Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by planting mangrove trees along the coastal area of Pasir Mendit Beach in Jangkaran, Temon, Kulon Progo, on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

This initiative is part of UNY's ongoing efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), as well as to contribute to the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, which assesses universities' commitment to sustainability.

The planting activity involved 90 students from various faculties, including international students from different countries. The event commenced with a beach cleanup, where participants collected and sorted plastic waste, household trash, and other inorganic materials. This preparatory step aimed to create a clean ecosystem ready for the new mangrove plantings.

In his remarks, Prof. Soni Nopembri, Vice Rector for Cooperation and Information Systems at UNY, emphasized that this activity provided students not only with environmental education but also with practical experience in coastal ecosystems. He stated, “This mangrove planting supports sustainable coastal and marine ecosystems.”

Warso, the Manager of Wana Tirta Pasir Mendit Beach, expressed appreciation for UNY's initiative. He highlighted the importance of mangroves, noting, “Mangroves are not just ordinary plants; they prevent sedimentation and mitigate disasters by absorbing large amounts of carbon.”

The mangrove planting at Pasir Mendit Beach is a continuation of efforts that began in 2009 when 50,000 mangrove trees were planted in collaboration with LPPSP Semarang. This area has since been developed into an ecotourism destination, attracting visitors interested in nature conservation and environmental education.

Through this activity, UNY demonstrates its role as a responsible and environmentally conscious institution, actively contributing to the preservation of coastal ecosystems and the achievement of global sustainability goals.