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HUMAS FAHUTA – Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati, S.Hut., M.Si., attended an Expert Lecture entitled "Conservation of Rare Trees in North Sumatra: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainability Strategies" organized by the Indonesian Rare Tree Forum (FPLI) in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Technology of Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UINSU), at the UINSU Tuntungan Campus, Medan, on Tuesday (July 28, 2026).
On the occasion, Prof. Arida was accompanied by Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc., and Dean's Expert Staff for Cooperation, Dr. Nelly Anna, S.Hut., M.Si. The participation of the Faculty of Forestry USU was part of the faculty's commitment to strengthening academic collaboration networks while supporting efforts to conserve biodiversity in North Sumatra.
The Expert Lecture featured speakers from various institutions, including the Secretary of the Indonesian Rare Tree Forum (FPLI), Mokhamad Nur Zaman, S.Si., M.Ling., and researcher from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Dr. Iyan Robiansyah, M.Sc. The event was also attended by Vice Rector IV for Cooperation and Institutional Development of UINSU, Prof. Dr. Muzakkir, M.Ag., along with members of the academic community and various partners concerned with the conservation of Indonesian flora.
In addition to attending the Expert Lecture, Prof. Arida also took the opportunity to discuss opportunities for inter-institutional cooperation with the UINSU leadership. The meeting took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, discussing various potential collaborations in education, research, community service, and the development of conservation programs that could be implemented jointly.
The activity was also part of the strategic cooperation between FPLI and UINSU through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). As a symbol of their commitment to the conservation of rare plants, all participants also took part in planting five resak minyak seedlings (Hopea bancana) on the UINSU Campus grounds.
Prof. Arida stated that the participation of the Faculty of Forestry USU in academic forums such as this is an important step toward expanding synergies with various stakeholders in supporting forest resource conservation.
Through active participation in this activity, the Faculty of Forestry USU reaffirmed its commitment to continuously expanding partnership networks, developing cross-institutional collaborations, and contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts. This initiative is in line with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and conservation of rare plant species, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening partnerships to support sustainable development.
Coverage of this activity in other media can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DbX2IBRj1T1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==