Demonstrating a tangible commitment to environmental preservation, the UGM Swimming Club (SIGMA) joined forces with SPARTA, the Moot Court Organization of UGM’s Faculty of Law, in a community service event at the Baros Mangrove Conservation Area in Bantul, Yogyakarta. The event, held on May 17, 2025, focused on two core activities: an environmental seminar and a hands-on mangrove planting session. The event sought to raise ecological awareness and promote proactive conservation efforts among students.
Idris Bayu, President of SIGMA UGM, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “We want to increase awareness and encourage our peers to care more deeply about the environment, especially in the vital mangrove ecosystems of Baros.”
The day began with an interactive environmental seminar titled “Protecting Water, Sustaining Life,” led by William Alexander, a UGM student specializing in Environmental Law. The session highlighted global and local water pollution issues and presented actionable solutions, drawing connections between legal frameworks and environmental responsibility.
Participants also received a briefing on the unique mangrove ecosystem along the Opak River and its significance as both a biodiversity hotspot and a natural barrier against coastal erosion. Rico Sebrian, a local conservation leader, underscored the area’s ecological richness, citing more than 400 bird species, with egrets being the most populous species.
In the second half of the event, students took part in planting Rhizophora mangroves along the western edge of the Baros mangrove area. Following proper conservation protocols, participants dug planting holes, installed wooden supports, and tied the young saplings to withstand tidal currents.
According to Dimas, a long-time local resident, Baros’ mangrove reforestation began in 2003 as a response to coastal abrasion. “At first, the mangroves were planted to protect farmland from saltwater intrusion. But over time, the benefits multiplied. Now, Baros is both a tourist attraction and an educational site managed by the local community,” he explained.
This collaborative effort showcased how students can become agents of environmental change. More than just planting trees, the event symbolized the planting of awareness and the growth of long-term commitment to ecological sustainability. Through education and action, UGM students continue to advocate for a greener, more resilient future.