Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), as a Conservation University, continues to expand its role in environmental stewardship by collaborating actively with local communities and foundations to protect mangrove ecosystems, manage water bodies, and promote sustainable aquaculture. These initiatives highlight UNNES’s commitment to integrating local ecological knowledge with academic research and student engagement.
Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation in Tambakrejo and Tugurejo
UNNES partners with Green Community, Mahapala, and Pelatuk student organizations to support mangrove conservation through planting, rehabilitation, and environmental education. In Tambakrejo, UNNES researchers and students collaborate with community-based conservation groups such as KPL Camar, combining scientific methods with local ecological knowledge to restore degraded coastal zones. In Tugurejo, UNNES student groups like KSG-SAC have organized mangrove planting and rehabilitation programs, planting thousands of seedlings to combat coastal abrasion and strengthen biodiversity (UNNES Mangrove Rehabilitation).
Sustainable Aquaculture and Community Engagement
UNNES integrates sustainable aquaculture practices into its conservation programs, introducing communities to eco-friendly farming systems that reduce environmental impact. In Tambakrejo, residents were introduced to integrated farming systems that combine aquaculture with agriculture to improve livelihoods while protecting ecosystems (Suaramerdeka Report).
River and Water Body Management in Kaligarang and Sekaran
UNNES collaborates with residents and the Bintari Foundation to manage water bodies such as the Kaligarang Riverand the Sekaran water retention basin (embung). These systems serve as rainwater reservoirs, flood prevention mechanisms, and biodiversity habitats, ensuring sustainable water governance in urban and peri-urban areas (UNNES Embung; Bintari Foundation).
Student-Led Conservation and Education
UNNES students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) and other faculties actively participate in field excursions, mangrove monitoring, and environmental workshops. These activities strengthen conservation awareness among youth while embedding sustainability into academic learning (UNNES FMIPA Excursion).
