Lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (Fahutan USU) and German alumnus, Dr. Ir. Pindi Patana, S.Hut., M.Sc., IPU, participated in the International Workshop “Transforming Biotechnology and Agriculture: Bridging Biodiversity and Digital Innovation for Natural Sustainability”, organized by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Hermes Palace Hotel, Banda Aceh.
The workshop served as an international forum bringing together academics, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, innovation, and the application of science and technology to support environmental sustainability.
During the workshop, Dr. Pindi and his research team presented a study entitled “Agroforestry and the Resilience of Biodiversity within the Buffer Zone of Gunung Leuser National Park.” The research highlights the role of agroforestry in strengthening biodiversity resilience in the buffer zone of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) by integrating conservation, landscape sustainability, and community livelihoods.
Participation in the workshop provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen academic networks, and explore potential international collaborations in biodiversity, agroforestry, conservation, and sustainable innovation. The research and experience related to the Gunung Leuser ecosystem also brought an Indonesian perspective on forest and biodiversity management into the international discussion.
The activity contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, through biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystem conservation; SDG 13: Climate Action, through strengthening ecosystem and community resilience to climate change; SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through the development of sustainable agroforestry and agricultural systems; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthening international networks and collaboration in research and sustainable solutions.
Through faculty participation in international forums, research development, and the expansion of global networks, Fahutan USU continues to promote the application of knowledge to develop solutions for environmental and community sustainability while strengthening the global impact of Universitas Sumatera Utara.