Faculty of Forestry Holds National Seminar, Encourages Synergy of Various Parties in Climate Change Mitigation Action

Banjarbaru – The Faculty of Forestry, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) held a National Forestry Seminar on Wednesday (18/9/2024) in Banjarbaru. This seminar raised the theme “Synergy of the Parties in Forestry and Other Landuse (FOLU)-Based Climate Change Mitigation Actions in Indonesia”.

The seminar invited several keynote speakers from among related officials, experts, and practitioners. Among them were the Rector of Lambung Mangkurat University, the Director General of Forestry Planning and Environmental Management of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, PT. Arutmin Indonesia, and several experts from the ULM Faculty of Forestry itself.

In addition, this national seminar also invited presenters to present their research results related to the seminar theme. The scope of the studies that will be presented at this national seminar include research studies, implementation, and methods of FOLU-based climate change mitigation actions; social forestry, agroforestry and biodiversity, peat restoration and mangrove ecosystem restoration in FOLU-based climate change mitigation actions; and utilization of new and renewable energy in FOLU-based climate change mitigation actions.

The Head of the Committee, Dr. Ir. Mahrus Aryadi, explained that this seminar aims to strengthen collaboration between the government, academics, practitioners, and the community in FOLU-based climate change mitigation under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHL).

“Synergy is very important, because so far various parties have been working separately,” explained Dr. Ir. Mahrus.

This seminar, continued Dr. Ir. Mahrus, aims to unite understanding and efforts to jointly tackle climate change so that it does not increase too drastically. The role of academics, bureaucrats, and practitioners is very much needed in this effort.

“In addition, with temperatures that can reach 35 degrees, the impact of climate change is felt directly, of course it will affect the growth and habitat of animals and human welfare,” he said.

Rector of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, S.E., M.Sc., stated that this seminar is a strategic step to create a good academic atmosphere at the Faculty of Forestry ULM. According to him, this seminar is a form of contribution from the Faculty of Forestry ULM in producing brilliant ideas to support national development in the forestry sector.

“It is hoped that this seminar can produce useful conclusions as input for regional and central governments in national implementation related to forestry and the environment,” said the Rector.

One of the goals to be achieved in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely goal 13, is Climate Change Management (Climate Action). To answer this goal, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has established a policy in the context of reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions to control climate change with the National program “Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030” as stipulated in Presidential Regulation Number 98 of 2021 (https://www.menlhk.go.id/program/folu-net-sink/).

Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 is an important initiative in efforts to address climate change and achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. FOLU itself is an abbreviation of “Forest and Other Land Use” which includes forest management and other land uses.

For higher education institutions, Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 directly demands a role in research and development, education and training, collaboration and partnerships, innovation in forestry practices, policy advocacy, and increasing public awareness.

Through the seminar, the Faculty of Forestry ULM hopes to bridge cooperation between various related parties, including the government, academics, stakeholders, and the community, in efforts to address the challenges of climate change. In-depth discussions and exchange of knowledge are expected to produce effective innovations and strategies in managing forest and other land resources.