Planting Matoa Trees (Pemotia Pinnata) as an Effort to Support Environmental Health and Community Welfare in Gowa Regency

Abstract

The issues of climate change and environmental degradation have become global
challenges that impact the quality of human life. At the local level, public awareness of environmental conservation still needs to be improved as part of a sustainable solution. One of the
strategic efforts undertaken is the simultaneous planting of matoa trees (Pometia pinnata) by
the Ministry of Religion of Gowa Regency in order to commemorate Earth Day 2025 by involving schools, religious institutions, places of worship and the community with a target of planting
2,500 trees. This study aims to describe the initial role of the matoa tree planting program (Pometia pinnata) as an effort to support food security, environmental health and community welfare
in Gowa Regency. The methods used were field observation and documentation studies related
to the implementation of the planting program as well as literature studies on the ecological and
health benefits of the matoa tree. The results of the study show that this program has become
a strategic initial step in building collective awareness about the importance of environmental
preservation. In addition to contributing to increasing green space and reducing the impact of
climate change, the matoa tree was chosen because of its potential economic value as a local
food source rich in nutrients and antioxidants, contributing to improving community health.
Although the direct impact on community welfare cannot yet be measured quantitatively, this
program shows great potential in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals
(SDGs), especially in the aspects of environmental health and long-term welfare.