Beach Lovers Unite: Planting Hope for Our Coastlines in Aikawapuka Village, Timika, Papua, Indonesia
By Kristiana Aurel Alua
In the middle of Aikawapuka Village, Timika, Papua, Indonesia, an extraordinary event took place on 17 December 2023. This remarkable coastline, cherished by a group of passionate young environmentalists, witnessed an extraordinary initiative to protect their coastal ecosystem’s natural magnificence.
About 15 beach lovers in Aikawapuka Village joined forces to plant mangrove seedlings. Driven by their love for the beach and a deep understanding of the importance of protecting the environment, they started a significant effort. Their mission went beyond mere observation and included active participation in planting mangrove seedlings, a concrete action aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability. The collective action taken by these young people indicates that concern for the environment goes beyond age.
Their unwavering dedication to planting mangrove seedlings demonstrates a deep understanding of these plants’ important role in coastal ecosystems. Mangroves provide shelter for a diverse variety of wildlife and act as natural fortresses that protect the coast from erosion and tidal impacts. Unfortunately, mangrove areas are often the victims of various man-made damages. Nevertheless, the youth of Aikawapuka Village remain steadfast in their awareness of the importance of preserving this very important ecosystem.
Moreover, the activity of planting mangrove seedlings is symbolic; it also contains a deep belief that every seedling planted has an important meaning for the future. With great enthusiasm, the beach-lover youth of Aikawapuka meticulously prepared the soil, planted the seedlings, and nurtured them with great care. This effort goes beyond planting trees; it instills a sense of environmental responsibility among the younger generation. The “Online Young Adult Seekers Small Christian Community” Support Fund financially supports their passion and dedication.
This assistance facilitated the rental of some of the things needed to carry out mangrove planting, such as boats for transport, the purchase of essential planting equipment, food provision post-planting, and the award fund as a form of support for socialization efforts aimed at encouraging wider participation in environmental conservation.
The importance of this initiative cannot be doubted; it is proof that substantial change starts from an actionable initiative, fostering collective awareness to safeguard the environment. The involvement of these passionate young people from Aikawapuka is an inspiration, fuelling the passion of many to take part in nature conservation. It instills hope that our planet can still be saved through collective action. The mangrove seedling planting initiative spearheaded by the beach-lover youth of Aikawapuka Village embodies a collective determination to preserve nature. Similarly, this impactful yet simple action not only ensures the future of our planet but also raises awareness of the importance of active participation in its preservation.
Therefore, may this initiative be the impetus for wider involvement in environmental protection, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable Earth for generations to come So that future generations can still experience a beautiful and well-maintained environment.
Contact information:
Kristiana Aurel – Member, Online Young Adults Seekers Small Christian Community
Member – Union of Catholic University Students of the Republic Indonesia (PMKRI),
Bali, Indonesia
Email: kristianaaurelalua@gmail.com
Alloys Nyakundi – Facilitator, Online Young Adult Seekers Small Christian Community(https://web.facebook.com/groups/919056526257607) Member — Catholic Church Reform International.
Kisii, Kenya alloysnyakundi8@gmail.com
20 January 2024
