USM PENANG, 5 October 2023 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Biological Sciences (SBS), in collaboration with SEAMEO BIOTROP (Regional Centre for Tropical Biology), recently joined forces to hold the 61st Governing Board Meeting (GBM) and Regional Workshop on the Implementation of Agro-Eco-Edu-Tourism in Southeast Asia for Biodiversity Conservation Education, held at the Eastin Hotel in Penang.

This two-day event, commencing on the 5 to 6 October 2023, witnessed the active participation of seven board members and two official representatives hailing from nine countries, all convened under the shared objective of advancing knowledge and sustainable development in tropical biology.

Beyond its official proceedings, this gathering serves as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, uniting stakeholders in a shared commitment towards a common goal.

Attending and officiating the ceremony was the Education and Cultural Attaché, representing the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur, Professor Dr. Muhammad Firdaus.

In his inaugural address, Muhammad Firdaus highlighted the remarkable similarity between Indonesia and Malaysia in their wealth of biodiversity, whereby both nations are endowed with verdant rainforests, thriving ecosystems, and unique wildlife, captivating the imaginations of researchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

“The dual significance of this biodiversity richness serves as a source of pride and a shared responsibility, and in recognising the imperative to safeguard and conserve this treasure for the well-being of future generations,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry, Community Network and Institutional Sustainability, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran said that SEAMEO BIOTROP’s mission of promoting sustainable development through research and capacity building in tropical biology aligns seamlessly with the university’s commitment in advancing knowledge, research, and education for the betterment of the region and the global community at large.

“At USM, we are committed to support the vital work of SEAMEO BIOTROP. Our campus is open to you, and our team is at your service to ensure that your time here is productive and fruitful. I wish you all a successful and rewarding Governing Board Meeting," he said.

According to SEAMEO BIOTROP Director, Dr. Zulhamsyah Imran in his welcoming remarks, this governing board meeting is a significant platform to reflect on past accomplishments, discuss ongoing initiatives, and chart a course for future endeavours.

In addition to addressing matters pertaining to annual programmes, human resources, financial and administrative concerns, as well as the procedural aspects of SEAMEO BIOTROP Directorship, a prominent focus of the meeting revolved around the pioneering Agro-Eco-Edu-Tourism Programme championed by Professor Dr. Arif Satria, an esteemed Governing Board Member from Indonesia and the distinguished Rector of Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University).

This pivotal dialogue was complemented by the concurrent Regional Workshop on the Implementation of AEET in Southeast Asia, with a focused dedication to advancing biodiversity conservation education.

This workshop serves as a conduit for the dissemination of invaluable insights garnered from the best practices of AEET across Southeast Asian nations. Furthermore, it highlights the integration of SEAMEO BIOTROP's AEET initiative as a collective effort across the region.

The AEET Programme signifies a paradigm shift in tourism, seamlessly merging the natural landscape (ecosystem) with agriculture-based education, thus offering a compelling allure and destination for tourists and visitors alike.

At the heart of the AEET programme lies its role as a vanguard for off-campus biodiversity conservation education, standing as an inspiring showcase of the opulent biodiversity indigenous to Southeast Asia.

This innovative endeavour holds great promise, not only in fortifying environmental consciousness but also in nurturing sustainable tourism practices throughout the region.

Also present was the USM Dean of SBS, Professor Dato’ Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah who is also a Governing Board Member of SEAMEO BIOTROP.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/ Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa