Five students from the Pancasila and Civic Education (PPKn) Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY)—Ikhsanul Fikri, Andhika Diaz Satya Atmaja, Syifa Khoufina Yulia Rahma, Salsabila Wistri Aulia, and Adelia Putri Renata—successfully organized a social charity activity consisting of a beach clean-up and mangrove planting program. The activity was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Drs. Hiryanto, M.Si. and Dr. Agung Wahyu Hermansyah, M.Pd., lecturers of the Sustainable Development Education course.

The beach clean-up and mangrove planting activities took place at Pandansimo Baru Beach and the Progo Estuary in Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, under the theme “Save the Blue Archipelago: Sustainable Oceans, Prosperous Lives.” The initiative represented a tangible contribution by students toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

The program aligns with SDG 14 targets aimed at significantly reducing marine pollution and protecting coastal ecosystems from environmental degradation. Healthy coastal ecosystems play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and supporting the sustainability of communities that depend on marine resources.

A total of 30 mangrove seedlings were planted during the activity. Mangrove planting was selected as a preventive measure against coastal erosion caused by ocean waves. Mangrove root systems create dense networks within coastal sediments, functioning as natural barriers that slow water currents and reduce the impact of strong waves. These ecological benefits help stabilize shorelines and protect coastal habitats.

In addition to planting mangroves, participants conducted a beach clean-up at Pandansimo Baru Beach. The area had been affected by various forms of marine debris, including plastic, rubber, metal, and wood waste. The clean-up effort was undertaken to prevent further waste accumulation that could threaten marine and coastal ecosystems.

The volunteer program attracted 25 participants, all of whom demonstrated strong enthusiasm throughout the event. Beyond the environmental action, volunteers also received mangrove conservation education from Karang Taruna Urip Urup, an organization actively involved in coastal environmental conservation at the Progo Estuary. The organization provided information about mangrove species and proper planting techniques, helping participants better understand the relationship between coastal ecosystems and sustainable coastal communities.

One volunteer participant, Andika Pratama, shared his experience:

“It was exciting to plant mangroves directly at the Progo Estuary and participate in the beach clean-up. We gained a deeper understanding that preserving nature is a shared responsibility.”

To conclude the event and recognize the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the organizing committee held a door prize session featuring various rewards for participants. The program was supported and sponsored by Hotel Horison Emerald Timoho Yogyakarta, Jati Jaya Wisata Tour & Travel, and Kedai Indarti. Local residents expressed their appreciation for the initiative and hoped that similar environmental conservation activities would continue in the future to help preserve Bantul’s coastal areas.

Through this beach clean-up and mangrove planting initiative, UNY students demonstrated how academic learning can be translated into meaningful environmental action. The program not only contributed to the preservation of coastal ecosystems but also strengthened environmental awareness and community participation in achieving sustainable development goals.