IPB University and Directorate General of KSDAE Strengthen Collaboration on Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation
The Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) of IPB University has signed a Cooperation Agreement (Perjanjian Kerja Sama/PKS) with the Directorate General of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAE) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) of the Republic of Indonesia. The agreement aims to strengthen the management functions of conservation areas and promote the sustainable conservation of biodiversity across five Technical Implementation Units (UPTs) under the Directorate General of KSDAE.
The Cooperation Agreement was signed by Dr. Naresworo Nugroho, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at IPB University, and Prof. Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of KSDAE. The agreement serves as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2020 between the Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Rector of IPB University. The agreement is valid for a period of five years.
According to Dr. Naresworo Nugroho, the primary objective of the agreement is to strengthen collaboration in implementing the university’s three pillars, known as the *Tri Dharma of Higher Education*, particularly in the fields of environmental and forestry management.
The purpose of this Cooperation Agreement is to create synergy in implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education in environmental and forestry management by strengthening the functions of conservation areas and improving the effectiveness of sustainable conservation programs for biological natural resources and their ecosystems,” said Dr. Naresworo.
The five UPTs involved in the collaboration are the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park Office, the Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Way Kambas National Park Office, the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park Office, and the Ujung Kulon National Park Office. The partnership also represents a concrete form of support for the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education through collaborative approaches to environmental and forest management.
The cooperation covers several key areas. First, it includes the development of education and training programs in natural resource and ecosystem conservation, capacity building and skills development for personnel involved in conservation activities, as well as the exchange of relevant data and information. Second, the agreement provides for technical assistance, research, and development activities, including joint research on biological natural resources and ecosystems of significant conservation importance.
Third, the partnership supports community empowerment through initiatives aimed at improving local economic opportunities based on community resources and potential. Fourth, it includes support for area protection by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of efforts to protect and manage natural resources and ecosystems. Fifth, the agreement supports the conservation of flora and fauna through strengthened governance for the protection and preservation of wild plants and animals, as well as through the development and implementation of appropriate management plans.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed opportunities to strengthen specific collaboration between the Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism (KSHE) at Fahutan IPB University and three national parks under the Directorate General of KSDAE: Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, and Way Kambas National Park.
The collaboration is related to the planned implementation of the *Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka* (MBKM) program under the Program Kompetisi Kampus Merdeka (PKKM). The initiative will include joint field-based wildlife practice as well as practical training in conservation-area management, ecotourism, and environmental services at the three partner national parks.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing existing and future collaborative programs. These initiatives are expected to contribute to strengthening the functions of conservation areas and ensuring the sustainable conservation of biological natural resources and ecosystems. Ultimately, the partnership is intended to support Indonesia’s broader environmental and sustainable development targets, including the achievement of Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030, Indonesia Emas 2045, and Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission 2060 target.
