IPB University PSL Masters Students Learn to Implement Ecotourism in the Mangrove Forest of Petengoran, Lampung
IPB University Postgraduate School (SPs) students from the Masters Study Program (Prodi) in Natural Resources and Environmental Management (PSL) held a field trip activity in the Petengoran Mangrove Forest, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung (6/5). This visit was one of a series of field lecture activities conducted by the PSL SPs Masters Study Program at IPB University.
In this activity, Prof Hadi Susilo Arifin, Head of the PSL SPs Masters Study Program at IPB University, stated that the purpose of this field lecture was to learn about community-based mangrove forest management at the Petengoran ecotourism site. In addition, it is also to explore traditional knowledge and local wisdom related to sustainability, harmony, and balance of ecosystems, which include the biophysical, socio-cultural, and economic environments.
"We want our students and lecturers to be able to learn how to manage mangrove forests starting from their structure, use, function, benefits for the community, dynamics or changes and their impact on the surrounding environment," he stated during the field activity which was attended by 53 master's program students, six lecturers, and three staff.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fifi Gus Dwiyanti, one of the lecturers at the PSL SPs Masters Study Program IPB University, said that in this area students can understand mangrove ecosystems including their species, biological functions, ecological functions, and other functions. From this activity, students are expected to understand ecosystem services, professional services, regulating services, supporting services, and cultural services.
"So this mangrove is indeed a unique ecosystem that can accommodate all environmental services. This is a good example for students to learn about mangroves," she explained.
On this occasion, Hari, the manager of the Petengoran Mangrove Ecotourism, explained that in 2014 the Petengoran mangrove area was still a conservation area and not yet a place for ecotourism. This conservation area was a nursery for fish, green mussels, and several types of mangrove trees.
"In 2018, we collaborated with PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Then, this conservation area changed its name to Petengoran Mangrove Ecotourism and was officially handed over to the regional government through the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) of Gebang, Pesawaran Regency," he stated. (HBL/Rz) (IAAS/SNI)
