Beach Clean-Up and Planting 1000 Mangroves in Bengkulu City: Collaboration between PT. Paragon, The Marine Science Students Association (Himailka), and the Waste Heroes Community
An environmental and social initiative occurred at Zakat Beach and Muara Jenggalu in Bengkulu City on Sunday, December 17, 2023. The event was a collaborative effort involving PT Paragon, the Marine Science Students Association (Himailka) of the University of Bengkulu, and the Waste Heroes Community in Bengkulu City. The collaborative activities were carried out at two different locations. A beach clean-up was conducted at Berkas Beach, Bengkulu City. At the same time, 1000 mangrove trees were planted in Kampung Jenggalu Kito, located in the West Circle Village of Gading Cempaka Subdistrict, Bengkulu City. The event, themed “Spread Goodness,” marked the 38th anniversary of PT Paragon and attracted 85 participants from Himailka, PT Paragon, and the Waste Heroes.
Lesti Anisti, the Coordinator of Himailka’s Community Service division, explained that planting mangrove seedlings is an effort to preserve the environment in coastal areas and serves as a form of climate change mitigation. In his address, Aldi Rizki, the representative of HIMAILKA, expressed appreciation to the PT Paragon Bengkulu team for involving them in this environmental initiative. “Thank you to Paragon, and we hope conservation activities like this can continue. We also appreciate our Waste Heroes friends who contribute to cleanliness efforts in Bengkulu,” stated Aldi. On the other hand, Betania, as the Person In Charge (PIC) from PT. Paragon highlighted the significance of mangroves in the ecosystem of Bengkulu’s beaches, emphasizing their role in preventing erosion. She mentioned, “Mangroves are useful, especially for the Bengkulu Beach ecosystem. Bengkulu is synonymous with the sea, so planting mangroves is one way to preserve our environment. This plant is crucial in preventing abrasion, and we’re planting 1000 mangroves.”
Clean Beach Zakat Action in Bengkulu City
The beach clean-up zakat action in Bengkulu City exemplifies collaboration between the business sector, higher education, and environmental community groups. As a company committed to environmental sustainability, PT Paragon provided financial and logistical support for the initiative. This action also embodies zakat principles, addressing humanitarian aspects and ecological sustainability. The activity began with a beach clean-up along Zakat Beach. Dozens of volunteers collaborated to clean up various types of waste, including plastic, paper, cans, and organic waste collected for further processing. Dozens of volunteers from the Marine Science Students Association of the University of Bengkulu also participated in the event. Together with the local community, they cleared the beach of various types of plastic waste, organic waste, and other materials. Students’ involvement increased awareness of environmental issues and sparked a spirit of community collaboration.
Planting 1000 Mangroves in Muara Jenggalu
After successfully cleaning the beach, the focus shifted to preserving and restoring the coastal ecosystem. PT. Paragon, the Marine Science Students Association, and the Waste Heroes jointly implemented a program to plant 1000 mangrove seedlings in Muara Jenggalu. Mangroves were chosen for their crucial role in maintaining the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.
Waste Heroes, a local community dedicated to waste management and environmental conservation, also provided technical understanding to the surrounding community about the importance of mangroves. Participants were encouraged to actively participate in planting and caring for the mangrove seedlings to ensure their healthy growth.
The activity continued with planting 1000 mangrove seedlings in the Muara Jenggalu area. These mangroves, specifically of the bakau type, are expected to grow vigorously and help prevent erosion in the coastal regions in Bengkulu City. The mangrove planting initiative is part of PT. Paragon’s CSR program is related to environmental conservation. Similar programs have been implemented in various regions of Indonesia, with collaboration with local communities seen as maximizing the benefits and impacts generated.
Positive Impact and Sustainable Collaboration
The beach clean-up zakat action and mangrove planting in Bengkulu City are not just one-time events but represent the initial steps towards more sustainable change. Collaboration between the private sector, higher education, and local communities creates a strong partnership to address environmental issues.
The positive impact is evident not only in the clean beaches and flourishing mangrove forests but also in the increased awareness of the community regarding sustainability and environmental protection. All parties involved in this initiative hope that such efforts can serve as an example for other cities in Indonesia to address pressing environmental issues. With the beach clean-up and mangrove planting activities, it is anticipated that the residents of Bengkulu City will become more aware of the importance of preserving the environment. Collaboration among various elements of society is crucial to creating a Bengkulu City that is clean, lush, and sustainable.
