On June 4th, 2024, a discussion on efforts to implement sustainable campuses continued. Using the interactive medium of Instagram, UI GreenMetric presented the theme "Biodiversity Matters: Cultivating Awareness and Action Together" for its IG Live discussion. This event was a collaboration between Universitas Samudra and UIN Maliki Malang, featuring expert speakers to discuss actions we can take to conserve biodiversity.
The invited speakers included Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim, S.Si., M.Si. , an Assistant Professor in the Biology Program at the Faculty of Science and Technology at Universitas Samudra; Dr. Aulia Fikriarini Muchlis, S.T., M.T., Head of Green Metric at UIN Maliki Malang; and Tresa Variyani Zen, a Conservation Science Specialist at the WCS Indonesia Program.
The discussion aimed to increase societal awareness of biodiversity and conservation. One of the indicators we used to assess the criteria for the Setting & Infrastructure of Sustainable Campus Implementation, according to the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. The event began with a contextual overview of biodiversity and its functions on our planet, followed by a deeper exploration of conservation beyond its basic definition.
Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim, S.Si., M.Si. shared extensive insights on biodiversity conservation, reshaping the audience's understanding by emphasizing that culture is an integral part of biodiversity. He stressed the need to integrate local wisdom into conservation efforts, highlighting that communities often have sustainable practices rooted in their knowledge of the local environment. He advocated the importance of considering natural vegetation before developing conservation projects to ensure the effectiveness of biodiversity efforts.
Dr. Aulia Fikriarini Muchlis, S.T., M.T., provided valuable insights based on UIN Maliki Malang's best practices. She highlighted several conservation projects that involve student participation, such as the Maliki Biodiversity Forest, which exemplifies collaboration between the university and local government. She also emphasized the importance of engaging non-traditional partners, beyond government and fellow universities, to foster more successful conservation approaches.
Lastly, Tresa Variyani Zen from the Wildlife Conservation Society emphasized that while we all have connections to nature, the fast pace of modern life often leads to disconnection and harmful behaviors. The idea of conservation began when we re-connect our connection with nature. Providing insights of the programs implemented by WCS.,Tresa stressed out the importance of facilitating opportunities for young people to contribute their creative solutions. To address this issue, education is essential, and by engaging the younger generation, we can cultivate innovative approaches that promote a more sustainable future.
We are committed to fostering discussions that promote the international implementation of sustainable campuses. Engage with us for our future IG Live Discussion by following us on our social media channels.
Written by Riska P. Hariyadi
