IPB University Becomes a Global Discussion Center on Regenerative Landscapes

The Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University recently successfully organized The 8th International Symposium of Sustainable Landscape Development (ISSLD).

This international symposium is themed “Regenerative Landscape”, a visionary approach that emphasizes efforts to restore and revitalize ecosystems in the face of climate change and urban development challenges.

The opening ceremony took place at Toyib Hadiwijaya Auditorium, IPB Dramaga Campus, with 93 presenters and participants from six countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. 

ISSLD 2025 is the result of collaboration with various international institutions, including Chiba University (Japan), University of the Philippines Diliman, International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), Indonesian Landscape Architects Association (IALI), and Indonesian Landscape Architecture Education Forum (FPALI). This activity also received support from Sentul City and the Directorate of Global Connectivity of IPB University.

Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, in his keynote speech emphasized that the concept of regenerative landscapes goes beyond sustainability. “Regenerative landscapes integrate nature-based solutions, technological innovation, and active community participation to create resilient and adaptive spaces for the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Suryo Wiyono, emphasized that landscape architecture has an important role in dealing with climate uncertainty. “Through collaborative forums such as ISSLD, we strengthen academic foundations while enriching practical strategies to restore ecological balance and improve community welfare,” he said.

The symposium also featured a number of international speakers. Assoc Prof Alessandro Martinelli (IFLA, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan) discussed the role of the Desakota region as a center for renewable energy innovation. Meanwhile, Prof Noriko Akita (Chiba University, Japan) highlighted community-based flood management, and Prof. Nappy L. Navarra (University of the Philippines) emphasized the importance of wetland restoration. 

The topic of therapeutic landscapes for post-disaster recovery was presented by Assoc Prof Shureen Faris (Universiti Putra Malaysia). Meanwhile, from IPB University, Prof Syartinilia Wijaya explained efforts to conserve the habitat of migratory birds of prey. The plenary session was hosted by Prof Beata Gawryszewska from Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), Poland.

Closing the series of activities, Chairman of the Department of Landscape Architecture IPB University, Dr Akhmad Arifin Hadi, expressed his appreciation to all parties who contributed. “ISSLD 2025 proves that the concept of regenerative landscape is not just a theory. It is a real action born from collaboration, academic rigor, policy support, and community involvement,” he said.

Meanwhile, ISSLD 2025 Chief Executive, Dr Kaswanto, emphasized the importance of long-term commitment. “Regenerative landscape design is not just about preservation, but also about renewal and resilience for future generations,” he said.

As a follow-up, the ISSLD 2025 proceedings will be published in the IOP Conference Series. This publication is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s contribution to global academic discourse as well as become a reference for the formulation of sustainable landscape policies in the future. (*/Rz) (IAAS/STD)