LATIN and SEAMO BIOTROP Discuss Collaboration Sosial Forestri Movement in Southeast Asia

LATIN held a meeting with Southeast Asian Regional Centre For Topical Biology (SEAMO BIOTROP) on Friday (8/12) to discuss about the Social Forestry  in Southeast Asia. This meeting was held offline at the SEAMO BIOTROP office which was attended by 11 people. Also present in this discussion were the Asian Center for Biodiversity. SEAMO BIOTROP born on 1968 focus on science education, capacity building, information dissemination about biodiversity dan climate change. 

“We focus on climate change in education under on Ministry Of Education of Republic Indonesia and IPB University. We can share roles in developing biodiversity and climate change education. LATIN have a strong capacity with community in the field,” said Mr. Ferdinan from SEAMO BIOTROP. 

He explained that currently SEAMO BIOTROP has a flagship program, the School of Biodiversity. This project has a activity such as on biodiversity footprint from mountain to ocean, Agro-eco-edu-tourism, Reputable publication and Dissemination. Next there are Academic Leaders programs for young peoples.

This meeting is moment to work together to encouraging a biodiversity approach to dealing with the climate crisis. A project office can be created in Indonesia which accommodates many initiatives from various countries in Southeast Asia. ADB and SEAMO BIOTROP can strengthen networks and cooperation at the regional level. LATIN can focus on developing capacity and managing knowledge in the field.

“Three organizations have similar interests. Like development system, we can collaboration in Cappacity building, knowledge management, and policy development. LATIN have dream in 2045 Sosial Forestri can be common aproach in Indonesia. We expect 1 million youth work in the forest, to make it happen we create Sosial Forestri Academy” said Dwi Rahmat as a Board of LATIN. 

Thomas, as director of LATIN, added the importance of creating collaborations to support strengthening the capacity of young people. Apart from that, it also focuses on improving the curriculum and data management.

Keyword: Sosial Forestri, Biodiversity, SEAMO BIOTROP

Writer: Novan Aji

Editor: Thomas Oni Veriasa