Padang (UNAND) – The Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Andalas officially launched the International Summer Course entitled “Integrated Tropical Forest Biodiversity Assessment” on Monday (25/05/2026). The program was officially opened by Vice Rector IV of Universitas Andalas, Prof. Dr. Henmaidi.
The summer course is attended by 61 participants from 8 countries across Asia, bringing together students, researchers, and academics in a collaborative learning environment focused on tropical biodiversity, conservation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program is conducted in a blended format from 25 May to 12 June 2026, combining online sessions with onsite field activities in Padang, West Sumatra.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Henmaidi emphasized the importance of international collaboration in biodiversity conservation and academic networking among universities in Asia. He stated that Universitas Andalas is committed to strengthening its role as an international academic hub, particularly in tropical biodiversity and environmental sustainability studies.
The program features international speakers from several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and India. The opening day included panel discussions on “Tropical Biodiversity in Asia,” featuring Prof. Dr. Henny Herwina (Indonesia), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faezah Pardi (Malaysia), Dr. Daosavanh Sanamxay (Laos), and Dr. Himender Bharti (India).
Throughout the program, participants will engage in lectures, workshops, biodiversity field surveys, herbarium practicums, and scientific collection management activities at the Hutan Pendidikan dan Penelitian Biologi (HPPB) and Herbarium of Universitas Andalas. The activities also support the strengthening of the university’s developing Zoological Museum and promote regional collaboration in biodiversity documentation and conservation.
The Head of the Department of Biology Universitas Andalas Prof. Dr. Henny Herwina stated that this summer course is expected to become a sustainable international platform for strengthening academic cooperation, student mobility, and biodiversity research collaboration among ASEAN universities and partner institutions.
The program directly contributes to the implementation of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).(*)
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