EduAsiaNews, Padang — Padang State University (Universitas Negeri Padang/UNP) has strengthened its commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems in West Sumatra through a mangrove planting and coastal cleanup campaign on Setan Island, part of the Mandeh tourism area in Pesisir Selatan Regency.
The environmental initiative was held on August 2, 2026, as part of a UNP community engagement program. The activity brought together local environmental authorities, the Koto XI Tarusan sub-district administration, village-owned enterprises, tourism awareness groups, youth communities, local residents, and visitors.
Participants planted mangrove seedlings and collected plastic waste along the shoreline. The activities were aimed not only at improving coastal environmental conditions but also at raising awareness among local communities and tourists about the importance of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
Several UNP academics and students took part in the initiative, including professors from environmental and related disciplines, PMDSU students, and doctoral students from UNP’s Environmental Science program.
Setan Island was selected because its coastal ecosystem plays an important role in protecting the shoreline from erosion and abrasion. Mangrove vegetation also helps maintain ecological functions and preserve the balance between coastal and marine ecosystems.
The coastal cleanup focused particularly on plastic waste, which can enter marine ecosystems, threaten coastal organisms, and reduce the environmental quality and appeal of tourism destinations.
UNP said the initiative was designed to go beyond a one-time planting and cleanup campaign. The university hopes to encourage local communities and tourism managers to take a more active role in maintaining the area over the long term.
The initiative also highlights the role of higher education institutions in addressing environmental challenges through community-based education and practical solutions. By combining ecosystem restoration, waste reduction, and public awareness, the program aims to support both environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development in the Mandeh area.
UNP said the activities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 14 on Life Below Water, through mangrove restoration, plastic waste reduction, and coastal ecosystem protection.
