ISCoNREM IPB University Participants Visit Organic Agro Edu Tourism, Mulyaharja

The participants of the 2nd International Summer Course on Natural Resources and Environmental Management Science (ISCoNREM 2023) from the Master’s Program in Natural Resources and Environmental Management (PSL) at the Graduate School (SPs) of IPB University recently visited The Organic Agro Edu Tourism located in Mulyaharja Village, South Bogor, Bogor City.

Dr Nurhayati, one of the speakers, mentioned that as of currently, Bogor City has developed significantly. The Government of Bogor City also still continues to maintain several areas as green open spaces. These dedicated areas provide a rural atmosphere as well as organic rice fields.

As seen in Organic Agro Edu Tourism, Mulyaharja Village. According to Dr Nurhayati, green open spaces are considered crucial for maintaining the balance of a city. They are not only limited to parks, rather, they can also serve as productive spaces such as fields, gardens, and others that can be utilized as green open spaces.

“Productive spaces can be utilized from a landscape perspective for tourism which provides educational purposes to the public. It educates the general public on how farmers and agriculture can produce the daily food we need and highlights the importance of appreciating farmers and agriculture,” she explained.

Dr Nurhayati added that without government intervention, rice field areas will disappear. For that exact reason, it is very important to preserve them. Moreover, they can be turned into agrotourism models.

“The Organic Agro Edu Tourism in Mulyaharya is managed by the community, with a very extensive community participation, including the Women Famers’ Group (KWT) of Mulyaharha. These women play a role in developing KWT gardens with the aim of maintaining the nutritional balance of the village community,” she added.

Indra Permana, the Chairperson of Mulyaharja Village, mentioned that The Organic Agro Edu Tourism in Mulyaharja has a very appealing tourism potential. Mulyaharja is approximately 8 kilometres away from the city centre of Bogor City. This makes it very easily accessible.

“In addition to having rice fields and green land, the air quality in Mulyaharja is very clean, free from pollution, and well-maintained. This atmosphere is certainly not found within the city,” he said.

The ISCoNREM participants also visited the hydroponic garden managed by the KWT in Mulyaharja. Umyati, the Chairwoman of KWT Ciharashas Mulyaharja, explained that this KWT was established in 2018 and currently has a total of 34 members. Their cultivation includes vegetables and urban farming.

“At present, we receive support from IPB University in developing the KWT garden. Here, we have a garden tower, rain garden, and hydroponic system. Besides marketing the produce yielded from this KWT garden externally, we also use the garden’s yield for consumption, helping address stunting issues in our area,” she explained.

Furthermore, the participants also visited China Town Suryakencana to observe and understand the cultural diversity that comes with Bogor City. They also got the opportunity to visit The Bogor Botanical Gardens, which functions in conservation, research, educational tourism, and environmental services, aligning with this year’s ISCoNREM theme. (HBL/Rz) (IAAS/ZRT)