Empowering Youth for Climate Action Through Community-Based Environmental Education: A Case Study of Mangrove Conservation in Malaysia

Climate change presents significant social and environmental challenges, highlighting the need to empower young people with the knowledge, values, and skills required to participate in sustainable development. Community-based environmental education has emerged as an effective approach for fostering environmental awareness, civic responsibility, and pro-environmental behaviour among youth. This study examines the implementation and perceived outcomes of a community-based mangrove conservation education programme conducted in Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through participant reflections, teacher feedback, facilitator observations, and programme documentation to explore students' learning experiences and behavioural changes. The programme combined environmental awareness sessions, experiential mangrove planting, creative learning activities, environmental quizzes, podcasts, and community engagement initiatives to promote climate literacy and environmental stewardship. The findings indicate that experiential learning significantly enhanced students' understanding of mangrove ecosystems and their role in climate change mitigation while strengthening their sense of environmental responsibility. Participants also demonstrated positive behavioural changes by adopting sustainable practices at home and school, initiating recycling activities, and encouraging environmentally responsible actions among their peers and families. The programme further strengthened collaboration between schools, local authorities, non-governmental organisations, and higher education institutions, illustrating the value of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing sustainability education. The study demonstrates that community-based environmental education can serve as an effective social intervention for developing environmental citizenship and youth empowerment while supporting broader sustainable development goals. The findings contribute to the growing body of social science literature by demonstrating how experiential learning and community collaboration can promote meaningful behavioural change and strengthen climate action among young people. The study offers practical implications for educators, policymakers, and community organisations seeking to integrate sustainability education into formal and informal learning environments.

Education (Environmental Education / Sustainability Education)

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