15.2 Supporting land ecosystems through education
Universities need to show how they are working towards supporting ecosystems that they don’t directly control.
Support or organise events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the land, including forests and wild land
UGM actively endorses and conducts initiatives aimed at advocating conservation and sustainable land use. These efforts involve collaborations with international youth organizations and a variety of inter-faculty events engaging the participation of the academic community, faculty, staff, and alumni. The support extended by alumni enhances the university’s capacity to collaborate with external entities in advancing sustainable land use practices.
The Local Committee of the International Forestry Students Association at Universitas Gadjah Mada (IFSA LC UGM) actively promotes the conservation of Indonesia’s forests. As an international youth organization centered on forestry and the environment, IFSA LC UGM is non-political, non-religious, and non-profit. UGM facilitates the engagement of young individuals in delegations and projects aimed at promoting forest sustainability. Among the various initiatives supporting sustainable land use is the Forestry Awareness Week.
In celebration of UGM’s 73rd Anniversary, the Faculty of Forestry planted 13 diverse Indonesian plant species in its arboretum. This initiative aims to conserve varied trees from different islands, promote communal tree planting culture, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Additionally, the event included the distribution of the Pocket Book of Waste Management, a guide compiled by the Center for Agrotechnology Innovation (PIAT) at UGM.
Faculty members and students at UGM’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences planted 1000 trees at the Getas Special Purpose Forest Area to commemorate the Faculty’s 67th Anniversary, emphasizing their commitment to environmental conservation and addressing climate change.
UGM is hosting the Stockholm+50 Environmental Seminar in collaboration with relevant organizations, reflecting on Indonesia’s environmental situation and projecting future measures. Inspired by the Stockholm Declaration, the seminar underscores the significance of environmental protection.
Have policies to ensure that food on campus is sustainably farmed
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 those applying sustainable agriculture.
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 farming 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 to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially ecosystems under threat
UGM has undertaken multiple forest conservation initiatives, including diverse plantations in the arboretum, demonstrating its commitment to ecosystem maintenance and biodiversity preservation.
UGM and Pertamina Persero collaborate to conserve 3,000 hectares within the 10,867-hectare Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) in Ngawi and Blora Regencies. This initiative aims to optimize forest management, sustain ecosystems, and promote biodiversity, involving comprehensive community empowerment programs.
In celebration of UGM’s 73rd Anniversary, the Faculty of Forestry planted 13 diverse Indonesian plant species in its arboretum. This initiative aims to conserve varied trees from different islands, promote communal tree planting culture, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Additionally, the event included the distribution of the Pocket Book of Waste Management, a guide compiled by the Center for Agrotechnology Innovation (PIAT) at UGM.
Offer educational programmes on ecosystems (looking at wild flora and fauna) for local or national communities
UGM provides educational initiatives focused on ecosystems, including courses and national seminars covering various themes related to the sustainability of ecosystems, such as Green Investment. The university has established successful collaborations with several foreign institutions through UGM’s Office of International Affairs. Internally, UGM has launched an ecology school to deliver sustainable education, emphasizing the significance of fauna and flora conservation for local and national communities.
Course
UGM’s Faculty of Biology, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs, organized the 5th International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. This course, conducted in partnership with various institutions and sponsored by organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank, aimed to address current issues in tropical biology and sustainable development. The 2022 edition had the support of several sponsors, including Bank Bantul. The course welcomed 49 participants from eight universities, with 30 participants from Indonesia and 19 from abroad.
The Faculty of Biology at UGM is actively contributing to the development of Kampung Satwa in Kedung Banteng Sumberagung Moyudan Sleman as an educational tourism destination centered on nature and the environment. The establishment of the “Ecology School” as an educational website about Animal Village commenced in 2020 and is set to continue until 2022. The learning process involves monthly studies and discussions conducted at the location of each Tourism Village in Sumberagung on a rotating basis.
Seminar/Webinar/FGD
The UGM Center for Environmental Studies (PSLH) orchestrated a series of events, including a discussion focused on the theme “Indonesia Mung Siji: Prospects of Environmental Protection for Indonesia’s Future and the Role of Academics.” The discussion underscored the significance of consistent synergy and collaboration among stakeholders to fulfill the national agenda in preventing further damage to the Earth.
The UGM Center for Environmental Studies (PSLH) coordinated a National Seminar and Conference under the theme “Recover Stronger, Protect Greater: Reflections and Projections of Indonesian Environmental Protection and Management.” The initiative was prompted by the challenges posed by the Triple Planetary Crisis, encompassing climate emergency, biodiversity loss, and escalating pollution and waste. The conference serves as a platform for reflective discourse to advance education on sustainable ecosystems.
The UGM Center for Environmental Studies (PSLH) conducted its annual Earth Day event, serving as a platform to enhance public awareness regarding environmental conservation and protection under the theme “Invest in Our Planet.” This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s climate commitments, including the 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions and the aspiration for Zero Emissions by 2060.
Offer educational programme/outreach for local or national communities on sustainable management of land for agriculture and tourism
UGM has implemented educational programs for local communities through KKN initiatives, engaging active students in various regions to harness the potential inherent in each area. This involves leveraging regional strengths, such as in agriculture, tourism, water management, and household waste management.
Educational Programme/Outreach for Local Communities
KKN – PPM at UGM supports the farmers of Sidowayah Village through a capacity-building initiative titled “Integrated Agricultural Development for Maximizing Agricultural Potential and Fostering Sustainable Farmer Independence in Sidowayah Village,” located in Polanharjo District, Klaten Regency, Central Java. Emphasizing the agricultural strengths and local tourism sector, the program aims to foster sustainable land productivity and create opportunities for the community.
The village administration, in collaboration with the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDES) Maju Makmur and UGM through the Community Service Activities – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM), is actively engaged in empowering residents to enhance the agricultural sector. Located in Kebonalas Village, Klaten Regency, Central Java, the service initiative focuses on harnessing regional potential, particularly in managing water absorption capacity in rain catchment areas and water sources.
The UGM KKN PPM student team executed a tree planting initiative to conserve the environment and catalyze tourism development at the Klego Reservoir, Boyolali Regency. This collaborative tree planting effort engaged Kagama Boyolali, the Environmental Service of the Boyolali Regency Government, and the Reservoir Care Community Forum. The greening project aims to establish a sustainable tourism enterprise, enhancing economic opportunities for the local community through responsible reservoir utilization.
The UGM KKN PPM team conducted an initiative to involve housewives in the Dengok VI area in the management of organic waste. This involved outreach and training sessions on creating eco-enzymes, serving as an educational effort to promote effective household waste management.
15.3 Supporting land ecosystems through action
Universities need to show how they deal with land-based ecosystems for which they have, or share, responsibility. This may include their campuses.
Have a policy to ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems associated with the university, in particular forests, mountains and drylands
In line with UGM’s commitment to achieve sustainability, UGM has put policy in place to ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. UGM has a handbook on vegetation management in UGM which contains various information and the importance of vegetation on campus and policies for developing green open spaces. One of the objectives of vegetation management in the UGM environment is to save priority species that are almost extinct, so that the UGM campus still has the characteristics of plants with high scientific value (pg. 1 point 1.2).
UGM has been in charge of the restoration and conservation of Wanagama Forest, as stated in the Ministry Decree.
UGM has also been in charge of Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) Getas, i.e. UGM takes responsibility for the restoration and conservation of the forest area which has been designated for research and development, education and training purposes.
Have a policy to identify, monitor and protect any IUCN Red Listed species and national conservation list species with habits in areas affected by the operation of your university
In line with Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 about the Type of Protected Plants and Animals, UGM monitors and protects the plants and animals living in the Wanagama Forest as mandated by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Number SK.632/Menlhk/Setjen/PLA.0/8/2016 and SK.493/Menlhk/Setjen/2015
One of the objectives of vegetation management in the UGM environment is to save priority species that are almost extinct, so that the UGM campus still has the characteristics of plants with high scientific value (pg. 1 point 1.2).
Include local biodiversity into any planning and development process (e.g. construction of new buildings)
According to Rector’s Decree number 157/UN1.P/KPT/HUKOR/2020 about Technical Guidance for Building Management, the architecture landscape must follow the principle of vegetation including type and function (page 20).
UGM also specifically regulates vegetation management through Vegetation Management Guidance on UGM (page 14).
UGM also implements this by, for instance, establishing the initiation of a botanical garden developed by the Faculty of Biology as a medium for education and conservation.
Water-conscious Building Standards
According to Rector Regulation Number 157 Year 2020 regarding Water Management (pg. 40) as well as Rector’s Decree Number 911/UN1.P/SK/HUKOR/2018 Point D.1d. about Supporting Facilities, UGM has regulated building standards in order to reduce water usage.
It has been implemented in the recent development of new buildings in UGM certified by Green Building Council Indonesia in which its parameters include the minimization of water use including the installation of water-efficient appliances to ensure the minimization of water use.
- The Use of Water-efficient Appliances in UGM
- Law Learning Center – EDGE Certified
- Faculty of Biology Building B – EDGE Certified
- Animal Science Learning Center – EDGE Certified
- Integrated Forest Farming Learning Center – EDGE Certified
- Agrotropica Learning Center – EDGE Certified
Water-conscious Plant
According to Rector Regulation Number 157 Year 2020 regarding Requirement for Green Building (pg. 43), landscape planning and vegetation regulation are applied to reduce water usage. The guidance for its implementation was established and was titled “Pedoman Pengelolaan Vegetasi di Lingkungan UGM”.
Based on “Pedoman Pengelolaan Vegetasi di Lingkungan UGM” (pg. 14, Fundamentals of Vegetation Management) landscape planning and vegetation regulation are applied to reduce water usage. It is explained that vegetation types are based on ecological considerations including the campus location, soil conditions, climatic conditions, and water supply.
Plants as guided in the Vegetation Management Guideline (i.e. Meranti, Sawo Kecik, Matoa) have been planted in various locations throughout campus.
- Vegetation Management Guidelines
- Meranti Tree in UGM Biological Forest
- Meranti, Sawokecik, and Matoa in UGM Faculty of Forestry Arboretum
Associated Campus Land Development
Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yogyakarta has a forest called the UGM Biological Forest. In 1972, this Biological Forest was a medicinal garden. Over time this forest was converted into a biological garden. This forest also conserves plants or species that are threatened with extinction. Apart from that, this forest is also a habitat for several animal species. Around 91 plant species grow in the UGM Biological Forest. For example, Ashoka trees, Mundu trees, meranti trees, Nagasari trees, and Randu Alas trees. Apart from plants, there are also iconic animals for UGM students. For example, the ash-headed lovebird (Agapornis cana), which makes the UGM Biological Forest a temporary habitat. Plants in biological forests are naturally grown and maintained as they are.
After being handed over by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) to UGM Yogyakarta in 2016, the Getas Ngandong Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK), Kradenan District, Blora covers an area of more than 10 thousand hectares in the South Blora area to the Ngawi border, East Java, now began to be managed with a multi-stakeholder cooperation system. Of the total area of KHDTK, 8,646.10 Ha is in the Blora Regency area. Meanwhile, the remaining 2,254.90 Ha is in the Ngawi Regency area. This forest will be developed together with the Pertamina Foundation (a non-profit organisation), not only for conservation but also for research and community empowerment. If previously the forest was only planted with teak trees, now it is starting to be supplemented with various varieties of fruit trees and water-friendly trees from local diversity as well as for blue carbon conservation. These include mango, cashew, kepuh, eucalyptus oil tree and others.
Ginong Pratidino Wanagama’s trajectory started during the Wanagama Special Era. Then continued with the Era of Connecting Wanagama Specialties. The phase of connecting Wanagama’s special features was carried out as an anticipatory strategic step so that the special period as a reference for the rehabilitation of forests and critical land continues to be adaptive to face current developments.
Get to know the Wanagama Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK).
WANAGAMA is an educational forest managed by the UGM Faculty of Forestry in accordance with Decree 493/Menlhk-Setjen/2015 with an area of 622.25 Ha. Wanagama is divided into 8 plots stretching from west to east and is administratively located within the Playen and Patuk Gunung Kidul sub-districts.
At the beginning of its construction, Wanagama was a bare hill known as “stone soil” (not rocky soil) which explains how barren and dry the conditions were at that time. The beginning of life began when a team from the UGM Faculty of Forestry carried out a reforestation activity by planting as many types of pioneer plants as possible. The hope is that plants will be able to survive, regenerate, and improve soil conditions, water management and microclimate which will enable other flora and fauna to start their lives.
Have a policy to reduce the impact of alien species on campus
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.
Collaborate with the local community to maintain shared land ecosystems
UGM consistently engages in collaborative efforts with local communities to sustain land ecosystems, notably in the management of protected forests that play a pivotal role in blue carbon conservation.
Since 2016, UGM has overseen the Getas Ngandong Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) in Kradenan District, Blora. Developed in collaboration with the Pertamina Foundation, a non-profit organization, the area serves not only for conservation purposes but also for research and community empowerment. The conservation efforts include planting various fruit trees and water-friendly trees from local diversity, contributing to blue carbon conservation.
Wanagama, an educational forest under the management of UGM’s Faculty of Forestry as stipulated by Decree 493/Menlhk-Setjen/2015, spans 622.25 hectares in the Playen and Patuk sub-districts of Gunung Kidul. In a proactive measure to preserve springs within KHDTK Wanagama I, a tree planting initiative was conducted. A total of 260 trees were planted to safeguard the springs, particularly in regions susceptible to dry conditions.
15.4 Land 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 a policy on reducing 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, process or practice on waste disposal covering hazardous materials
UGM managed standard operating procedures for waste disposal – covering hazardous materials.
The standard operating procedures for waste disposal management number 05.03.01.
Special management of hazardous material is conducted through the guidance as described in the flow chart.
Policy and management of laboratory waste is regulated through SOP number PRM/6.03.1/LPPT 2018.