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SDG 17 : Build Partnerships for the Goals

Strengthening Alumni Ties: Genza Education Collaborates with UGM Biology Faculty for Education and Lustrum XIV

News Release Friday, 20 June 2025

Yogyakarta, June 20, 2025 — In a continued effort to strengthen collaboration in the field of education, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a strategic partnership meeting with PT Genza Edukasi Indonesia on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The meeting, held in the KPTU Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology, marked an important step toward building cooperation to support student development in the field of biology.


The meeting was attended by M. Syamsul Maarif, President Director of PT Genza Edukasi Indonesia, and Agung Supriyawan, Director of Marketing & IT at PT Genza Edukasi Indonesia. Representing the Faculty of Biology UGM were Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty; Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Chair of the 14th Lustrum Committee; Titin Fauziah, S.E., MBA., Head of the Administrative, Financial, and General Affairs Team; and Annisa Mawarni, S.Si.

In a warm and collaborative discussion, several key areas of partnership were explored. These included the implementation of the Genza Olympiad, support in providing competition judges, organizing “Road to UGM” student visits to the Faculty of Biology, and the development of educational publication materials targeted at school students.

Beyond programmatic collaboration, Genza Education also expressed its commitment to contribute funding to support the 14th Lustrum of the Faculty of Biology UGM, set to take place this year. This donation serves as a meaningful gesture of alumni support, as M. Syamsul Maarif, the President Director of Genza Education, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology, class of 1994.

Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono welcomed the collaboration with great enthusiasm. “We truly appreciate the support from Genza Education, particularly in relation to the 14th Lustrum and efforts to introduce UGM Biology to the younger generation. This is a tangible example of how alumni contribute to the advancement of their alma mater,” he stated.

This partnership is expected to be the beginning of a sustainable collaboration and an inspiration for other alumni and partners to contribute to the advancement of education alongside the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Dutch Master’s Student Completes Research Internship at Faculty of Biology UGM

News Release Friday, 20 June 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recently concluded a collaborative internship program with Jens van Bijsterveld, a Master’s student from the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), the Netherlands. Over the past five months, Jens has been engaged in a research internship focused on genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of Rasbora lateristriata, a freshwater fish species native to Yogyakarta.


During his time in Yogyakarta, Jens was supervised by a team of distinguished mentors: Prof. Dr. Fons Verbeek and Prof. Dr. Herman P. Spaink from Leiden University, as well as Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji and Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat from the Faculty of Biology UGM.

At just 22 years old, Jens already shows a strong enthusiasm for bioinformatics and research. His journey to UGM began when he expressed an interest in conducting his Master’s thesis abroad. With the support of his supervisor Prof. Verbeek, and through a connection with Prof. Spaink, Jens was introduced to the research team at UGM. “Like I said, I was lucky,” Jens shared.

Jens took part in a project to generate a reference genome for Rasbora lateristriata. It was a valuable opportunity to turn theory into practice. “After learning so much theory about genome sequencing and assembly algorithms, I really enjoyed finally applying it in a real research context,” he explained.

This internship also played a significant role in affirming Jens’s passion for research. “I already knew I enjoyed doing research back in Leiden, but the experience at UGM truly showed me how much I love being part of the scientific process—no matter where it’s conducted,” he said. Jens also emphasized the benefits of international experience in academia, especially in an increasingly global research environment.

Jens gained a wide range of experiences—not only scientific, but personal and cultural. From navigating Yogyakarta traffic on a motorbike to adapting to a more flexible concept of time, he found the learning experience went far beyond technical skills. “In the Netherlands, we often fixate on punctuality, while life here is much more relaxed and adaptive—which I actually love,” he noted. He even picked up a new hobby: making jewelry!

Jens expressed his deep appreciation for the people he worked with during his internship. “I absolutely loved everyone here. No complaints,” he said warmly. Although initially surprised by Yogyakarta’s bustling urban life and unfamiliar environment, he soon grew fond of the city’s character and lifestyle. “Compared to other Indonesian cities I visited, Yogyakarta is surprisingly well-organized, and the abundance of cozy cafés and restaurants was a big plus.”

Beyond the lab, Jens immersed himself in Indonesian culture. “I truly loved the food—especially lotek and the weird tofu that Luthfi makes,” he joked. One of his favorite memories was a long motorbike trip to the beach, where he experienced everyday life in Java along the way.

As his internship comes to an end, Jens reflects on the kindness of the people he met and the experiences he gained. “What I’ll remember most are the amazing interactions I’ve had with everyone here,” he said. He encourages other international students to take up similar opportunities—but with an open mind and a willingness to embrace cultural differences. “It’s an amazing experience, but be prepared for how different life is here compared to Europe. It takes some getting used to.”

The Faculty of Biology UGM is proud to have hosted Jens van Bijsterveld and looks forward to fostering more international research collaborations in the future.

Following in the Footsteps of L.B. Holthuis: Seven New Endemic Freshwater Lobster Species Discovered in Papua

News Release Monday, 16 June 2025

Hidden beneath the lush rainforests of Papua, Indonesia lies a biodiversity treasure trove still waiting to be explored. For crustacean researchers, the island’s rivers and lakes represent a scientific frontier rich with undiscovered species.


More than 50 years after legendary Dutch carcinologist Lipke Bijdeley Holthuis (1921 – 2008) mapped much of the world’s freshwater crayfish diversity, a new generation of scientists is continuing the quest.

In a recent study published in Arthropoda (MDPI), researchers Christian Lukhaup (Independent Researcher, Germany), Rury Eprilurahman (Universitas Gadjah Mada – Indonesia), and Thomas von Rintelen (Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin – Germany) successfully described seven new species of freshwater crayfish from the genus Cherax, all of which are endemic to the regions of West Papua.

“Papua holds the greatest diversity of freshwater crayfish in the world, yet many species remain scientifically undescribed,” said Rury Eprilurahman.

“Our goal is to help establish a valid taxonomic foundation while promoting the protection of these increasingly vulnerable species,” he added.

New Species from Papua’s Hidden Rivers

The seven newly described species originate from various remote regions of West Papua:

  1. Cherax veritas — Misool Island, Raja Ampat

  1. Cherax arguni and Cherax kaimana — northern Kaimana district

  1. Cherax nigli — southern Kaimana

  1. Cherax bomberai — Fakfak

  1. Cherax farhadii and Cherax doberai — Teluk Bintuni region
Each species exhibits distinctive morphological traits. The shape of the chelae (claws), the length and structure of the rostrum (snout), striking body coloration, and overall body proportions set each apart from its close relatives.

“These species can be clearly distinguished from each other, both morphologically and genetically,” the researchers wrote in their publication.

DNA Reveals Unique Lineages

To further validate their discoveries, the team performed mitochondrial DNA analyses using the 16S rRNA gene fragment.

Results revealed that the seven new species represent genetically distinct lineages, supporting their classification as separate species.

“This is crucial, as some species may look deceptively similar. Without molecular analysis, we risk misinterpreting their evolutionary relationships,” Eprilurahman explained.

By combining classical morphology with molecular systematics, the researchers ensured a scientifically sound and responsible approach to species identification.

Aquarium Trade as a Starting Point

Intriguingly, some of the initial specimens were obtained through the aquarium trade.

“Many of these species first appeared in the aquarium hobby market in Europe or Jakarta,” Rury noted.

“From there, we traced their origins and collaborated with local contacts in Papua to confirm the natural habitats.”

While not ideal, the aquarium trade occasionally provides an early clue to the existence of undescribed species.

Nevertheless, Rury emphasized that all field sampling and data collection were conducted ethically and following conservation permits.

Vital for Conservation Efforts

This discovery is significant not only for taxonomy but also for conservation.

West Papua is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity, yet its ecosystems face mounting threats from deforestation, mining activities, infrastructure development, and illegal wildlife trade.

By enhancing the region’s species inventory, the findings will contribute to more targeted and effective conservation planning.

“If we don’t even know which species are present, how can we protect them?” Rury asked.

“With this knowledge, we can push for more sustainable management of freshwater habitats.”

Much More Yet to Be Discovered

While seven new species have now been formally described, the researchers believe Papua’s Cherax diversity is still vastly underexplored.

“Papua is incredibly vast. There are countless rivers, lakes, and cave systems that remain unexplored,” Rury said.

“I’m confident we will continue to discover new species in the future.”

The same team has previously described other species, including:

  • Cherax warsamsonicus (2017)
  • Cherax alyciae and Cherax mosessalossa (2018)
  • Cherax wagenknechtae (2022)
  • Cherax rayko and Cherax phing (2024)

This highlights Papua’s status as a global hotspot for freshwater crayfish diversity.

Continuing the Legacy of Holthuis

Since Holthuis pioneered the study of the world’s freshwater crayfish in the mid-20th century, modern tools like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and advances in molecular systematics now offer unprecedented insights.

But fieldwork remains irreplaceable.

“There is no substitute for direct exploration in nature,” Rury emphasized.

“Papua still holds many mysteries, and we have only scratched the surface.”

Through a combination of field exploration, global collaboration, and rigorous science, today’s researchers — following in the footsteps of L.B. Holthuis — continue to unveil new chapters in our understanding of Indonesia’s extraordinary freshwater biodiversity.

The discovery of seven new endemic freshwater lobster species in Papua supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), by contributing to biodiversity conservation and highlighting the ecological value of freshwater habitats. It also aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through the protection and sustainable use of inland aquatic biodiversity, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing baseline data essential for assessing ecosystem vulnerability to climate change. Furthermore, the research aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of modern scientific methods in taxonomy, and with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by showcasing collaborative efforts among international researchers and local institutions.

Reference:

Lukhaup C., Eprilurahman R., von Rintelen T. (2025). Seven New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) from Western New Guinea, Indonesia Arthropoda 3(2):10. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-3323/3/2/10

GAMA AYAM Distributes Incubators and Breeding Chickens to Support KWT Srikandi Mrican

CooperationNews Release Monday, 2 June 2025

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – February 19, 2025 – As part of its continued commitment to community empowerment, the GAMA AYAM team has provided an egg incubator and breeding chickens to the Srikandi Women Farmers Group (KWT Srikandi Mrican). This initiative, under the Pertamina Foundation’s PF Sains Implementation Program, aims to accelerate the development of sustainable local chicken farming.


The distribution ceremony was held at the KWT Srikandi Mrican demonstration plot and coincided with the group’s monthly meeting. The symbolic handover was carried out by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., on behalf of the GAMA AYAM team, and received by Ms. Nur Handayani, Chair of KWT Srikandi Mrican. Also in attendance were Mr. Heru, a representative of MAHAR chicken breeders from Condong Catur, along with GAMA AYAM team members Dian Sartika, S.Si., M.Sc. and Yusuf Febrianta.

This program is expected to significantly boost chicken farming efforts at the KWT demonstration site. The introduction of incubator technology is a step forward in improving hatch rates and increasing the availability of day-old chicks (DOCs), enhancing the group’s capacity to achieve egg self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs No.9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the introduction of scalable agricultural technology; SDGs No.11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by empowering urban women farmers in productive agriculture; and SDGs No 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaboration between GAMA AYAM and KWT Srikandi Mrican. By supporting these SDGs, the partnership contributes to a broader mission of building resilient, self-sufficient communities and a more sustainable world.

Education and Action: MBKM Community Service Team 2025 of Biology, UGM Introduces the Benefits of Herbal Plants in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Friday, 30 May 2025

The Community Service Team – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) 2025, supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., has successfully conducted a series of educational activities in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Sleman. Under the theme “Improving Family Health through Cultivation and Processing of Herbal Plants”, the program aims to raise awareness and promote the use of herbal plants within the local community—supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. The initiative involved five active undergraduate students of the Faculty of Biology, UGM grade 2022.


The activities began with the distribution of questionnaires and direct interviews with 50 residents to assess their perceptions and habits regarding herbal plant usage. The results revealed that most residents are familiar with and regularly use herbal plants in their daily lives. This provided a strong foundation for the team to continue with further educational outreach, particularly on the types and benefits of herbal plants—supporting SDG 4: Quality Education at the hamlet level. The enthusiasm of the community confirmed that this grassroots approach is effective in unlocking local potential for health improvement.

The next phase of the program included an educational seminar and herbal plant distribution, held at Masjid Jami’ Darussalam on Sunday, May 24, 2025. The session was presented by Chelsy Ammara Septiani and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, covering the introduction to herbal plants, their benefits, and their role in preventing degenerative diseases. A lively and interactive Q&A session followed, with participants showing interest in innovative uses of herbal plants such as modern herbal beverages and aromatherapy candles. This response reflects a growing community awareness of responsible consumption and production, in line with SDG 12.

The event concluded with the distribution of herbal plants—including pandan, cat’s whiskers/Java tea, bilimbi, and bay leaf—to encourage continued cultivation and conservation of these plants within the community, thus contributing to SDG 15: Life on Land. The program will continue in the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, focusing on both physical and mental health. It is hoped that the PkM-MBKM program will continue to bring tangible benefits to the residents of Pajangan Hamlet and serve as a model of collaborative service between academia and society through partnerships to achieve the goals (SDG 17).

Authors:
Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Syifa Aneira, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa

Optimizing Women Farmers Group’s Role in Outdoor Plants Cultivation and Utilization as Marketable Products

Community ServiceNews Release Monday, 19 May 2025

As an attempt to improve and support women farmers group’s entrepreneurial independence in outdoor plants cultivation and utilization, a PKM-MBKM socialization has been conducted in partnership with Amanda Women Farmers Group, located at Padukuhan Kepuh Wetan, Kalurahan Wirokerten, Kapanewon Banguntapan, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The activity began with an introduction of the PKM-MBKM UGM Team, led by Prof. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., accompanied by students from the Faculty of Biology of Universitas Gadjah Mada class of 2022: Jovanka, Samantha Sonya Putri, Dhea Amelia, and Khansa Fauziah Rachman. During the socialization, a presentation was given regarding outdoor plants, focusing on the bioactive compounds and benefits of garden plants such as rosella, butterfly pea, lemongrass, and ginger.


These plants can be utilized to produce various products including tea, natural dyes, dried noodles, and soap. In addition, a brief explanation on how to cultivate the four plants was provided, allowing participants to apply and further develop the cultivation methods in the next session. This socialization of outdoor plants innovation to marketable products aimed to encourage product innovation, enhance the utilization of local natural resources, and strengthen the entrepreneurial independence of the Amanda Women Farmers Group. The participants were highly interested and partook in the discussion. They proposed to add outdoor plants such as aromatic ginger and suggested product innovations, namely herbal brews, natural rice dyes, and colored soaps. In the next activity, the benefits of the compounds contained in each outdoor plant will be explained. These activities support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being—by utilizing outdoor plants that can be transformed into value-added products with health benefits. They also align with Goal 17— strengthening partnerships —through the sustainable collaboration between the PKM-MBKM Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and their community partner, Amanda Women Farmers Group.

The Grand Opening of the Lustrum XIV and 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM: A Joyful Start with a Cheerful Fun Walk!

News Release Saturday, 17 May 2025

[Yogyakarta, 16 May 2025] – Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially launched Lustrum XIV celebration alongside the commemoration of its 70th Anniversary. The opening was enlivened by a Fun Walk, enthusiastically participated in by lecturers, administrative staff, members of the Biology chapter of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan, and student representatives—all of whom are integral parts of the Faculty’s long and meaningful journey. Carrying the theme “Biology for Environment and Humanity,” the celebration marks the beginning of a series of events for the 2025 Lustrum XIV. This activity aims not only to celebrate the Faculty’s achievements but also to foster unity and optimism as it looks toward the future with renewed spirit.

The event began with an energetic morning aerobics session led by a professional instructor, joyfully joined by all participants. In this meaningful moment, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, delivered an opening speech. He expressed gratitude for the Faculty’s outstanding accomplishments over the past 70 years, while also inspiring all participants with a forward-looking vision to continue advancing the field of biology and contributing to society and the nation. The opening prayer was then led by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., invoking blessings and success for the entire Lustrum XIV series, and for the continued prosperity of the Faculty of Biology UGM community.

The symbolic opening of Lustrum XIV was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Dean, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. (Chair of the Academic Senate), Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chair of the 2025 Lustrum XIV Committee), and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. (Chair of the Opening Ceremony). This symbolic act represented more than a formal gesture—it signified the start of a new chapter in the Faculty’s history, full of innovation and dedication. The ribbon cutting was followed by the Fun Walk, which took place around the UGM campus area. This moment of togetherness was captured with a group photo in front of Balairung UGM. After the joyful walk, participants enjoyed a relaxed and friendly atmosphere over delicious refreshments, creating a warm and lively gathering. The festivity continued with live musical performances by the Dean, faculty members, and staff, enriching the sense of unity and celebration. This opening event of Lustrum XIV also reflects the Faculty’s active contribution to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): by encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle, improving participants’ physical and mental health, and promoting awareness of the importance of physical activity in daily life; SDG 4 (Quality Education): as part of a higher education institution, the event reinforces educational values and builds a strong sense of academic community; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): through collaboration among the academic community, alumni, partners, and the broader public, the Faculty demonstrates its commitment to advancing shared goals, including sustainable development. As a joyful finale to the event, a door prize drawing session was held—one of the most anticipated parts of the day. Cheers and laughter erupted with each number called, adding excitement and delightful surprises for the participants. Let us continue to nurture life with freshness and vitality, providing space to grow and innovate—Biology for Environment and Humanity.

General Lecture Fundamentals of Ichthyology with Prof. Noritaka Mochioka, Kyushu University

CooperationNews Release Friday, 16 May 2025

Yogyakarta, May 14, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a special guest lecture on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, featuring Prof. Noritaka Mochioka from the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Japan. The lecture was part of the Ichthyology class and carried the theme “Life History and Conservation of the Eel,” attended by undergraduate and graduate students.


The event was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Cooperation, Research, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., who emphasized the importance of learning from international experiences and research in biodiversity conservation. “Cross-border learning provides students with essential global perspectives, especially in understanding fish population dynamics and conservation challenges for species like the eel,” said Dr. Eko.

Prof. Mochioka delivered an insightful presentation covering the complex life cycle of eels from the leptocephalus larval stage to adulthood, their remarkable long-distance migration, and the major threats they face due to climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. He stressed the need for international collaboration and ecology-based strategies for the conservation of aquatic species.

This event supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

SDG 4: Quality Education, by facilitating knowledge exchange with international experts.

SDG 14: Life Below Water, through awareness and education on marine biodiversity protection.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering international academic collaborations.

Through this guest lecture, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to equipping students with global scientific insight and strengthening the role of higher education in supporting sustainable conservation efforts.

Madrasah Aliyah Sayang Ibu NTB Visits Animal Developmental Structure Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, UGM

News Release Friday, 9 May 2025

Yogyakarta, May 8, 2025 – A group of 20 students from Madrasah Aliyah Sayang Ibu in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), accompanied by three teachers, visited the Animal Developmental Structure (SPH) Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) for an educational tour.


The visit was warmly welcomed by the Head of the SPH Laboratory, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., who gave a presentation on UGM and the Faculty of Biology. The students showed great enthusiasm for the topics discussed, particularly regarding research activities, academic programs, and career prospects in the field of biology.

The session continued with a guided tour of the laboratory facilities, including the animal histology-embryology and animal anatomy sections, led by Sefi Nur Anggaeni, S.Si., a laboratory technician. The students had the opportunity to observe various microscopic specimens and animal organs, providing them with hands-on exposure to the world of science.

This visit reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By opening access to education and fostering collaboration with students from diverse regions, the faculty actively contributes to creating an inclusive and competitive educational ecosystem.

UGM Academic Shares Ecological Restoration Practices and Learning Module Adaptations in International “Live From The Field” Class

News Release Friday, 9 May 2025

Yogyakarta, May 15, 2025 – Akbar Reza, a lecturer from the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was invited as a speaker in the international discussion session “Live from the Field: Restoring Tropical Forests”. The event was organized by the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) in collaboration with the OCELOTS (Online Content for Experiential Learning of Tropical Systems) network, the Center for Environmental Inquiry at Sonoma State University, and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).


This session brought together researchers and academics in the field of ecology from various countries including Costa Rica, Hawai’i, Ecuador, and Indonesia to share practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to tropical forest ecosystem restoration through interactive video presentations. The event is part of The Virtual Field, an international initiative developed during the pandemic to provide virtual field experiences for biology students around the world.

Attended by nearly 80 students from universities across tropical countries, Akbar presented the implementation of an online learning module on ecosystem restoration that he has integrated into undergraduate ecology courses at UGM. This effort is supported by a grant from the NSF through the OCELOTS Faculty Mentoring Network program. The module aims to enhance context-based learning focused on tropical ecosystems through open and collaborative online methods.

The discussion also featured Dr. Becky Ostertag from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, who spoke about functional trait-based restoration approaches, and Dr. Rakan A. Zahawi, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Research Station, who highlighted the effectiveness of tree cluster planting as a forest recovery strategy.

The session was moderated by Brittany Cavazos, Assistant Professor of Biology at Stonehill College, Massachusetts, and Miriam San José, a researcher at the Charles Darwin Research Station. It was streamed live from Las Cruces Biological Station in Costa Rica and the UGM Biological Forest in Indonesia.

“From this event, I learned that tropical forest restoration is not just about ecological techniques, but also about social engagement, education, and cross-regional knowledge sharing,” said Akbar. “The opportunity to compare Indonesia’s restoration context with those of Hawai’i and Costa Rica has provided new and valuable perspectives for both myself and my students.”

The “Live from the Field” program not only offers a global learning experience for students but also provides teaching guides, pre-session reading materials, and session recordings that can be used asynchronously by lecturers and educators around the world. More information is available at thevirtualfield.org and ocelots.nrem.iastate.edu.