Planting Kiojay Mango Trees as a Form of Greening the Environment of Pedasong Village

Abstrak

The Kiojay mango tree planting program in Pedasong Village, Adipala District, Cilacap Regency, is an initiative of the 2025 Pedasong Village UMP KKN program by conducting reforestation that is designed in a participatory manner by involving all Neighborhood Units (RT). Each RT receives two Kiojay mango seedlings to be planted and cared for collectively, with the aim of creating an equitable distribution of vegetation cover throughout the village area. Kiojay mangoes were chosen because they are suitable for tropical climates, are resistant to dry seasons, have high selling prices, and have the potential to be a source of income for residents both from the sale of fresh fruits and processed products such as juices or sweets. From an environmental perspective, this tree helps improve air quality, lower ambient temperatures, prevent erosion, and improve soil structure. The program also brings social benefits. The planting process is a place for mutual cooperation, strengthening relationships between residents, and fostering a sense of belonging to the village environment. Even so, its success depends on continuous maintenance, including water availability during droughts, pest control, and technical training for residents. If carried out consistently, Pedasong Village will not only become greener and cooler, but also have the potential to become the center of Kiojay mango production in Cilacap Regency. More than that, this program can be an example of community-based reforestation that can be applied in other villages.