Tamalanrea-Makassar. The Faculty of Forestry of Hasanuddin University (Unhas) held an international conference titled the 4th Biennial Conference of Tropical Biodiversity (BCTB) with the theme “Mainstreaming Multidisciplinary Approaches to Biodiversity Studies for Sustainable Development.” The event took place virtually via Zoom meeting and in person at the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) Building, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on Wednesday (July 23, 2025).
The Chairman of the BCTB Committee, Fatwa Faturachmat, S.Hut., M.Hut. in his report expressed his gratitude for the support from the Co-hosts of this activity, namely, Tomsk Polytechnic University, Russia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, Mindanao State University – Maguindanao, Philippines and the University of North Sumatra, Indonesia. And thank you to the sponsors in this case Kalla Group and the entire committee for their support and cooperation so that this activity can run smoothly.
“This activity is held every two years and this year’s theme is a multidisciplinary approach to biodiversity studies in sustainable development to realize our commitment to presenting biodiversity and the sustainable development agenda,” Fatwa explained.
Fatwa further said that the theme of this activity does not only focus on biodiversity but also covers various scopes, one of which is climate change.
On this occasion, the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., in his remarks expressed his gratitude to all participants who attended this activity, both offline and virtually.
“This year’s conference, themed “Mainstreaming a Multidisciplinary Approach to Biodiversity Studies for Sustainable Development,” presents both strategic urgency and scientific depth. Studying biodiversity from a single discipline is no longer sufficient; what is needed now is the ability to bridge ecological knowledge with technology,” explained Prof. JJ.
A multidisciplinary approach is not just a trend, but a necessity. Tropical biodiversity research must foster dialogue among ecologists, sociologists, anthropologists, economists, policy experts, engineers, and data scientists.
“I firmly believe that this conference is more than just a platform for scientific exchange. Through panel discussions, scientific presentations, and collaborative research networks, we can strengthen global scientific partnerships, encourage research that impacts local communities, and advance biodiversity-centered policies for a sustainable future,” said Prof. JJ.
Prof. JJ further stated that, on behalf of Hasanuddin University, he expressed his deepest appreciation to the organizing committee, partners, and all parties who contributed to this important event. He hoped that the collaborative and multidisciplinary spirit established today would serve as a strong foundation.
The activity was officially opened by the Rector of Unhas and continued with the presentation of materials from the speakers. Present as speakers were
- Andang Suryana Soma, S.Hut., M.P., Ph.D. (Faculty of Forestry Unhas) presenting material with the theme “Environmental and Ecological Disaster Management: Landslides and Foods In South Sulawesi”
- Antonio Di Martino, Ph.D. (Tomsk Polytechnic University, Russian) presenting material “Biowaste Valorization: Bioabsorbent Materials From Forest”,
- Dr. Veera Singham (Universiti Sains Malaysia) with the theme “Climate Change and Impact on Pest Insects”
- Prof. Dr. Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah (Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia), presenting material with the theme “Ecotourism and Environmental Services: Sustainability, Equity and Strategic Reforms”
- Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D. (University of North Sumatra) with the theme “Mangrove Forest Diversity and Bioprospecting in Indonesian Ecosystem Service and Novel Bioactive Compounds”
- Prof. Dr. Cristoph Kleinn (Georg-August-University Gottingen, Germany) with the theme “National Forest Monitoring of Rigour and Relevance a Non-Technical View in Six Statements”.
The activity went smoothly and ended with a group photo and discussion.
