Mataram, University of Mataram – The University of Mataram (Unram) in collaboration with the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Settlement Infrastructure Center (BPPW) held a Tree Planting Action in commemoration of World Habitat Day and World Cities Day on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.

Located in the parking lot of Unram Hospital, this activity carries the theme “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future & Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities” and focuses on the involvement of the younger generation in facing the challenges of urbanisation and climate change.

In his speech, Unram Rector, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D. emphasised the importance of tree planting action as a concrete step in reducing carbon emissions, which continue to increase due to global warming and climate change.

“Take care of this earth, the carbon dioxide will increase again if we do not try to reduce it. Without planting trees, we cannot reduce carbon. With global warming and climate change, we must start planting as many trees as possible. In addition, trees also provide many benefits to the ecosystem,” said the Rector of Unram.

He also invited all parties to make this activity part of a collective commitment to protecting the environment. “Thank you for this good intention and action. Let us together intend this planting to be a field of our charity,” he continued.

A total of 30 trees, consisting of 10 pulai trees, 10 tabebuya, and 10 bungur, were planted at the location. This activity is not only to increase green space, but also a real contribution in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Settlements and SDG 13: Addressing Climate Change.

Tree planting helps create greener and more sustainable cities, in line with SDG 11 which aims to ensure access to inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable public spaces. In addition, this action is also part of climate change mitigation efforts, in accordance with SDG 13, by reducing carbon dioxide concentrations and increasing carbon absorption through greening.

Through this collaboration, Unram and BPPW NTB encourage the active role of the younger generation in creating a better future for the city. This activity is expected to motivate the wider community to participate in concrete actions to maintain environmental sustainability and ecosystem balance, both in the campus environment and the city in general.