Enhancing Students' Understanding of the Role of Conservation Forests in Watershed Protection through an Educational Outreach Program at SMP Negeri 018 Jambi City

Abstract

Forest degradation in upstream areas of watersheds can disrupt hydrological functions and increase the risk of hydrometeorological disasters. Therefore, increasing knowledge about the importance of forest conservation needs to be introduced from an early age through environmental education activities. This community service activity aimed to improve students’ understanding of the role of conservation forests in maintaining the ecological functions of watersheds. The activity was conducted at SMP Negeri 018 Kota Jambi and involved 29 students. The methods included administering a pre-test, delivering educational materials through presentations and interactive discussions, and conducting a post-test as an evaluation. The effectiveness of the activity was analyzed using the Normalized Gain (N-Gain) method. The results showed that the students’ average scores increased from 44.83 in the pre-test to 71.72 in the post-test. The average N-Gain value was 0.50, which was categorized as moderate. A total of 25 students (86.21%) were classified in the moderate N-Gain category, 3 students (10.34%) in the high category, and 1 student (3.45%) in the low category. These results indicate that the implemented socialization method was relatively effective in improving students’ knowledge regarding the role of conservation forests in maintaining watershed functions. This activity is expected to serve as an alternative approach to environmental education at the junior high school level to foster awareness and concern for forest resource conservation.