Surabaya (17/12) – Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (ECOTON), in collaboration with the Human in Love Foundation Korea, distributed donations of environmental and marine-themed books to several schools in East Java and Banyuwangi. This activity was part of the award series for the winners of the international drawing competition “My Beloved Ocean,” which was participated in by contestants from more than five countries and aimed to foster awareness among the younger generation about marine protection and biodiversity conservation.
The book donations were distributed to KB TK Al Falah Surabaya, SDN Airlangga III Surabaya, SMP Katolik Santa Agnes Surabaya, MI Ma’arif Ketegan Sidoarjo, and MI An Nidhom Banyuwangi. These books are expected to serve as visual and contextual educational resources to help children understand issues related to plastic pollution, marine ecosystems, and the importance of preserving biodiversity sustainability.
The winners of the international drawing competition “My Beloved Ocean” representing Indonesia are:
- Raynold Alexander Sie – SMP Katolik Santa Agnes Surabaya (Ocean Lover Best)
- Aflach Ghoyda Siraj – MI An Nidhom Banyuwangi (Ocean Lover Best)
- Zhenaya Aghnarity – SDN Airlangga III Surabaya (Ocean Lover Best)
- Adzkia Islamadina – KB TK Al Falah Surabaya (Ocean Dreamer Best)
- Kainalillah Subekti – MI Ma’arif Ketegan Sidoarjo (Human in Love – Special Award)
Drs. Wiyani, Student Affairs Coordinator of Airlangga III Elementary School, Surabaya, stated that this activity is highly relevant to the need for environmental education in schools.
“Until now, children have not been widely exposed directly to the impacts of plastic waste and its effects on marine ecosystems. The information they receive is often limited to news reports. Children need visual materials and concrete explanations about the effects of plastic on the environment. At our school, the canteen no longer uses single-use plastics. Our hope is that children truly understand the dangers of plastic waste, including its impact on the sustainability of marine biodiversity.”
Meanwhile, Sukma, Zhenaya Aghnarity’s parent, expressed her pride in her child’s achievements.
“Zhenaya’s drawing actually tells a story of children happily swimming with sharks and whales in the beautiful waters of Indonesia. However, the reality is that our seas today are heavily polluted with waste. Through this drawing, we want to convey the message that the ocean will remain beautiful if it is protected together.”
Meanwhile, Alaika Rahmatullah, a collaborator at ECOTON, emphasized that the international drawing competition “My Beloved Ocean” was designed as a child-friendly educational and environmental campaign platform.
“We want to position children as the main agents of change. Drawing and art serve as entry points to introduce issues such as plastic pollution, marine ecosystem degradation, and threats to biodiversity in a positive, imaginative way that builds empathy. Our hope is that this awareness grows from an early age and shapes environmentally friendly behavior into adulthood,” said Alaika Rahmatullah of ECOTON.
This collaboration between ECOTON and the Human in Love Foundation is expected to strengthen the role of schools, families, and communities in building a generation that cares about the ocean, the environment, and the future of the earth. (*)
Ecoton (Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation) is a foundation focused on the conservation of river ecosystems and wetlands in Indonesia. We conduct scientific research, environmental education, and awareness campaigns to improve water quality and protect biodiversity.
