HUMAS FAHUTAN – The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) further strengthened its collaboration with the North Sumatra Environmental and Forestry Agency (DLHK) through a follow-up meeting to discuss the development of the Biodiversity Park (Taman Kehati). The meeting took place at Inter Coffee, Digital Learning Center Building (DLCB) USU, on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Representing the North Sumatra DLHK were Dr. Ari Harahap, Secretary of the Agency, accompanied by Pangeran Martin Butar-Butar, S.Hut., Lucy Amena Sembiring, S.T., and Mea Fitri Kartika Sari, S.Hut. The Faculty of Forestry USU was represented by Prof. Arida Susilowati, Dean of the Faculty, accompanied by Dr. Luthfi Hakim, Vice Dean for Finance and Resources; Dr. Anita Zaitunah, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Internationalization; Dr. Nelly Anna, Special Advisor to the Dean for Partnerships; and Dr. Samsuri, lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry.

The meeting served as a follow-up to the ongoing collaboration between the Faculty of Forestry USU and the North Sumatra DLHK in establishing the Biodiversity Park at USU Campus 2, Kwala Bekala, Deli Serdang. During the constructive discussion, both parties reviewed the progress of the project while aligning various technical and strategic aspects to accelerate its implementation.

The Biodiversity Park is designed as a conservation center for native plant species that will not only preserve biodiversity but also serve as an educational space and a living laboratory for students, researchers, academics, and the wider community. The facility is expected to support field-based learning, scientific research, and innovation in forestry, conservation, and environmental studies.

During the meeting, Dr. Ari Harahap, Secretary of the North Sumatra DLHK, expressed his hope that the Biodiversity Park could be realized as soon as possible so that its benefits could be enjoyed by a wide range of stakeholders. According to him, the park will not only strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts but also provide an educational and learning space for students, researchers, and the public.

"We hope the Biodiversity Park can be realized soon so that its benefits can be enjoyed by various stakeholders, including the community," said Dr. Ari Harahap.

The meeting also highlighted that the planning process for the Biodiversity Park has entered its final preparation stage. Through continuous coordination and regular discussions, the Faculty of Forestry USU and the North Sumatra DLHK reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the realization of this strategic conservation initiative.

Beyond serving as a conservation center, the Biodiversity Park is also expected to function as an urban green space that provides ecological benefits for the surrounding environment. Its presence is anticipated to enhance environmental quality by maintaining ecosystem balance, conserving biodiversity, improving air quality, and providing an open green space that supports education, research, and environmentally based recreation.

The collaboration between the Faculty of Forestry USU and the North Sumatra DLHK reflects a shared commitment to developing a conservation area that benefits education, research, and the broader community. The initiative also demonstrates support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and government agencies in advancing sustainable development.