangroves ecosystems can only be found in some parts of the area,” said Devi, a member of both Baros Youth Association and the Public Administration Department Students’ Association.
The chief of the committee of the program, Feby Wahyu S., explaind that the mangrove planting program had enriched the students’ knowledge of mangrove ecotourism, the procedure for planting mangroves and made them actively participate in green movements.
The program was mainly aimed at reforesting the Opak river banks. In the future, similar programs will be held regularly so that students are able to participate in preserving the environment. (Yuliana)