The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati, S.Hut., M.Si., attended a Practitioner Lecture titled "Conservation of Rare Tree Species 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, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UINSU) at the UINSU Tuntungan Campus in Medan on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Prof. Arida was accompanied by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc., and the Dean's Expert Staff for Cooperation, Dr. Nelly Anna, S.Hut., M.Si. Their participation reflected the Faculty of Forestry's commitment to strengthening academic collaboration while supporting biodiversity conservation efforts in North Sumatra.

The practitioner lecture featured speakers from various institutions, including the Secretary of the Indonesian Rare Tree Forum (FPLI), Mokhamad Nur Zaman, S.Si., M.Ling., and Dr. Iyan Robiansyah, M.Sc., a researcher from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The event was also attended by the Vice Rector IV for Cooperation and Institutional Development of UINSU, Prof. Dr. Muzakkir, M.Ag., along with members of the academic community and partners committed to the conservation of Indonesia's flora.

In addition to attending the lecture, Prof. Arida used the occasion to discuss opportunities for institutional collaboration with UINSU's leadership. The meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere, exploring potential partnerships in education, research, community service, and the development of joint conservation programs.

The event also formed part of a strategic collaboration between FPLI and UINSU through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). As a symbolic commitment to the conservation of rare plant species, all participants took part in planting five Hopea bancana (resak minyak) seedlings on the UINSU campus.

Prof. Arida emphasized that the Faculty of Forestry's participation in academic forums such as this is an important step toward expanding collaboration with diverse stakeholders in support of forest resource conservation.

Through its active participation in this event, the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships, fostering cross-institutional collaboration, and contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts. These initiatives support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and the conservation of rare plant species, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening partnerships that advance sustainable development.