A lecturer from the Urban and Regional Planning Study Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), Dr. Anthoni Veery Mardianta, S.T., M.T., IAP., CIIQA, served as a speaker at an initial discussion forum on the “Development Study of Percut Sei Tuan District Based on Coastal Disaster Mitigation: Towards a Resilient Coastal Edu-Ecotourism Center.” The forum, organized by the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bappedalitbang) of Deli Serdang Regency, was held in Lubuk Pakam on 28 July 2026.

Dr. Anthoni emphasized the importance of developing coastal areas through an approach that goes beyond physical infrastructure and incorporates proactive risk management. This approach seeks to protect coastal settlements, address the needs of vulnerable groups, and integrate the Leave No One Behind principle into spatial planning.

The study also explored an Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) approach, including the use of mangroves as natural green belts, the development of coastal education spaces, community-based early warning systems, and the use of stilt structures to maintain the area’s hydrological functions.

The discussion also proposed the use of remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Total Economic Value (TEV) assessment to support risk mapping and establish priorities for intervention. The ideas presented by Dr. Anthoni served as academic input to strengthen the direction of the study and future planning for coastal development in Percut Sei Tuan.

The initiative primarily supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting resilient and inclusive coastal planning. It also contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life Below Water through ecosystem-based adaptation and the protection of coastal habitats.

Through research-based and community-responsive academic contributions, FT USU continues to strengthen its role in supporting sustainable regional development and addressing emerging challenges in coastal areas.