19 August 2024
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SERGAI – The Institute for Community Service (LPPM) of Universitas Sumatera Utara, in collaboration with the USU Mangrove Center of Excellence (PUI Mangrove) and the Head of Bagan Kuala Village, held a targeted waste management activity in the mangrove area of Bagan Kuala Village, Serdang Bedagai Regency, on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
This activity was led by Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D, along with Prof. M. Basyuni, S.Hut, M.Si, Ph.D, Prof. Dr. Delvian, S.P, M.P, Dr. Netti Herlina Siregar, S.KM, M.Kes, Dr. Arida Susilowati, S.Hut, M.Si, Dr. Ridwanti Batubara, S.Hut, MP, Dr. Nelly Anna, S.Hut, M.Si, and Dr. Masitah Tanjung, S.Si, M.Si.
The activity began with a ceremonial opening attended by the Head of Bagan Kuala Village, Mr. Safril, religious leader Mr. Sofyan Majid, and local community members.
The event was opened by the head of the community service, Mrs. Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar, followed by remarks from the Head of USU Mangrove PUI, Prof. M. Basyuni, S.Hut, M.Si. Ph.D, and remarks from the Head of Bagan Kuala Village, Mr. Safril.
After the opening, there was a handover of waste management tools, T-nets for trapping trash, and tools for making handicrafts from various seashells and snails.
This activity aims to identify the dominant types of waste and the main sources of pollution in the mangrove area, as well as to develop a sustainable waste management model.
Bagan Kuala Village was chosen as the research location because this area has an important mangrove ecosystem that is vulnerable to waste pollution.
Plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials pose a serious threat to the preservation of mangroves in this area.
According to Prof. Delvian, "To achieve these goals, the USU LPPM team carried out various activities such as preliminary surveys, training, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD).
Preliminary surveys were conducted to identify waste-related problems in coastal and mangrove areas.
Furthermore, the team inventoried the types and forms of waste based on category, source, and distribution patterns.
This data is used as a basis for developing appropriate and sustainable waste management strategies."
Next, Mrs. Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar conducted "Training and socialization for the local community, which became the main focus of this activity.
In-depth Understanding
The team provided an in-depth understanding of the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and effective waste management techniques. This training included how to sort organic and inorganic waste, as well as the application of the 3R concept (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle).
This activity received a positive response from residents, especially from PKK women's groups, Coastal Care Youth, and the Serdang Bedagai Coastal Waste Care Community (MPSP).
The Head of Bagan Kuala Village, along with the Head of USU Mangrove PUI, strongly supported this program. The peak event of the activity, which took place on July 13, 2024, was attended by 20 enthusiastic residents who participated in training and discussions on waste management.
Through this activity, it is hoped that collective awareness and active community participation in maintaining environmental cleanliness and preserving the mangrove ecosystem will be created.
In addition, this program is also expected to improve the welfare of the local community through empowerment and environmental education.
As part of community empowerment efforts, the community service team also held eco-print training using mangrove leaves and keychain making from sea shells.
Eco Print Training
Eco print training teaches techniques for printing natural motifs from mangrove leaves on fabric, which can be made into products with economic value.
Meanwhile, training on making keychains from sea shells provides additional skills to the community in utilizing abundant local resources.
With this training program, it is hoped that the community will not only understand the importance of appropriate waste management but also gain new skills that can increase their income.
The community service team plans to continue to monitor and evaluate the results of this activity to ensure a sustainable positive impact for the community of Bagan Kuala Village and its surrounding environment.
Source: https://www.waspada.id/sumut/lppm-pui-mangrove-usu-bentuk-desa-binaan-bagan-kuala-di-sergai/
