14.2 Supporting aquatic ecosystems through education
Universities need to demonstrate how they are providing direct support through education in maintaining ecosystems in rivers, lakes and seas.
Offer educational programmes on fresh-water ecosystems (water irrigation practices, water management/conservation) for local or national communities
UGM extends diverse educational opportunities to local communities, fostering awareness and knowledge in effective water management at both local and national levels. These initiatives include summer courses, public seminars addressing water management for urban residents, sustainable water management, and the creation of accessible learning materials for the general public.
Course
UGM’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology is hosting the 4th Summer Course on “Smart Technology in the Agro-Industrial Sector.” The theme encompasses various aspects, including on-farming, post-harvest, food processing, handling, systems engineering, management, and information systems. The course features 13 international speakers, attracting a total of 93 participants, with 40 coming from overseas. Topics include presentations on water resource integration, climate change adaptation, and innovations like smart farming and agritech in Indonesia’s aquatic ecosystem.
Seminar/Webinar
The Department of Government Politics (DPP) at Fisipol UGM conducted a public lecture on Urban Politics entitled “Politics of Clean Water Management for City Residents.” This webinar introduces a novel perspective on water conservation, considering it as an economic commodity and a cultural force within the local community dimension.
UGM’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, in collaboration with HATHI Yogyakarta Branch, organized a seminar on “Water Resources Engineering: from Time to Time.” The event discussed the integrated management of water resources for community welfare at national and global levels.
Learning Material
This educational video outlines the design process for plantation irrigation pumps, covering key stages like garden layout, air source positioning, pump and tank placement, plant air requirement calculations, irrigation computations, pump energy needs, and distribution network determination.
A video tutorial introduces drip irrigation for water conservation in dry land cultivation in Wareng Village, Wonosari, Gunung Kidul, as part of a Sustainable Development-Based Community Service initiative.
Offer educational programmes or outreach for local or national communities on sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
UGM has initiated diverse educational programs aimed at fostering sustainable practices in cultivation, aquaculture, and fisheries management. These initiatives include summer courses, seminars, community service actions, collaborative endeavors, and the provision of KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata) programs. Additionally, UGM has developed platforms and e-commerce solutions as technological tools to support and empower fish cultivators.
Educational Program in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism
The Department of Agricultural Fisheries at UGM is conducting the Summer Course Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries Management (SC-TAFM) 2022. Diverse faculty participants from various countries, including Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Japan, Yemen, Algeria, Australia, the Bahamas, and the United States, are involved. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the younger generation about the impact of global climate change on various sectors, including fisheries.
UGM researched Batam City’s mangroves to identify tourism potential. Recommendations based on the analysis will be provided to the government and society. This collaborative effort involves the UGM Center for Community Economic Studies and the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), with funding from the Kedaireka Matching-Fund program, Merdeka Campus, Ministry of Education and Culture.
ICOSEAT provides a platform for academic, business, and government stakeholders to discuss recent developments in Agroindustry, Appropriate Technology, Environmental and Mining Engineering, Sustainable Development, Tourism Management, Agriculture, Food Engineering, and Marine, Aquaculture, and Biological Science.
The Department of Agricultural Fisheries at UGM is hosting the XIX 2022 Annual Faculty National Seminar to share research findings in fisheries and marine studies. Indonesia’s abundant marine resources significantly contribute to national development, playing a crucial role in GDP growth, employment, superior product creation, national food security, and global competitiveness.
Community Outreach in Aquaculture and Tourism
Gunung Kidul holds significant potential in marine fisheries. UGM KKN 2022 students are providing training on marine fish processing and online business to develop a marine tourism village. The focus is on promoting seafood consumption and diversifying processed seafood to enhance product value and competitiveness.
The UGM Faculty of Agriculture team successfully assisted Tirtomulyo Village in becoming a gourami fish producer and facilitated the creation of a Gurami Culinary Tourism Village through educational initiatives. Collaborating with the Tirtomulyo Regency Government, the team organized the Gurami Festival to promote and empower local potential and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Tirtomulyo.
Sungsang Village, known for its fishing industry, possesses untapped potential in culinary and cultural tourism. However, existing infrastructure limitations prompted UGM to conduct a Collaborative Community Service (KKN). This initiative involved creating a Geographic Information System (GIS) website for Sungsang tourist village, mapping priority routes, and developing a prototype for a smokeless burning device.
Community Outreach in Fisheries
UGM introduced a fish freshness detection feature on the “Fishku” e-commerce platform, connecting consumers with fishermen. This startup initiative aims to enhance the economic landscape of Indonesia’s fisheries sector while promoting technological literacy among fishermen and fish farmers.
Offer educational outreach activities for local or national communities to raise awareness about overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices
UGM has implemented various educational initiatives extending to local and national communities. Educational efforts encompass diverse agendas, including activities like Kangemandala and the distribution of 20 thousand eel seeds, a collaborative effort involving companies and faculties. The outcomes of these endeavors are intended to enhance awareness regarding the long-term conservation of fish species.
UGM’s Diving Unit conducted the annual diving event, “Reef Covery VIII: Kangemandala,” focused on coral restoration in the Kangean area. The initiative aims to advance marine conservation in Kangean and neighboring islands through activities like coral reef transplantation, exploratory diving for data collection on fish and coral species, assessing land tourism potential, engaging with youth groups in coral reef restoration, outreach on coral transplantation, and installing mooring buoys.
A collaborative effort involving PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP), a subsidiary of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA), and the Fisheries Department at the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, facilitated the stocking of 20,000 eel fish seeds in the Boyong River Basin, Sleman Regency, DIY. This collaborative restocking initiative serves the dual purpose of replenishing eel fish populations and educating the public about the importance of preserving this species.
14.3 Supporting aquatic ecosystems through action
Universities need to demonstrate how they are providing direct support through actions in maintaining ecosystems in rivers, lakes and seas.
Support or organise events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources
UGM has orchestrated initiatives to advocate for the conservation and sustainable utilization of ocean, sea, lake, river, and marine resources. These efforts include commemorating World Water Day, distributing 20 thousand eel seeds in the Boyong River for conservation purposes, releasing fish in Wisdom Lake within UGM Park Residence, promoting water conservation, releasing fish in Wisdom Park, implementing tree planting projects through Wanagama, and engaging in collaborative programs with local communities.
Promote Conservation of the River
Wisdom Park UGM was built with a mandate as a place for learning and environmental conservation. Therefore, UGM Residence (UGMR) routinely organizes various programs to care for the environment. The program is carried out in the form of daily activities or large events which are usually associated with the commemoration of major environmental holidays, including World Water Day (HAD). Following the national theme of the HAD commemoration, namely MANTAB: Conserving Groundwater for Sustainability, this year the HAD commemoration has the theme “UGM Moves Together to Preserve Groundwater”. This commemoration is an effort to involve society, communities and academics to protect and preserve clean water for sustainable life. This commemoration is also a form of community service carried out by UGM, especially for residents around campus. In this activity, UGMR collaborated with Vocational Schools, especially the River and Ecology Club, and Postgraduate Schools. The series of activities held were: social action to comb Kali Belik (Belik River), plant trees and release fish in Kali Belik (Belik River), create rainwater catchment facilities in the dormitory area and Wisdom Park, and the Webinar “UGM Moves Together to Conserve Groundwater”.
A collaborative effort between PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP), a subsidiary of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA), and the Fisheries Department at the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, involved stocking 20,000 eel fish seeds in the Boyong River Basin, Sleman Regency, DIY. This restocking initiative is a measure aimed at preserving eel fish populations and includes educational components to raise public awareness about the importance of avoiding overexploitation.
Promote Conservation of the Lake
Releasing fish into the Wisdom Park lake constitutes the agenda for the 76th Anniversary of the UGM Faculty of Law. This activity symbolizes the University’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable utilization of lake resources.
Wanagama conducted a tree-planting initiative at KHDTK Wanagama I to safeguard springs and enhance the environment. This activity aims to emphasize the role of trees in preserving springs, particularly in arid regions like Gunung Kidul. The agenda is supported by conservation efforts that benefit the local community.
The Faculty of Agriculture at UGM sowed 22 thousand coffee seeds and planted 204 superior avocados in the Gunung Gambar religious agrotourism area, Kampung Village in Gunung Kidul. This community service initiative aims to serve as a pilot project for land and water conservation, combining coffee commodities, fruit plants, and conservation plants to enhance community welfare.
Promote Conservation of the Sea and Marine Resources
UGM’s Diving Unit conducted the annual diving event, “Reef Covery VIII: Kangemandala,” focused on coral restoration in the Kangean area. The initiative aims to advance marine conservation in Kangean and neighboring islands through activities like coral reef transplantation, exploratory diving for data collection on fish and coral species, assessing land tourism potential, engaging with youth groups in coral reef restoration, outreach on coral transplantation, and installing mooring buoys.
In collaboration with the local government, UGM is partnering through the KKN PPM program to implement a project aimed at planting 8,000 mangrove areas in Serang Regency. Mangroves play a crucial role as breeding grounds for small marine biota and contribute to the equilibrium of coastal ecosystems. This initiative supports the sustainable utilization of marine resources.
The Department of Fisheries at UGM is hosting the XIX 2022 Annual National Seminar to communicate findings from fisheries and marine research. Disseminating research outcomes in the fisheries and marine sector is vital for sharing knowledge that can be applied and integrated into the development activities of the fisheries and marine sector, involving both governmental and community stakeholders.
Have a policy to ensure that food on campus that comes from aquatic ecosystems is sustainably harvested
UGM is committed to supporting an environmentally friendly campus agenda by encouraging students and employees to primarily choose products that are supplied by environmentally friendly producers including food from aquatic ecosystems. It is stated in circular letter number 1797/UN1.P/KJM/BU/2020 about Sustainable Lifestyle (page 3, point D) endorsed on the faculty level and implemented by the hospitality office in providing food on campus.
The guideline is emphasized through the Environmentally Friendly Campus Guideline (Geografi Sehat number 7) in 2021
UGM’s commitment to being a sustainable-oriented university is proven by outsourcing food services that are environmentally standardized.
UGM ensures that the procurement of goods/services including food from aquatic ecosystems is carried out by taking into account sustainable aspects. This is clearly stated in Rector Regulation Number 8 Year 2020 about Procurement of Goods and Services Chapter VIII Article 76, which mentions the integration of economic, social, and environmental aspects. UGM is committed to supporting an environmentally friendly campus agenda by encouraging students and employees to primarily choose products that are supplied by ethical food producers. It is then renewed in Rector Regulation Number 12 Year 2022 about Procurement of Goods and Services Article 75 stating that procurement of goods/services is carried out taking into account sustainable aspects. One of the aspects is the environmental aspect, including reducing negative impacts on health, air quality, soil quality, water quality, and using natural resources in accordance with statutory provisions.
Work directly (research and/or engagement with industries) to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially ecosystems under threat
UGM has actively engaged in research and industrial collaborations aimed at preserving and enhancing ecosystems, particularly those facing the risk of extinction. Research collaborations, overseen by faculty members and students, focus on the development of seagrass data at the national level, activities involving Biological Curators for Marine Biodiversity, and initiatives centered around water conservation.
Work Directly Through Research
- UGM Lecturer Develops Seagrass Field Mapping Method
- UGM Encourages Research on Data Availability of Indonesian Seagrass Fields
Lecturers at UGM has pioneered a seagrass field mapping method and promotes research on the data availability of Indonesian seagrass fields. UGM researchers are actively collaborating with both domestic and international institutions to construct an integrated and freely accessible seagrass data map. This map utilizes remote sensing technology to delineate various parameters of blue carbon ecosystems, encompassing seagrass beds and mangrove forests.
Total of 5,000 data points have been gathered on marine biodiversity species through the Biological Curator activities. This contributes to the establishment of indicators for assessing the status and trends of biodiversity in Indonesia, serving as a foundational source for informing decisions and policies.
UGM students researched the Gunungkidul Resan Community, focusing on their collective efforts in community-based spring conservation. The findings offer valuable insights for local governments to integrate local wisdom and further empower youth in water conservation initiatives.
Work Directly Through Engagement with Industries
A total of 20,000 eel fish seeds were stocked in the Boyong River Basin, Sleman Regency, DIY. This eel fish seed stocking activity is a collaboration between PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP), which is a subsidiary of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA) together with the Fisheries Department, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. This restocking effort is an effort to preserve the environment, especially the preservation of the eel fish population. Eel fish have a long life cycle. Because of this phase of their life, the eel population is decreasing and even threatened with extinction. With this restocking activity, it is hoped that it can maintain the sustainability of eel fish. It is important to provide education to the public so that they do not overexploit.
The UGM Diving Unit has held its annual diving activity entitled Reef Covery VIII: Kangemandala, which means coral restoration in the Kangean area. This activity is a collaboration between the UGM Diving Unit and Perum Perhutani. The main objective of Reef Covery VIII: Kangemandala is the development of marine conservation in Kangean and the surrounding islands. The series of activities that have been carried out include coral reef transplantation using the spider web method, exploratory diving with the aim of collecting data on fish and coral species, data collection on land tourism potential, visits with youth organizations active in coral reef restoration, outreach on coral transplantation, and installation of mooring buoys.
Coral reef transplantation is carried out by grafting and replanting coral seedlings on a spider web-shaped iron frame which is often called the spider web method. This activity is an effort to restore the coral reef ecosystem which is hoped will improve marine sustainability around Kangean Island. Exploration dives carried out at the same time as data collection on fish and coral species aim to formulate information on the diversity of underwater ecosystems. Data collection on environmental aspects, both physical and social, is carried out at locations with tourism potential on Kangean Island and its surroundings. The visit to Karang Taruna (youth organization) included socialization on coral transplantation using the spider web method as well as discussions regarding the restoration of corals affected by bombs or potash. Installing mooring buoys is also an effort to maintain coral reef ecosystems in the sea.
Work directly (research and/or engagement with industries) on technologies or practices that enable marine industry to minimise or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems
UGM consistently engages in research and technology development, collaborating with stakeholders and marine industries to actively contribute to the mitigation and prevention of damage to aquatic ecosystems. As part of internal technology development, SmartPond specifically addresses and resolves water quality issues at UGM.
UGM developed the S-POND application to monitor fish cultivation pond water quality, specifically addressing the issue of fish mortality due to changes in water quality. The university is working on IoT-based tools and data management systems to detect and monitor water quality, track fish mortality, and assess weather conditions around the ponds.
14.4 Water sensitive waste disposal
Universities need to demonstrate a carefully managed practice and responsibility with the aim to prevent potential harm to humans, animals, or the environment.
Have water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges (to uphold water quality in order to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare)
As a part of achieving a sustainable lifestyle, UGM encourages the academic community to apply a sustainable lifestyle including maintaining water discharge/wastewater, so that water quality can be upheld to protect the environment. This was clearly stated in Rector Regulation Number 157 Year 2020 (pg. 40 number 11.3) explaining that wastewater management must follow the provisions regulated in SNI and/or provisions governing wastewater management.
UGM establishes an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan annually which aims also to uphold water quality to the associated aquatic ecosystems in UGM in order to protect the ecosystem, wildlife, and human health and welfare. In order to put the plan into action, UGM carries out an assessment and evaluation, guaranteeing that campus operations may be carried out in a way that is both ecologically sound and sustainable including upholding water quality.
Laboratory results for testing clean water in the UGM environment in 2022 by taking sample points in accordance with the UGM Environmental Document.
- Sanitation Hygiene Test Results Sem 1 – April 2022
- Sanitation Hygiene Test Results Sem 2 – October 2022
UGM provides systems for managing polluted water disposed from laboratories, University Hospital, households, and offices to enter the water system through wastewater treatment as well as management of waste collection.
Have an action plan in place to reduce plastic waste on campus
UGM has commenced the commitment to reduce plastic waste on campus as stated in the University’s Strategic Plan 2017-2022 (pg. 20) which is further emphasized through advising the academic communities to commit to a sustainable campus.
The policy is then emphasized through Sustainable Lifestyle Guideline number 1791/UN1.P/KJM/BU/2020 about Sustainable Lifestyle (pg.2 point b).
Have a policy on preventing and reducing marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities
UGM has commenced the commitment to reduce waste and pollution of all kinds on campus as stated in the University’s Strategic Plan 2017-2022 (pg. 20) which is further emphasized through advising the academic communities to commit to a sustainable campus.
The policy is then emphasized through Sustainable Lifestyle Guideline number 1791/UN1.P/KJM/BU/2020 about Sustainable Lifestyle (pg.2 point b and pg.4 point b).
14.5 Maintaining a local ecosystem
Universities need to demonstrate necessary actions related to the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems associated with the university.
Have a plan to minimise physical, chemical and biological alterations of related aquatic ecosystems
UGM establishes an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan annually which aims also to minimize biological, chemical, and physical changes to the associated aquatic ecosystems in UGM. In order to put the plan into action, UGM carries out an assessment and evaluation, guaranteeing that campus operations may be carried out in a way that is both ecologically sound and sustainable including minimising physical, chemical, and/or biological alterations to preserve the aquatic ecosystem.
As a part of achieving a sustainable lifestyle, UGM encourages the academic community to apply a sustainable lifestyle including maximizing water reuse across the university as one of the methods of water conservation. This was clearly stated in Rector Regulation Number 157 Year 2020 (pg. 41) explaining that every building and its open space area must be equipped with a rainwater management system for environmental sustainability and water resource conservation.
Monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems
The University monitors closely and regularly water quality in the University from pollutants.
Laboratory results for testing clean water in the UGM environment in 2022 by taking sample points in accordance with the UGM Environmental Document.
- Sanitation Hygiene Test Results Sem 1 – April 2022
- Sanitation Hygiene Test Results Sem 2 – October 2022
UGM provides systems for managing polluted water disposed from laboratories, University Hospital, households, and offices to enter the water system through wastewater treatment as well as management of waste collection.
Develop and support programmes and incentives that encourage and maintain good aquatic stewardship practices
UGM is actively enhancing sound water management practices, fostering awareness of water utilization through campaigns, and implementing efficient water conservation systems. Initiatives include the installation of signage across campus to encourage turning off water taps after use, incorporating water-saving equipment, and constructing water-efficient buildings at UGM. The water conservation system is detailed in the Rector Regulations, and several EDGE certified have been conferred upon various faculties.
Water Use
The university is proactively promoting responsible water usage within both the campus and the wider community. The systematic integration of water-efficient appliances is in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Rector Regulation Number 157 of 2020, addressing Water Use Efficiency (pg. 44 number 13.2.3).
Water Efficient
UGM has incorporated the construction of water-efficient buildings in recent developments, obtaining certification from the Green Building Council Indonesia. The certification parameters emphasize the reduction of water consumption. Several faculties, including Law, Biology, Animal Science, Forest Farming, and Agrotropica, have achieved water efficiency certification through EDGE.
Collaborate with the local community in efforts to maintain shared aquatic ecosystems
UGM has partnered with the local community to rejuvenate agricultural reservoirs by implementing geomembranes and designing an extended storage network. This initiative serves as a practical implementation of water resource conservation through the establishment of a network of reservoirs and extended storage facilities.
UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Sungai Serayu Opak Regional Center (BBWS) and the Mulyo Sustainable Farmers Group, is revitalizing agricultural reservoirs in Nawungan I Hamlet, Selopamioro, Imogiri, Bantul. This involves installing geomembranes and creating extended storage network designs. The initiative utilizes innovative technology to anticipate drought on agricultural land, demonstrating a proactive approach to water resource conservation through a network of reservoirs and extended storage.
Have implemented a watershed management strategy based on location specific diversity of aquatic species
As a part of achieving a sustainable lifestyle, UGM encourages the academic community to apply a sustainable lifestyle including watershed management across the university as one of the methods of water conservation. This was clearly stated in Rector Regulation Number 157 Year 2020 (pg. 41 number 11.4) explaining that every building and its open space area must be equipped with a rainwater management system, and implement zero outflow for environmental sustainability and water resource conservation. The rainwater management system must be maintained to prevent sediment and blockages and follow the provisions stipulated in SNI.
The university implements a watershed management strategy through which rainwater harvesting technology and water extraction innovation are implemented in areas on and off campus. Some examples are implementing injection rain harvesting systems, biopores and rainwater retention. In addition to that rain garden design in university gardens and the creation of “Gama Rain Filter”, a technology to filter rainwater into clean water suitable for consumption. Gama Rain Filter is already applied on campus and in many areas outside the university. UGM also has PIAT Reservoir. Reservoirs are a water harvesting technique that is very helpful during the dry season. The function of the reservoir is to distribute and ensure the continuity of water availability, namely storing water during the rainy season so that it can be used when needed. Apart from that, with the presence of reservoirs, groundwater will be replenished so that water resource conservation efforts will continue to be sustainable.