Integrated Water Conservation Education through a Participatory Approach at SMP Negeri 11 Malang

SMP Negeri 11 Malang is an Adiwiyata (environmentally oriented) school that still faces environmental challenges, including excessive use of clean water, damaged and soil-covered biopores, and suboptimal waste management. These conditions indicate limited awareness and pro-conservation behavior among students, particularly regarding water resources. A Community Service (PkM) team from Universitas Brawijaya implemented an integrated water conservation education program using a participatory approach to improve students’ literacy and behavior toward water resources and the school environment. The program consisted of three core activities: (1) socialization on the importance of clean water and water-saving behavior; (2) maintenance of biopores and education on 5R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replace, Replant), accompanied by the development of a “waste lifespan” information board; and (3) installation of a simple rainwater harvesting (RWH) system and drip irrigation in the school garden. The methods combined interactive presentations, discussions, field practice, educational games, and evaluation through simple pre- and post-tests. The results showed that students’ comprehension score reached 85%, while in the technical aspect of biopore maintenance, 6 out of 10 treated biopore points functioned effectively again. The initial survey also indicated that approximately 95% of the school’s biopores were nonfunctional, making maintenance a priority intervention in this program. In addition, the program produced environmental educational media and a functioning RWH and drip irrigation system as appropriate technology within the school. The school expressed its commitment to sustaining and integrating this program into regular Adiwiyata activities, highlighting its potential to strengthen a school-wide culture of environmental conservation.