IPB University Launches GNAA to Strengthen Global Networks of Farmers and Fishermen in the Face of the Climate Crisis
IPB University, through the Institute for Agromaritime Development and Innopreneurship Acceleration (LPA2I), officially launched the Global Network for Advanced Agromaritime (GNAA) international forum as a strategic step to strengthen global collaboration in addressing the challenges of climate change and food security.
The GNAA event took place over three days, April 20–22, 2026, at the IPB University Campus in Bogor and was attended by 33 participants from seven countries: Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Taiwan, and Cambodia.
This forum brought together farmers, fishermen, and academics to share experiences and formulate solutions based on field practices.
IPB University Rector Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet emphasized that the GNAA serves as a cross-national collaborative platform connecting key stakeholders in the agromaritime sector with academics. He noted that the launch of this network represents a concrete step toward addressing various global challenges.
“This is a collaborative platform to address climate change, geopolitical dynamics, and the potential for food crises by prioritizing local wisdom and best practices from each country,” he said.
He also added that GNAA is the first global network initiative for farmers and fishermen in the ASEAN region initiated by IPB University.
In line with this, the Chairman of LPA2I at IPB University, Dr Handian Purwawangsa, explained that the program aims to build a collaborative network among coastal communities, the agricultural sector, academics, and stakeholders in the region.
He noted that the diversity of participants reflects the strong spirit of cross border collaboration.
“This significant step is supported by representatives from partner countries and universities in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Cambodia, 4 farmers from Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, and Cambodia, 2 fishermen from Thailand and Malaysia as well as 10 farmers and 10 fishermen from Aceh to Papua,” he said.
Furthermore, the Executive Chair of GNAA 2026, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Institute for Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Community Empowerment at LPA2I IPB University, Dr Roza Yusfiandayani, stated that this forum is focused on strengthening international solidarity through focused group discussions and knowledge exchange based on real world field experiences.
“Climate change is no longer a future threat, but a reality faced daily by farmers and fishermen. Through this network, we aim to ensure that technological innovations can be directly connected to real world needs on the ground,” she explained.
She added that the GNAA is expected to foster a collaborative ecosystem that integrates academic innovation, technology, and local wisdom to support the sustainability of the agromaritime sector and strengthen food security in the Southeast Asian region. (dr) (IAAS/PRO)
