The SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization) Secretariat delegations visit SEAMEO BIOTROP (Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology) on Monday, 20th November 2023. The delegation, was led by Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat, and accompanied by John Arnold Sasi Siena, Deputy Director for Programme Development, and Emiljohn Columna Sentillas, Policy and Planning Specialist.

The delegates were welcomed by Dr. Zulhamsyah Imran and SEAMEO BIOTROP Manager, Head of Sections, and Staff. In his opening remarks, Dr. Imran highlighted the importance of such visits in strengthening regional collaboration and knowledge exchange. Especially to address issues faced by the SEAMEO Centre in Indonesia.

During their tour, the delegates explored various innovative and eco-friendly facilities at SEAMEO BIOTROP, including the hydroponic systems, stingless bee garden, sensory garden, aquatic park, mushroom house, herbarium, and tissue culture facilities. These areas showcase the center's commitment to agro-eco-education tourism (AEET), integrating agricultural practices with ecological awareness and educational opportunities.

Dr. Habibah, when asked about her impression of the BIOTROP AEET Program, praised its potential as a prototype for similar initiatives in other parts of Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region. She emphasized the unique approach of SEAMEO BIOTROP in creating targeted modules for individuals interested in specific areas of agroecology and education, which can also be part of entrepreneurial processes. Her comments reflect the innovative and replicable nature of the program, offering exciting prospects for promoting and replicating such models throughout Southeast Asia.

This visit not only underscores the role of SEAMEO BIOTROP in advancing agro-eco-education tourism but also highlights the growing importance of sustainable and educational tourism initiatives in the region. The collaboration between SEAMEO Secretariat and SEAMEO BIOTROP serves as a beacon for future projects aimed at environmental sustainability and educational advancements in Southeast Asia.