Yogyakarta, July 27, 2023 – The ASRI Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to planetary health in Kalimantan Barat, visited the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), to hold an audience discussing potential collaborations in environmental conservation and community health enhancement. The event took place on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology, UGM.
As a pioneer in its field, the ASRI Foundation envisions a healthy, prosperous society and sustainable environment by integrating healthcare services with the conservation of high conservation value forests. Since its establishment in 2007, ASRI has actively supported the government’s efforts in preserving forests in Kalimantan Barat and has inspired the world with its conservation-based healthcare approach.
The ASRI Foundation’s flagship programs span across three main areas:
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector’s highlight is the ASRI Clinic, a unique initiative and possibly the only one in Indonesia that accepts seedlings as payment. The clinic also provides mobile healthcare services, tuberculosis control, and eyeglasses access for the community. ASRI aims to promote public health while reinforcing forest conservation through this innovative approach.
- Conservation: ASRI actively engages in forest conservation programs, including reforestation, deforestation monitoring, supporting forest-friendly livelihoods (sahabat hutan), promoting organic farming, implementing chainsaw buyback initiatives, and providing special support for widows involved in environmental conservation efforts.
- Education: The ASRI Foundation actively educates the community, particularly through extracurricular activities such as ASRI Kids and ASRI Teens, conducting environmental awareness programs, study tours, Planetary Health Talks, and Planetary Health Camps.
The audience was held to discuss the Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ASRI Foundation and the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The collaboration aims to strengthen the aspects of the Higher Education Tri Dharma, encompassing education, research, and community service, with a focus on environmental conservation and planetary health enhancement.
The delegation from the ASRI Foundation, led by Evita Izza Dwiyanti, S.T., M.Si., the Partnership Manager, was warmly welcomed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, as well as Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., the Director of the Center for Tropical Biodiversity, Faculty of Biology, UGM.
The event began with an introduction to the Faculty of Biology, UGM, followed by an intensive discussion on the implementation of collaborative activities as outlined in the MoU.
The collaboration between the ASRI Foundation and the Faculty of Biology, UGM, is expected to be a milestone in advancing planetary health and environmental conservation. With strong synergy, both organizations are committed to jointly creating a healthier and more sustainable society and environment for future generations.