Youth perspectives on marine debris management through a community empowerment approach: A case study of a student workshop and its environmental impact

Background: This research examines efforts to address marine waste through the perspective of the younger generation, particularly Indonesian students. The aim is to discover problem-solving concepts to reduce marine waste based on the thoughts of young people studying environmental issues. Methods: The methodology involves a workshop with 30 students from 10 universities in Indonesia held on Ainoshima Island, Japan. Participants conducted direct observations of marine waste on the beach, attended informational sessions, and engaged in discussions to analyze problems and propose solutions. Data were collected through beach waste surveys, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Findings: The results show that participants have a high awareness of the importance of addressing marine waste issues and are willing to actively engage in efforts to tackle them. Conclusion: Some of the recommended proposals include community education for coastal residents, enforcement of regulations, and provision of waste management facilities in coastal areas. This study highlights the important role of the younger generation in understanding and analyzing marine waste issues, as well as their potential contributions to formulating solutions to preserve marine ecosystem sustainability in Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the perspectives of Indonesian students on marine waste, offering unique, youth-driven solutions. By conducting a workshop with direct observations and discussions, it emphasizes the role of young people in addressing environmental issues and provides original recommendations for waste reduction and marine ecosystem preservation.