The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), welcomed a delegation from the North Sumatra Environment and Forestry Agency (DLHK North Sumatra) on Thursday, June 25, 2026, for a follow-up discussion on the development of the KEHATI Biodiversity Park at USU Campus 2, Bekala, Simalingkar. The meeting represented a strategic step toward advancing the project through the formulation and validation of the implementation team that will oversee its execution.
The DLHK North Sumatra delegation consisted of Pangeran Martin Butarbutar, S.Hut., Lucy Amena Sembiring, S.T., and Mea Fitri Kartika Sari, S.Hut. They were welcomed by the leadership of the USU Faculty of Forestry, including the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni, Dr. Tito Sucipto; the Vice Dean for Finance and Resources, Dr. Luthfi Hakim; and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Information, Dr. Anita Zaitunah. They were also accompanied by the Head of the Cooperation Subdivision, Muhammad Teguh.
The primary focus of the meeting was the formulation and validation of the organizational structure of the implementation team for the KEHATI Biodiversity Park. The establishment of this team represents a crucial milestone in ensuring that every stage of the project's development is carried out in a coordinated, effective, and well-managed manner, in accordance with the objectives of developing the conservation area at USU Campus 2, Bekala.
Through productive discussions, both parties successfully prepared a draft document outlining the implementation team for the KEHATI Biodiversity Park. The document will serve as the foundation for coordinating all stages of the project, from technical planning and implementation to the long-term management of the conservation area.
The development of the KEHATI Biodiversity Park at USU Campus 2, Bekala, is expected to become a center for biodiversity conservation while supporting education, research, and community engagement. The site is also envisioned as a natural laboratory that will contribute to scientific advancement and the conservation of North Sumatra's native flora.
Through this meeting, the USU Faculty of Forestry and the North Sumatra Environment and Forestry Agency reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in realizing the development of the KEHATI Biodiversity Park for the benefit of education, conservation, and society. The continued partnership is expected to foster sustainable management of the conservation area while serving as a model of collaboration between higher education institutions and government agencies in biodiversity conservation.
The initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening the strategic partnership between the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, and the North Sumatra Environment and Forestry Agency in developing the KEHATI Biodiversity Park as a sustainable center for conservation, education, and research.