On September 12, 2023, the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory hosted a Hybrid Seminar titled “Nature-Based Solutions for Managing Tropical Coastal Ecosystems for Human Well-being” at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. The event commenced with opening remarks from the committee chair, Dr.rer.nat Andhika Puspito Nugroho, and was inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. This seminar was organized to commemorate the retirement of Prof. Tjut Sugandawaty Djohan, who has made invaluable scientific contributions over nearly 40 years of work at the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Furthermore, this seminar coincided with Prof. Tjut’s birthday, serving as a testament to the immense appreciation for her countless contributions to the development of ecology and conservation science.
The theme was chosen in response to the ecosystem degradation occurring in various regions worldwide. Ecosystems within landscapes and coastal areas provide essential services supporting human life, including the supply of clean water, food, clean air, as well as aspects of culture and sustainable spirituality. The unprecedented level of ecosystem degradation prompted the United Nations to declare 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, advocating for global-scale ecosystem restoration programs. Additionally, the reciprocal relationship between human well-being and ecosystem health continues to be fostered, one such avenue being Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). NBS is an approach integrating ecosystem-based management principles as solutions to human challenges in the Anthropocene era. Moreover, it is expected that NBS-related topics will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The hybrid seminar, attended by nearly 220 participants both physically and virtually, comprised two main sessions: keynote speakers and invited speakers. In the keynote session, Prof. Tjut Sugandawaty Djohan from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, addressed the theme “Ecosystem Degradation in Tropical Landscape-Coastal Areas and Climate Emergency,” while Prof. Jatna Supriatna from the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (Research Center for Climate Change) discussed “Ecosystem Services Potential for Carbon Trading.” Following this, Dr. Barano Siswa Sulistyawan from the Global Environment Facility-RIMBA, Ministry of ATR/BPN, spoke on “Realizing the RIMBA Landscape Corridor through Green Economy.”
In the invited speakers session, individuals mentored by Prof. Tjut shared their experiences. These included Dr.Ir.Aji Ali Akbar, S. Hut, M. Si (Tanjungpura University), Gemasakti Adzan, M.Sc. (World Resources Institute Indonesia), Dr. Rossie Wiedya Nusantara (Tanjungpura University), Dr. Karyadi Baskoro, M.Si. (Diponegoro University), Achmad Ariefiandy, M.Phil. (Komodo Survival Program), Sugotowikan (Ateliers Francois S.A.), Dr. Sudaryanto (Udayana University), Willem Amu Blegur, M.Sc (Timor University), Arief Rachman, M.Sc. (National Research and Innovation Agency), Ryannika Dwi Astuti, S.Si. (LINI Foundation).
This event is envisioned as a platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, networking, and inspiring the younger generation to venture into the field of ecology and conservation. Given that the younger generation is instrumental in addressing current and future environmental challenges, the committee and Prof. Tjut express gratitude to all the speakers and participants who attended from various regions in Indonesia, encompassing diverse professional backgrounds including academia, scientists, students, and conservation practitioners. “The spirit and enthusiasm displayed in this event motivate us to continue our efforts in preserving nature and supporting sustainability,” concluded the Committee Chair.