The Biology program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta organized its first Summer Course on Biodiversity in 2021, themed “Sustainable Conservation of Local Biodiversity to Support Community Development.” The event commenced on August 11, 2021, via Zoom Meeting and continued until August 25, 2021. The opening session featured MC Herninanjati Paramawardhani, M.Sc., and a recitation of Quranic verses by Jihan Nadia Salsabila from the Faculty of Sharia and Law.

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Hj. Khurul Wardati, M.Si., highlighted that the event attracted 63 participants from various countries, including Malaysia, Rwanda, Kenya, and Paraguay. Speakers represented diverse nationalities, including Indonesia, Denmark, and Thailand. The Summer Course included virtual field visits to local farms and advocacy organizations, along with problem-based discussions.

Topics covered during the course included:

• The impact of climate change on biodiversity.
• Exploration and observation of local biodiversity.
• Potential development of local biodiversity.
• Research and innovation related to traditional herbal medicine.
• Sustainable conservation management to support community well-being.

Dr. Khurul Wardati expressed hope that the event would run smoothly and provide valuable insights to participants. The Summer Course was officially opened by Dr. Phil. Sahiron, representing UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Rector, Dr. Phil. Al Makin. Dr. Sahiron thanked the university and the organizing committee, emphasizing that the event aligned with UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s vision to have a global impact. He encouraged participants to expand their knowledge of Indonesian biodiversity, raise awareness about it, and share experiences and soft skills related to utilizing natural resources for economic development and conservation.

Dian Aruni Kumalawati, M.Sc., the committee chair, added that the Biology program had conducted extensive research on local biodiversity exploration and its potential applications. This included studies on traditional herbal remedies that could be developed into medicines. The program also investigated biodiversity and compound content as part of sustainable conservation efforts.

The Summer Course featured guest speakers such as Ahmad Setyawan from LIPI Gunungkidul, Prof. Anders Sanchez Barford from Aarhus University, Hendro Kusumo Eko Prasetyo Moro, M.Sc. from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Prof. Imam Widyono from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitichate Sridith from Prince Songkla University, Hanif Kurniawan from Kampung Satwa, Muhammad Wisnu, S.Si., M.Biotech from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Andhika Mahadhika from Agradaya, and several biology faculty members. Through this event, the younger generation is expected to contribute to sustainable conservation efforts and showcase Indonesia’s mega-biodiversity potential.