18 September 2025
Anonymous Writer
HUMAS FAHUTAN – Conservation today is not only about protecting forests and wildlife but also about creating major opportunities in sustainable economics. This message emerged in the public lecture entitled “Bioprospecting and Conservation Business Opportunities” held by the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), on Thursday (18/9).
This event, part of the 11th Anniversary of the Faculty of Forestry and the 26th Anniversary of the USU Forestry Study Program, featured experts in the field of conservation. Panut Hadisiswoyo, S.S., M.A., M.Sc. (Orangutan Information Centre/OIC) and Ian Singleton, Ph.D., O.B.E. (PT. Orangutan Haven) appeared as keynote speakers. Both are widely recognized as orangutan conservation figures in Sumatra and are active in developing community-based conservation models.
As the keynote speaker, Nunu Anugrah, S.Hut., M.Sc., Director of Species and Genetic Biodiversity Conservation, Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), emphasized that bioprospecting—the exploration of biological resources for scientific and commercial purposes—has become a new opportunity bridging conservation with the business world.
“Biodiversity conservation must be seen as a national asset. With a bioprospecting approach, we can sustainably optimize Indonesia’s biological potential while also creating economic opportunities that benefit communities,” Nunu said in his presentation.
The public lecture was opened by Dr. Ir. Alfan Gunawan Ahmad, S.Hut., M.Si., Vice Dean I of the USU Faculty of Forestry. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for the speakers’ presence and hoped that such events would continue and be followed up with real collaborations.
“Hopefully this public lecture will not be the first and last. After receiving much enlightenment from the speakers, we hope for further collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, practitioners, and other partners around us,” Alfan said.
The discussion became even more engaging when speakers highlighted the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. Panut Hadisiswoyo stressed that bioprospecting should be understood more broadly, not merely as resource utilization.
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“Bioprospecting is not merely the exploitation of natural wealth, but a bridge linking conservation, science, and forestry business opportunities. This way we can maintain sustainability while unlocking economic benefits,” Panut explained.
Meanwhile, Ian Singleton emphasized that forest conservation impacts not only spiritual and moral aspects but also provides tangible long-term economic benefits.
“If we save forests and preserve the natural resources within them, we are essentially investing. In the long run, the economic gains are far greater, not just spiritual benefits or moral satisfaction,” Ian said.
The event moderator, Dr. Ir. Pindi Patana, S.Hut., M.Sc., IPU, from the USU Faculty of Forestry, noted that the lecture not only offered academic insights but also opened discussions on how younger generations, especially forestry students, can play a role in addressing conservation challenges in the era of climate change and development demands.
The event, held at the USU Faculty of Forestry Hall, was attended by hundreds of students, lecturers, and environmental activists both onsite and online. Participant enthusiasm was reflected in the many questions about strategies to develop adaptive and economically beneficial conservation.
This public lecture is expected to become an important momentum for USU to strengthen its role as a center for environmental and conservation studies in Sumatra. By presenting national and international perspectives, the USU Faculty of Forestry reaffirms that conservation is the future—not only saving nature but also opening pathways for sustainable business innovation.
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