Community Services to Improve the Quality of Ujung Pancu Beach

Abstract

The purpose of this community service is to enhance the quality of coastal ecosystems by addressing abrasion and degradation of mangrove vegetation, thereby advancing environmental sustainability along Aceh's coast. It is anticipated that this initiative will foster greater environmental awareness among the younger population by disseminating knowledge and planting mangroves at Ujung Pancu Beach, Aceh Besar. This project was sponsored by the Sustainable Habitats and Ocean Restoration for Environment (SHORE) 2025 program. It involved the Tide Turners Community, Bina Antar Budaya Banda Aceh, and the Aceh Aquatic Youth group. The implementation included educational activities, socialization on the functions of the mangrove ecosystem, and planting 240 Rhizophora spp seedlings, and initial post-activity monitoring. The outcomes demonstrated high participant engagement and improved understanding of mangroves' role in mitigating abrasion and climate change. This initiative demonstrates that integrating ecological action with environmental education can enhance collective awareness and foster a participatory approach to sustainable coastal conservation in Aceh.