The 2019 National Seminar on Tropical Biology was held in the Auditorium Room of the UGM Faculty of Biology, promoting a theme of “Development of Biotourism and Biospeleology for Conservation of Tropical Biodiversity.” The seminar was opened by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., followed by the signing of an MoU between the Faculty of Biology, the Borobudur Authority Agency, and Moyudan Animal Village.
The seminar also invited experts for the plenary session, including Dr. Cahyo Rahmadi (Head of Zoology, LIPI Research Center for Biology and President of the Indonesian Speleological Society) presented the urgency of conserving caves biota. In this seminar, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. (Researcher for Animal Structure and Development, Faculty of Biology UGM), explained the importance of studying behavior and physiological aspects, structure, and development of animals that adapt to natural conditions in caves. Dr. Agus Rochiyardi (Director of Tourism Marketing at the Borobudur Authority Agency) also discusses the concept of bio tourism, emphasizing the harmony between human, cultural assets, and environmental aspects. The plenary session was closed by Ir. Ikram M.Sangadji, M.Si (Head of the Kupang National Marine Conservation Area), who shared his experience in the management of the Savu Sea and its potential for ecotourism.
The discussion presented by the four experts is expected to open new perspectives in ecosystem management in the conservation of tropical biodiversity.