UGM Alien species impact reduction (policies)

Policy on reducing the impact of alien species on campus was initially embedded in University Guidance of Vegetation Management, which then turned into Rector Decree Number 13/UN1.PIV/KPT/HUKOR/2020 about Biodiversity Management Task Force on Campus, which functions to manage biodiversity on campus including monitoring, protecting, and controlling the numbers of species. Several species that invade on UGM Arboretum are also regulated through this University Biodiversity Management Task Force.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) recognizes the ecological challenges posed by invasive alien species and has implemented several measures to mitigate their impact on campus ecosystems:

1. Research and Monitoring: UGM’s Faculty of Biology actively conducts research on invasive species, focusing on their identification, distribution, and ecological effects. For instance, studies have been carried out on invasive plant species in the disturbed forests of Bali, providing insights into their impact on local biodiversity.
   Academic Staff UGM

2. Workshops and Training: The university organizes workshops aimed at educating staff and students about invasive species management. An example is the “Workshop on Plant Taxonomy and Ecology of Invasive Alien Species” held in collaboration with the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority, which focused on methods for collecting and identifying plant specimens and understanding the ecology of invasive species.
   Biologi UGM

3. Collaboration with Environmental Agencies: UGM collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations to address invasive species issues. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources necessary for effective management and control of invasive species on campus and in surrounding areas.
4. Campus Biodiversity Management: The university’s campus planning includes strategies to monitor and control the introduction and spread of non-native species. This involves regular assessments of campus flora and fauna to ensure the early detection and management of potential invasive species.

References:

1. Academic Staff UGM
2. Biologi UGM