IPB University, KOICA, and Three Indonesian State Universities Launch SBC Project in Medan

The IPB-SNU Center for Agriculture and Bioscience (ICAB) recently launched a project entitled “Indonesia-Korea Cooperative Project on Sustainable Silvofishery and Blue Carbon at Mangrove Forests in Indonesia (SBC Project).

The SBC Project was initiated by KOICA-ICAB together with four state universities (PTN), namely IPB University, University of North Sumatra (USU), Andalas University, and Syiah Kuala University.

This collaborative project conducts joint research oriented towards the restoration of mangrove areas as coastal protectors by integrating aquaculture practices.

ICAB itself is a collaborative project between IPB University and Seoul National University (SNU) through a project from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). This collaboration began in 2022.

IPB University Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, expressed his delight that KOICA-ICAB—a collaborative project between KOICA, SNU, and IPB University— expanding its cooperation with other state universities in Indonesia, demonstrating the inclusivity of this project.

“This project is a milestone for the collaboration between the four state universities involved, especially with its mission, which is to restore mangrove areas as an important player in absorbing excess carbon emissions,” said Prof Iskandar during the inauguration of the SBC Project at the USU Campus, Medan City.

The important role of mangroves as carbon sinks and producers of blue carbon credits that can provide economic value for Indonesia was also a motivation for the formation of this collaborative project.

In addition, 100 mangrove seedlings were planted in Medan Belawan District, Medan City. The activity was attended by research team members from the four universities participating in the SBC project and members of the USU Mangrove Science and Technology Center of Excellence (PUI).

Prof Ho Sang Kang, Project Manager of KOICA-ICAB, stated in his speech that Indonesia has the largest mangrove area in the world. Unfortunately, it still faces many challenges.

“The implementation of silvofishery can be a sustainable solution because it not only focuses on mangrove planting but also on how aquaculture practices can increase income and resilience against the adverse effects of natural disasters such as tsunamis for local communities,” he explained.

Meanwhile, USU Rector Prof Muryanto Amin also expressed his hope that this collaboration could serve as a bridge between the universities involved to exchange experiences, share information, and discuss various perspectives from researchers. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KQA)