IPB University Hosts Professors and Students from Across Continents, Explores Biodiversity in Several National Parks
IPB University and the University of Vienna, Austria, organized a Summer Course with the aim of conducting a Rapid Assessment on Butterfly, Dragonfly, Bird, and Reptile Diversity in Tropical Landscapes. This activity was initiated by the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University.
Participants in the summer course included academics from the University of Vienna in Austria, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University Tiongkok, IPB University, Universitas Negeri Jember, Universitas Negeri Semarang dan Indonesia Dragonfly Society (IDS).
The series of activities for the summer course took place in Ujung Kulon National Park (Peucang Island, Panaitan Island, and Mainland Cidaon), Sebesi Island, and Sebuku Island (Lampung Province), as well as in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park. The activities began with preparatory lectures, training on data collection and analysis, and concluded with group presentations.
The initiators of this program, Prof Christian H. Schulze (Vienna University) and Prof Damayanti Buchori (IPB University), stated, “This activity is aimed at providing field experience in assessing the diversity of fauna species in natural ecosystems to the participants. This summer course is equivalent to 5 semester credit units (SKS) in off-campus learning.”
According to the Head of the Department of Plant Protection at IPB University, Dr Ali Nurmansyah, this summer course is one of the flagship activities of the department and is part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of IPB University.
“Both students and faculty involved in this summer course have learned a lot. They have not only gained knowledge of biodiversity but also learned about cultural diversity. In addition to strengthening inter university cooperation, this activity is expected to enhance collaboration between Indonesia and Austria,” said Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University, Prof. Suryo Wiyono, during the closing ceremony. (* / Rz) (IAAS/DSR)
