Innovate Water Conservation: UGM’s Off-Campus Initiatives and Campus Practices
UGM through the BSO River Ecology Club (REC) of DTS SV UGM, has strengthened local and national collaboration in river conservation efforts by partnering with the Environmental Disaster Management (EDM) unit of UPN Veteran Yogyakarta (UPNVYK). This joint initiative focuses on cleaning and rehabilitating the Gadjah Wong River, a vital ecosystem that supports surrounding communities.
The activity serves a dual purpose: improving the river’s environmental quality and enhancing public awareness of the importance of maintaining river cleanliness as a shared responsibility. The collaboration represents a tangible example of how inter-institutional synergy can generate meaningful environmental impact. By engaging students, academic units, and community members, the initiative encourages broader participation in sustainable river management.
UGM through the BSO River Ecology Club (REC) and in collaboration with BBWSSO, organized the Gadjah Wong Lestari Festival to strengthen public awareness of river ecosystem conservation.
Day 1 featured a talk show on innovative solutions to river degradation and an exhibition showcasing research and technological innovations in river management.
Day 2 included a large-scale river clean-up involving students and local communities, the release of 520 non-invasive fish fry to support biodiversity, and environmental education activities for children, using interactive games to promote ecological awareness.
Moreover, this joint program underscores the potential of collective action to build long-term environmental stewardship. It is expected to inspire similar initiatives across other educational and community-based organizations, reinforcing a culture of care for local ecosystems and contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
National – UGM Collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing in Water Conservation in the Progo River Basin and Implementation of Smart Water Irrigation Management
UGM through its Vocational School, collaborates with the River Basin Agency (BBWS) of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing to advance national efforts in water conservation. The Dean of the Vocational School, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM ASEAN ENG, opened a national discussion titled “Inventory and Formulation of Water Issues in the Progo River Basin”, held as part of the National Water Conservation Movement. This initiative reflects UGM’s strong commitment to developing research- and technology-based solutions that can be directly applied in the field to address critical water challenges, particularly within the Progo River Basin.
Complementing these conservation efforts, the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) UGM collaborates with the Directorate of Technical Development, Directorate General of Water Resources, Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, to implement a Smart Water Irrigation Management Pilot Project in the Kedung Putri Purworejo Irrigation Area, Central Java. This pilot program represents a significant advancement in national water resource governance and is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation water use, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices and improved water management across the region.
Global – UGM Partnerships with UNESCO and International Institutions in Sustainable Water Management and Sanitation
UGM–UNESCO Collaboration on Global Capacity Development
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) actively contributes to global sustainable water management through its collaboration with UNESCO in the Asia-Pacific Regional Capacity Development Workshop. In this forum, the Dean of the UGM Vocational School was invited as an expert speaker to share insights on water resource management within the context of vocational education and applied technical innovation. His contribution underscores the critical role of applied sciences in addressing real-world clean water and sanitation challenges. UGM’s participation reinforces its position as an institution committed to advancing technical, practice-oriented solutions for water sustainability at the international level.
UGM’s Leadership in Global Water Resource Research Through ICERM
At the global academic frontier, UGM hosted the 6th International Conference on Environmental Resources Management (ICERM) 2024, led by the Faculty of Geography. With the theme “Landscape Management and Development for Sustainable Livelihood,” the conference emphasized integrated approaches to hydrological sustainability, landscape management, clean water access, and environmental policy innovation. ICERM 2024 convened more than 100 participants from over five countries, including scholars from institutions such as National Taiwan Normal University, Ibaraki University, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, and Utrecht University. Through this forum, UGM strengthened international research collaboration and reaffirmed its role in shaping global discourse on sustainable water resource management. The 2023 ICERM, also hosted by UGM, had similarly centered on water resource management for sustainable living, demonstrating the University’s ongoing leadership in global water sustainability initiatives.
Rainwater Management at UGM Faculty of Dentistry Campus
Rainwater management on campus is an important part of efforts to preserve the environment and sustainability of water resources. The Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) strives to utilise rainwater as a reusable resource. The utilisation is for non-potable needs. Non-potable is a term used to describe unsafe or unsafe water for drinking. Non-potable water can be used for purposes such as garden watering, toilet flushing, and HVAC system cooling, but humans cannot consume it. Using non-potable water helps reduce dependence on clean water sources and supports more sustainable management of water resources.
References:
the BSO River Ecology Club (REC) and in collaboration with BBWSSO
Collaboration with the River Basin Agency (BBWS) of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing
UGM’s Leadership in Global Water Resource Research Through ICERM
Research: UGM’s Leadership in Global Water Resource Research Through ICERM
6th International Conference on Environmental Resources Management (ICERM) 2024