The Biology Department at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta organized a national seminar with the theme “Boost Our Ecological Sustainability: Take Your One Step to Support the Ecology and Conservation of Indonesia’s Biodiversity Towards Sustainable Development.” The seminar took place on September 22, 2023, in the Teatrical Room of the Faculty of Science and Technology. This national seminar was part of Biology Week (Pekan Raya Biologi, PRB) 2023, an annual event organized by the Biology Student Association (Himpunan Mahasiswa Program Studi, HMPS).

The seminar featured two environmental experts as guest speakers. The first speaker was Prof. Dr. Prabang Setyono, S.Si., M.Si., Ir., IPM, a renowned expert in environmental pollution from Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta. The second speaker was Dr. Eka Sulistiyowati, S.Si., M.A., M.IWM, a lecturer specializing in ecology at the Biology Department of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.

During the presentation and discussion, guided by Wildan Alfian Fahmi, S.Si (an alumnus of the Biology Department), Prof. Dr. Prabang Setyono emphasized the need to restore land functions to their original state due to increasing environmental degradation. He encouraged young students to adopt a “Green Thinking” mindset, emphasizing responsible utilization of natural resources based on necessity rather than desire. In his closing statement, Prof. Dr. Prabang Setyono urged Biology students not only to acquire knowledge during their studies but also to apply that knowledge to better environmental conditions.

The subsequent speaker, Dr. Eka Sulistiyowati, discussed Sustainable Development in Islam. She highlighted five sustainable principles in Islam: Fitrah, Mizan, Ummat, Ummatan wasatan, and Tasbih and Sujud. Dr. Eka emphasized the importance of balance in sustainable development pillars.

Triana Novitasari, Chairperson of PRB 2023, expressed that the national seminar aimed to encourage participants, especially fellow students, to behave wisely toward the environment and responsibly manage its resources. Additionally, Najda Rifqiyati, M.Si, Head of the Biology Department, extended gratitude to the speakers and organizers for supporting the successful execution of the seminar. She also emphasized her support for the Biology Student Association’s regular event, Pekan Raya Biologi, which contributes knowledge and benefits to both the community and the nation.