UNUD Graduate School International Community Service: Strengthening Regional Collaboration in the Blue Economy Through the Involvement of Coastal Communities in Bali

• Posted by: Admin
• Selasa, 5 Agustus 2025
• Has been read 59 time(s)

As part of its commitment to supporting the blue economy in the ASEAN region, the Udayana University (Unud) Graduate School carried out an international community service initiative involving the Segara Ayu Fishermen's Group, Kedonganan, Bali. On August 5, 2025, Unud Graduate School collaborated with the University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to hold an activity focused on addressing the issue of ghost nets, which pose a serious threat to the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishermen in Bali. Ghost nets are unused fishing nets that have been discarded into the sea.

This activity involved Unud graduate students along with lecturers and students from UNIMAS, as well as local fishing communities, to remove fishing nets that had been left in the sea, which had been damaging the coastal environment. In addition, mangrove rehabilitation activities were carried out by planting seedlings in degraded coastal areas, which are expected to strengthen natural defenses against erosion and increase carbon sequestration, as part of climate change mitigation efforts.

Prof. Ir. Ida Ayu Astarini, M.Sc., Ph.D, Coordinator of the Unud Postgraduate Environmental Science Study Program, stated that this community service was not just a social action, but also part of the Unud Postgraduate vision to build synergy between science, research, and the community. “Through this collaboration, Unud graduate students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a broader context, while empowering local communities in sustainable environmental conservation efforts,” said Prof. Astarini.

Through this international community service, students are not only involved in conservation activities but also gain practical experience in managing natural resources sustainably. This program also provides an opportunity for Unud Postgraduate Program to strengthen the role of higher education in supporting the implementation of the blue economy, with a focus on direct community involvement in solving urgent environmental problems.

This collaboration reflects the commitment of Unud Postgraduate Program in supporting sustainable development and strengthening regional cooperation through international community service. By involving postgraduate students in environmental conservation and rehabilitation efforts, Unud Postgraduate Program not only makes a positive contribution to the Balinese community but also shapes future leaders who can respond comprehensively to environmental challenges.(bmp)