IPB hosted professors and students across continents studying biodiversity in Ujung Kulon, Krakatau and Mount Halimun Salak National Park

IPB University and the University of Vienna, Austria conducted Summer Course activities that aimed to conduct a Rapid assessment of Insect, Bird, and Reptile Diversity in Tropical Landscape. This activity was organized by the Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB.

Participants included 23 cross-continental students, namely 12 students from Vienna University-Austria, 2 Vienna University professors, 5 IPB students, 1 student from Jember State University, 2 students from Semarang State University, and 1 student from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China. The number of lecturers involved was 10 people from various universities and institutions.

Activities were carried out in Ujung Kulon National Park (Peucang Island, Panitan Island, and mainland - Cidaon), Sebesi and Sebuku Islands (Krakatau Islands), as well as in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park. This Summer Course activity begins with a briefing lecture over several meetings to equip participants before leaving for the field, as well as training in data collection, data analysis, and presentations. The initiator of this activity, Prof. Christian H. Schulze (Vienna University) and Prof. Dr. Damayanti Buchori (IPB University) stated that this activity was to provide participants with field experience in assessing the diversity of fauna species in natural ecosystems. This activity will take place from 20 August to 4 September 2023.

This Summer Course is one of the superior activities of the Plant Protection Department, according to the Head of the Plant Protection Department, Dr. Ali Nurmansyah. In his closing remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB, Prof. Dr. Suryo Wiyono said that both students and lecturers involved in this Summer Course learned a lot. Apart from biodiversity science, we also study cultural diversity. He further said that apart from strengthening cooperation between universities, this activity is also expected to increase cooperation between Indonesia and Austria.

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