Summer Course – Plant Protection

Program Overview

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Indonesia is recognized as one of the world’s mega biodiversity countries. Raising awareness and understanding of biodiversity, particularly insects and birds, is crucial for the younger generation. This initiative aims to foster a sense of responsibility for preserving biodiversity amidst increasing environmental degradation that threatens genetic resources. By engaging students in hands-on fieldwork, this program serves as a vital step in biodiversity conservation at both national and global levels. The Summer Course in Tropical Ecology and Rapid Biodiversity Assessment 2025 is a field-based academic program designed for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. It focuses on introducing tropical ecology and biodiversity assessment techniques through fauna inventory using photography. The program is organized by the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, in collaboration with the Department of Tropical Ecology and Animal Biodiversity, University of Vienna, Austria. This partnership has been ongoing since 2000, with the program conducted approximately every two years.

Why Join This Program?
This summer course is designed for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking to expand their expertise in ecology, conservation biology, and biodiversity assessment. By participating, students will:
✅ Gain field research experience in tropical environments in in three ecologically significant locations in Indonesia: Sebesi Island (Lampung Province); Peucang Island-Ujung Kulon National Park (Banten Province); Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park (West Java Province).
✅ Learn advanced biodiversity assessment techniques, including species identification and ecological data analysis.
✅ Engage with leading researchers from IPB University and the University of Vienna.
✅ Develop skills in scientific communication and teamwork in an international setting.
✅ Contribute to conservation efforts through research-based learning.

Targeted Participants
Students from the following departments or related fields: Department of Plant Protection, Department of Biology, Department of Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism, Department of Silviculture, and other relevant disciplines with strong interest in tropical ecology and biodiversity.

Industry and University Partners

Department of Tropical Ecology and Animal Biodiversity of IPB; University of Vienna (Austria); Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Bengkulu-Indonesia, Conservation Section III Lampung (Indonesia)