SEAMEO BIOTROP and Hiroshima University have joined hands to conduct a SPRING COURSE START PROGRAM: Save Biodiversity Concepts in Southeast Asia, for students interested in biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia. The program started on March 11 and will continue until March 20, 2023, at SEAMEO BIOTROP Campus in Bogor, Indonesia. A total of 12 students are taking part in the program, including seven students from Hiroshima University, and five students from universities in Indonesia. Three staff members from Hiroshima University also takes part in this program.

The program aims to provide an understanding of the concepts and implementation of saving biodiversity in Southeast Asia, build awareness and understanding of different kinds of biodiversity, and understand the concept of knowledge management in the biodiversity field. The participants will learn about tropical biodiversity, integrated approaches and methods in conservation, Sustainable Development Goals, policies, socio-cultural and agendas that influence the sustainability of tropical biodiversity.

According to Ms. Dewi Suryani, the program coordinator from SEAMEO BIOTROP, this program aims to promote the conservation of tropical biodiversity in Southeast Asia. The participants will have the opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of Indonesia, which is a hotspot for biodiversity.

“Students will not only learn about biodiversity but also about the people, culture, region, and everything that is new for them, which will be the most important factor for the next century.” Dr. Kazuhiko Koike from Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, said in his opening remakrs. He also added that the spring course start program is designed for students who have never gone outside Japan and want to have the opportunity to enjoy a new experience.

In welcoming the participants, Dr. Zulhamsyah Imran as SEAMEO BIOTROP Director stressed the importance of conserving biodiversity, stating that biodiversity depends on humans and supports our living. Indonesia has lost at least 72% of its biodiversity due to the climate crisis, and globally, the loss is 62%.

“It is essential to work together to stop the loss of biodiversity and live in harmony with biodiversity to save future generations.” He added.

The representatives from Hiroshima Universities including Dr. Kazuhiko Koike, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, HU.  Mr. Ichiro Hatakeyama, Global Initiatives Group, Department of International Affairs, International Office. Ms. Sono Akiba Public Relations Group, Department of Public Relations, Financial and General Affairs Office.

The Students representatives from Hiroshima University Shunya Shiotsu, Kakeru Furukawa, Harunobu Nishio, Akihiro Iwata, Komi Hayami, Ryuichiro Sekiguchi, and Maiko Anzai. The participants from Indonesia including Sulastri Prihandini, Iin Lailatul Khoirunnisa, Andifa Anugerah Putra, Devi Lutfiana Rosida, and Baihaqi Genta Fadhlonsyah from Universitas Padjadjaran, Universitas Negeri Malang, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Universitas Brawijaya, and Universitas Indonesia respectively.

The program brings together participants from different backgrounds and provides them with a unique opportunity to learn about biodiversity conservation, exchange knowledge and ideas, and build networks for future collaborations. With the increasing importance of biodiversity conservation, such programs play a vital role in developing the necessary skills and knowledge among future leaders in this field. (hcn)