Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has actively engaged in collaborative efforts with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to enhance climate adaptation strategies, particularly focusing on preserving springs in the Dieng Plateau. A significant initiative in this regard is the Kongres Mata Air ke-IX (9th Spring Congress), held on October 17, 2024, in Igirmranak Village, Kejajar District, Wonosobo Regency. This congress brought together government entities, academics, NGOs, and local communities to address the critical issue of water resource conservation in Central Java. The key initiatives are :
- Collaborative Engagement:
The congress facilitated a platform for diverse stakeholders, including UGM’s Geological Engineering Department, NGOs such as the Indonesian Tropical Institute (LATIN) and ARUPA, and local communities, to discuss and implement strategies for spring conservation. (Latin – Aksi Nyata) - Academic Contributions:
UGM’s Geological Engineering Department, represented by lecturer Agus Hendratno, S.T., M.T., emphasised the necessity of halting environmental degradation in upstream areas. He advocated for science-based solutions and ecosystem approaches as pivotal in restoring springs in the Dieng region, aligning with sustainable development goals aimed at bolstering ecosystem resilience against climate change. (UGM Geological Engineering – Role in Spring Conservation) - Community Involvement:
Local communities were actively involved through educational programs and capacity-building workshops, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in water resource conservation. The head of Igirmranak Village, Joko Trisadono, expressed the community’s commitment to preserving springs for future generations, highlighting the importance of collective action.
In the previous here, the Geological Engineering Department and Student Association organised Geology Goes To School 2022 in collaboration with the Geological Engineering Alumni Family of Universitas Gadjah Mada (Kageogama). The school aims to educate the younger generation about the archipelago’s geological wealth and potential natural disasters.
In July 2023, the ASRI Foundation and UGM’s Faculty of Biology established a collaboration focusing on planetary health and forest conservation. This partnership aims to advance environmental conservation through joint research, education, and community engagement, promoting a healthier and more sustainable society.
UGM students formed the LokaLogi community to promote environmental care and waste management. The community engages in storytelling and event waste management services and serves as a media channel for education on environmental issues, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance environmental awareness.
UGM has built international collaborations to tackle environmental challenges, such as marine debris. Activities include training, seminars, and workshops to strengthen commitments to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and better environmental management. For instance, UGM students, along with international counterparts, conducted outreach programs to educate elementary school students on the importance of keeping the sea clean and the negative impacts of marine debris.
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