SEAMEO BIOTROP, in collaboration with Syiah Kuala University and Universiti Sains Malaysia, successfully conducted the "Regional Training Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation and Invasive Alien Plant Identification" on June 24-25, 2024. The event took place at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Syiah Kuala University, Aceh.

The workshop saw participation from 65 attendees, including students and lecturers from various universities in Aceh and representatives from Pocut Meurah Intan Forest Park. The primary objective was to enhance participants' understanding and skills in biodiversity conservation and the identification of Invasive Alien Species (IAS).

Dr. Zulhamsyah Imran, Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, inaugurated the workshop by stressing the significance of biodiversity conservation and IAS identification. He also shared an overview of SEAMEO BIOTROP’s profile and programs, extending an invitation for collaborative efforts to address the challenges in biodiversity utilization and management. “Managing IAS is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and preventing economic losses and environmental damage caused by invasive species,” said Dr. Zulhamsyah.

Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, Dean of FMIPA at Syiah Kuala University, expressed strong support for collaborative educational and research programs at both national and regional levels.

The workshop featured distinguished speakers, including Chihjen Ko from GBIF Asia, Dr. Soekisman Tjitrosoemito and Dr. Sri Sudarmiyati Tjitrosoedirdjo from SEAMEO BIOTROP, Iqbar S.Si M.Sc and Dr. Saida Rasnovi S.Si M.Si from Syiah Kuala University, and Prof. Madya Dr. Rahmad Zakaria, Dr. Syarifah Ab Rashid, and Dr. Rosazline Rusly from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Topics covered included biodiversity conservation methods, techniques for identifying invasive alien plants, the ecological and economic impacts of IAS, and strategies for IAS management and control.

To deepen participants' understanding and practical skills, the second day of the workshop included a field trip to Pocut Meurah Intan Forest Park in Aceh, where participants engaged in hands-on activities for identifying and learning about invasive alien plant species.

Additionally, the event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and Implementation Agreement (IA) among SEAMEO BIOTROP, FMIPA Syiah Kuala University, and Universiti Sains Malaysia. Plans for future collaboration include regular webinars hosted alternately by SEAMEO BIOTROP, FMIPA Syiah Kuala University, and Universiti Sains Malaysia. (ak, hcn)