AIESEC in UGM brought its commitment to coastal environmental conservation to life through the first major activity of the Aquatica project, a mangrove planting action at Pantai Baros, Yogyakarta, on July 21, 2026. Aquatica is one of AIESEC in UGM’s projects under the Incoming Global Volunteer (IGV) division, focused on marine conservation efforts in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, established in 2015. The project involved Exchange Participants from eight countries alongside Local Volunteers, making it a cross-cultural collaboration that simultaneously delivered real environmental impact. Through Aquatica, AIESEC in UGM reaffirms its role in raising awareness among young people about the importance of protecting Indonesia’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
The Aquatica activity successfully mobilized support from a wide range of parties, including UKM Renang UGM as the primary collaboration partner, as well as GIK UGM, PLN, Cleo, Konservasi Pantai Pelangi, Mangrove Pantai Baros, Earth Hour, the Office of International Affairs UGM, the DIY Tourism Agency, and the DIY Marine and Fisheries Agency. The involvement of stakeholders from across multiple sectors reflects the broad collaborative spirit required to meaningfully address environmental challenges. The day’s activities opened with a morning walk session guided by Sehat-Sehat(in), which also delivered educational insights on the history of Pantai Baros and the importance of coastal ecosystems. Participants were also invited to collect litter along the route to Jembatan Kretek 2, the sheer volume of waste gathered served as a powerful reminder that waste management remains an urgent and shared challenge.
The activities continued with an educational session by Mangrove Pantai Baros on the vital role of mangrove trees in coastal ecosystems. Mangroves serve as habitat for various terrestrial and marine organisms including crabs, small fish, birds, and monkeys; absorb carbon dioxide to reduce the impacts of climate change; produce oxygen; and protect coastlines from erosion. With Pantai Baros already experiencing coastal erosion at its edges, the presence and expansion of mangrove trees has become increasingly critical. This educational session was followed by the hands-on planting of 70 mangrove seedlings by Aquatica participants along the shoreline, guided by the Mangrove Pantai Baros team to ensure each seedling was properly and carefully planted.
Through the Aquatica activities, participants gained not only new knowledge about the importance of mangrove ecosystems, but also came to understand that efforts to protect the environment can begin with simple, consistent actions taken day by day. The combination of learning and direct field practice is hoped to cultivate a deep sense of care for aquatic ecosystem conservation and to inspire participants to continue making meaningful contributions wherever they may be. AIESEC itself is an independent, non-political, non-profit international youth organization present in more than 100 countries since 1948, with a focus on developing youth leadership through cross-cultural experiences and social projects. Through Aquatica, AIESEC in UGM demonstrates that collective action by young people is the key to ensuring Indonesia’s rich marine heritage remains preserved for generations to come.