Community Empowerment Through Eco-Creative Skills and Environmental Awareness Programs in Coastal Rural Areas

Abstract

This study examines the implementation and outcomes of an integrated community empowerment program that combines eco-creative skills development with environmental-awareness activities in a coastal rural area. The initiative was designed to strengthen local economic resilience while promoting sustainable environmental practices among multigenerational community members. The program consisted of several hands-on activities, including polybag cultivation of onions and celery, ecoprint crafting, aromatherapy candle production, and the creation of piggy banks from recycled materials. In addition, socialisation sessions on household waste management and the installation of a community waste-disposal container were conducted to address local environmental challenges. Data were collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, documentation review, and participant feedback forms. The results indicate that the eco-creative training successfully enhanced participants’ creativity, skill mastery, and understanding of low-cost entrepreneurial opportunities using locally available materials. Agricultural activities improved knowledge of simple, replicable cultivation techniques suitable for limited land areas, while environmental socialisation increased awareness of proper waste handling and the importance of maintaining cleanliness in residential surroundings. Participants across age groups showed positive behavioural changes, reflected in improved engagement, motivation, and a greater willingness to adopt sustainable practices at home. The combination of skill-based training and environmental education proved effective in building community capacity and fostering social cohesion. Overall, this study concludes that integrating eco-creative learning with environmental awareness initiatives provides a holistic, sustainable empowerment model for coastal rural communities. The program’s low-cost, participatory, and replicable design offers substantial potential for broader adoption in similar contexts.