Community-Based Coastal Environmental Management Education through the “Green Bulutui, Clean Sea, Sustainable Village” Program in Bulutui Village, North Minahasa

Abstract

Coastal areas play a strategic role in community life, serving as sources of livelihood, food, economic activity, and social identity. However, these areas are also vulnerable to pollution from household waste and single-use plastics, compounded by a lack of sustainable waste management practices. This community service initiative aimed to raise knowledge and awareness among the residents of Bulutui Village regarding the importance of maintaining ocean cleanliness and reducing waste pollution, while also encouraging resident participation in coastal environmental management. The event took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Bulutui Village, North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, under the theme "Green Bulutui, Clean Ocean, Sustainable Village." Approximately 50 people participated, including villagers, village officials, community leaders, and youth representatives. The implementation methods included educational outreach, presentations, interactive discussions, and reflection on environmental actions. Topics covered included the ocean's importance to coastal communities, the environmental and health impacts of waste, daily actions to protect the ocean, the role of the younger generation, and sustainable marine resource management. The results indicated that participants gained an understanding of how waste affects marine ecosystems, the importance of waste sorting, and the necessity of community cleanup activities and reducing single-use plastics. The initiative also fostered a community commitment to maintaining coastal cleanliness through simple, routine actions. Thus, this service activity serves as a first step toward building collective awareness among coastal residents to create a village that is clean, healthy, productive, and sustainable..