BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The Bali chapter of the Online Journalists Association (Ikatan Wartawan Online, or IWO) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting mangrove forests in the Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park, pledging not only to plant mangroves but also to help monitor their long-term preservation.

The commitment was formalized through the signing of an agreement with the management of Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park during a mangrove planting event held on Friday, October 23, 2026, to commemorate Indonesia’s Youth Pledge Day.

The event involved Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, dozens of students from the Nature Lovers Club (SISPALA) of SMA Negeri 1 Kuta, and members of Sahabat Mangrove Ranger Indonesia. The participants planted Avicennia marina, a mangrove species that plays an important role in maintaining coastal ecosystems.

IWO Bali Chairperson Tri Widiyanti said the participation of journalists reflected a commitment to environmental protection through concrete action. She emphasized that journalists should not only deliver information to the public but also contribute directly to preserving the natural environment.

Widiyanti stressed that mangrove conservation must go beyond planting activities. Ongoing maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the trees survive, grow, and provide long-term ecological benefits to coastal areas.

Through its agreement with the forest park management, IWO Bali aims to support continued efforts to safeguard the mangrove ecosystem.

She added that environmental protection requires collaboration among government institutions, community groups, journalists, students, and the wider public. Their collective involvement is expected to strengthen public awareness that conservation is a shared responsibility.

Gen Z Urged to Become Guardians of Nature

The call for environmental action was echoed by Komang Charissa Maharani, chairperson of SISPALA Wira Satya Mandala at SMA Negeri 1 Kuta. She described the mangrove planting activity with IWO Bali as a meaningful experience for students, giving them an opportunity to contribute directly to environmental protection in Bali.

According to Charissa, the initiative was about more than planting trees; it was a tangible expression of young people’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

She urged young people, particularly in Bali, to take an active role in protecting nature rather than simply enjoying the island’s beauty without helping to preserve it.

“I encourage all young people, especially in Bali, not only to enjoy the beauty of nature but also to become its protectors. Let us take action together, starting with small steps such as protecting the environment, reducing waste, and participating in practical conservation efforts. Do not simply wait for change; become part of the change itself,” Charissa said.

She added that SISPALA Wira Satya Mandala would continue to promote positive activities that support environmental conservation and contribute to a more sustainable Bali.

“Protecting nature today means protecting our future,” she added.

Mangroves Vital to Bali’s Coastal Future

Mangroves play several important ecological roles, including helping reduce coastal erosion, providing habitats for various marine and coastal species, and absorbing and storing carbon that contributes to climate change mitigation.

For this reason, planting mangroves must be accompanied by proper maintenance and monitoring to improve their chances of survival and ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem.

Through cooperation among journalists, government representatives, environmental organizations, and students, IWO Bali hopes the Youth Pledge Day commemoration will inspire greater youth participation in environmental conservation.

The initiative underscores the importance of moving beyond ceremonial activities toward sustained action to protect Bali’s coastal ecosystems for future generations.