The UGM Environmental Science Summer Course, themed “Karst and Cave Sustainable Management,” was conducted through a series of activities. The first activity in this series was an online course dedicated to exploring speleology in depth, featuring karst and cave experts from around the world. This initiative represents UGM’s effort to facilitate global discussion and knowledge sharing on speleology. The online course ran from July 29 to August 9, 2024.
(Online Course Documentation)
The online course was attended by speakers and participants from over 15 countries, including lecturers, researchers, environmental practitioners, community members, students, and representatives from various institutions. In addition to Indonesian experts, international specialists such as John Gun, Blaz Kogovsek, Terry Bolger, Luiz Edwardo Penisset, Alena Gessert, and David Gillieson shared their expertise. These experts were fully committed to providing participants with comprehensive knowledge. According to the participants, the lectures were detailed, engaging, and easy to understand. Topics covered included karst and cave hydrology, geomorphology, and karst and cave management practices in various countries.
One of the on-site activities involved participant presentations on karst and cave systems from their respective countries. The unique physical characteristics and biodiversity of each country’s karst ecosystems were presented in a detailed and engaging manner. Presenters included Mamadou Pouye (Senegal), Procopio S. Resabal, Jr. (Philippines), Dhanjit Deka (India), Belkasem Alkaryani (Libya), Pichawut Manopkawee (Thailand), Nyi Nyi Aung (Myanmar), and Melania Hanny Aryantie (Indonesia). Participants actively engaged with the presentations by asking questions. Additionally, this session featured a promotion of the Banggai Islands Expedition by Hendrie Aji Kusworo (Lecturer in Tourism Studies, SPs UGM) to showcase the natural beauty of Indonesia.
(Online Course Documentation)
Through this activity, UGM demonstrated its commitment to advancing the science of karst and cave systems worldwide. The information shared went beyond knowledge dissemination, also supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land. The program encouraged participants and experts to exchange ideas within a shared vision to address complex global challenges. Issues such as climate change, water crises, and conservation require a global approach. By facilitating this exchange of ideas, UGM hopes that participants and speakers will develop innovative, comprehensive, and impactful research in their respective countries in the future.
Author: Izza A