USU PR - Center for Excellence in Mangrove Science and Technology, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a series 1 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the theme "Risks and Opportunities for Mangrove Forest Restoration in Indonesia after the COP26 Meeting". This FGD was held through a zoom meeting and broadcast via YouTube, Wednesday (12/22/2021).

In his remarks, USU Rector Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si. said this FGD is a form of support for USU's PUI Mangrove in accordance with the function of PUI.

"PUI Mangrove functions to carry out research and technological innovation activities in an optimal, sustainable, industry-based and community-based way," the Rector said.

The Rector said, in optimizing the potential of the mangrove area, previously the team from USU had carried out community service that had a positive impact on the economy of the people in the area. In addition, the community is also given education about mangrove tourism.

"The team from USU carried out community service in mangrove forests, coastal areas in Medan City, built cafes and mangrove forest atmospheres, thus inviting many visitors," he said.

The FGD presented the Assistant Deputy for Climate Change and Disaster Management of the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Mr. Kus Prisetiahadi S.Pi., M.Sc., Ph.D., with the material "Policies of the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment in Accelerating National Mangrove Rehabilitation". There were also other resource persons from the Government element who presented policies from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, as well as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Dr. Muryanto hopes that the FGD, which brings together policy makers from across sectors, including the Coordinating Ministry for Investment, KLHK, KKP, BRGM, BRIN, scientists, academics, and students can be used as an arena for sharing the latest information and knowledge, as well as sharing experiences in the field of restoration and management. mangrove forest.

"I hope this FGD is able to respond to the speech of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at COP26 on climate change, which supports the restoration of mangrove forests," he said.

The results of this FGD are expected to produce recommendations and policy briefs for mangrove forest restoration needed by the government, relevant ministries and other parties.

On this occasion, the Rector also conveyed his pride and congratulations to PUI Mangrove which as of December 2021 had succeeded in obtaining several international grants such as Newton Fund/LPDP/DIP until December 2022, JSPS Core to Core until March 2023, e-ASIA until December 2024, National Geographic to April 2022 and APN-CRRP Propject to September 2024. (©ULC)

Author: Bambang Riyanto - Humas

Interviewee: - - -

Photographer: Humas - Humas