The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Science and Technology (PUI) Mangrove USU, conducted a community service activity in the Pantai Sejarah area, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra, on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Held as part of the International Summer Course, the activity was part of efforts to rehabilitate mangrove ecosystems while raising awareness among local communities and international participants about the importance of coastal environmental conservation.

The activity involved participants from five countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Pakistan. The participation of people from different countries strengthened the international dimension of the community service activity while creating opportunities for exchanging knowledge and experiences on sustainable coastal ecosystem management.

One of the main activities was planting mangrove seedlings in the Pantai Sejarah area. This area has significant mangrove ecosystem potential for the coastal environment. However, damage identified at several locations presents a challenge that requires attention through rehabilitation and sustainable management efforts. Through this activity, the Faculty of Forestry USU and PUI Mangrove USU contributed to supporting the restoration of mangrove areas to help maintain their ecological functions.

In addition to planting seedlings, the community service activity included assistance and educational sessions on the environment and the importance of preserving mangrove ecosystems. Participants gained an understanding of the role of mangroves in maintaining coastal ecosystem balance, protecting the environment, and supporting the development of ecotourism potential and improvements in the local community's economy.

Mangrove conservation is not only related to biodiversity protection but is also closely connected to the well-being of coastal communities. Well-preserved mangrove ecosystems can serve as an important asset for developing environmentally based economic activities, including ecotourism, while helping create a healthier and more sustainable environment for surrounding communities.

Through collaboration between the Faculty of Forestry USU and PUI Mangrove USU, this activity highlights the importance of synergy among higher education, research, community service, and international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. The International Summer Course activities also provided participants with a direct learning experience to understand the condition of mangrove ecosystems and the importance of taking concrete action to support coastal environmental conservation and rehabilitation.

This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, through coastal ecosystem restoration efforts that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation; SDG 14: Life Below Water, through the rehabilitation and protection of mangrove ecosystems; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through academic collaboration and the involvement of participants from various countries in supporting sustainable environmental conservation.