Surabaya – On August 28, 2024, participants of the 4th Brave! Program embarked on a meaningful environmental mission: a beach clean-up activity near the mangrove ecosystem. This initiative involves four participants from Thailand, one from the Philippines, three from Timor-Leste, and volunteers from Global Engagement of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya. The clean-up aims to foster environmental awareness, aligning with Unusa’s commitment to becoming a plastic-free campus.
The activity begins with the participants boarding a boat to explore the mangrove area, where they witnesses the detrimental effects of non-biodegradable waste. For two hours, they works tirelessly, collecting trash that has accumulated along the shoreline and within the mangrove roots. The debris poses a serious threat to the mangroves, which play a critical role in coastal protection and carbon sequestration.
By the end of the clean-up, the participants has collected nearly 20 sacks of waste, ranging from plastic bottles to other items that take decades to decompose. The sheer volume of trash highlights the importance of such initiatives in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems.
“Seeing the amount of trash we collected in just two hours made me realize how serious the problem is. We must all contribute to solving it, no matter where we come from.” Said Alex participant from Timor Leste. The beach clean-up is more than just an environmental effort—it is a valuable learning experience for all involved. It underscores the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and inspire participants to take further action in their communities. As part of Unusa’s broader environmental sustainability campaign, the event emphasizes the role of young people in driving positive change and protecting the planet for future generations. (nrl/admin)