Surabaya, 24 August 2024 – PT Garudafood Putra Putri Jaya Tbk (Garudafood) Gresik Business Unit, in collaboration with the Indonesian River Affairs Research Agency (BRUIN), successfully conducted a river clean-up and mangrove planting in the Wonorejo Rungkut Mangrove Ecotourism area, Surabaya on Saturday, 24 August 2024. This environmental awareness campaign, themed 'Freedom for Surabaya Mangroves,' focused on addressing the five most polluted areas and engaged 80 volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including government representatives, industry professionals, academics, and the community. The volunteers successfully collected 1.4 tons of organic and non-organic waste.
After the clean-up, the group planted 200 Rhizophora mucronata mangrove seedlings as a mitigation effort. This species was selected for its high adaptability and vital role in maintaining the balance of the coastal ecosystem. The objective is to restore the ecological functions of mangroves, serving as barriers to coastal erosion, carbon absorbers, and habitats for various marine biota.
Garudafood's participation aligns with the company's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). By supporting the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem, Garudafood not only contributes to environmental conservation efforts but also enhances its reputation as a socially and environmentally responsible business entity.
Iip Kurtikasari (representative of Garudafood Sehati Ambassador) expressed her enthusiasm for the river clean-up and mangrove planting. "This is not only intriguing but also highly beneficial. We and our team hope that this initiative is more than just a ceremonial event; we are committed to actively supporting all efforts that contribute positively to the environment," said Iip Kurtikasari.
The clean-up and mangrove planting in Wonorejo demonstrate that collaboration among the government, private sector, and community can have a significant positive impact on the environment. We hope this initiative can serve as an example for the broader community to participate in environmental conservation actively.