Aquatic Ecosystems Under Increasing Pressure, IPB University and Academics from 15 Countries Discuss Sustainable Solutions
The Department of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University successfully held the 3rd International Symposium on Aquatic Sciences and Resources Management (ISARM). The event was titled ‘Highland to Ocean (H2O): Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Aquatic Resources Management – Connecting Science, Policy, and Action’.
The Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, stated that this symposium serves as an important forum to address the challenges of sustainable aquatic resource management amid pressures from exploitation, pollution, climate change, and uncoordinated development.
“This year’s theme reflects our collective commitment to building bridges across disciplines, sectors, and regions for sustainable aquatic ecosystem management,” he said during the opening ceremony some time ago.
As an archipelagic nation with extraordinary aquatic biodiversity, Prof Arif noted that Indonesia bears a significant responsibility in conserving and managing inland and marine water resources. However, pressure on these ecosystems is increasing.
Therefore, he emphasized that scientific forums like ISARM H2O play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and exchanging strategies across sectors and nations. This forum provides a platform for scientists, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, share innovative strategies, and promote collaboration.
“By strengthening the connection between science, policy, and actionable solutions, we can pave the way for sustainable water resource management that not only supports ecosystem health but also livelihoods and community well-being,” he said.
The Chairman of the MSP Department at IPB University, Prof Hefni Effendi, stated that the forum successfully attracted participants from 15 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands, Comoros, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Laos, and Madagascar.
“This expansion of participants is evidence of our shared belief that water and the organisms living within it, along with their dynamics, connect us all from highland waters to open seas,” he said.
The 3rd ISARM event also compiled a number of scientific articles. Prof Hefni explained that the selected articles will be published in the proceedings of the BIO Web of Conferences, which is indexed by Scopus.
During this event, the best poster and best oral presenter were also selected, respectively Beutari Jiansarani and Azka Auliya Yudanegara. Both are undergraduate students from the MSP Department at IPB University.
“Thank you to all parties, especially the Directorate of Global Connectivity at IPB University, PT Sky Pacific Indonesia, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for their support for this event,” concluded Prof. Hefni. (*/Rz) (IAAS/Ard)
