Seminar “The International Conference and Workshop in Conjunction with the 8th Indonesia Biotechnology Conference (IBC)” was held at Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur, Bali (16-18 May 2023) with the theme “Crossroad of Biodiversity, Biotechnology, and Health for Enhancing Sustainable Development”. This activity consisted of keynotes and invited speakers from various institutions and universities, such as the Indonesian Biotechnology Consortium, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Rutgers University, Universitas Nasional (UNAS), City University New York, Kyoto University, National University of Natural Medicine, Udayana University, Louisiana State University, and Tajik National Medical University. This conference provided a forum for exchanging information on bioscience and biotechnology to address the challenges of sustainable development.
The materials presented during the conference were regarding biodiversity and its relationship or use with bioscience and biotechnology, and how the relationship between mass extinction events that are currently taking place due to global climate change, especially in plants that contain bioactive compounds that can be utilized. On this occasion, CSERM UNAS participated in the symposium through a presentation of the results of the Blue Community project entitled “Biodiversity and Community Structure of Seaweed and Seagrass, and Their Potential Uses in Transition Zone of Takabonerate Selayar Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia” presented by Dr. Tatang Mitra Setia. The material presented was about the diversity of macroalgae and seagrass in the transition zone of the Takabonerate Biosphere Reserve and its benefits for the community, especially in the health sector.
The seagrass ecosystem in the Selayar Island can become a habitat for various marine biota, including sea cucumbers. Efforts to cultivate sea cucumbers and protect seagrass habitat will help reduce the loss of biodiversity and global climate change and contribute to the welfare of the local people of Selayar Island. At this conference, CSERM UNAS also introduced its newest program, Developing Sustainable Near-shore Sea Cucumber Aquaculture on Selayar Island, Indonesia, with support from the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, Darwin Initiative. This program will empower women in the economic development of local communities of Selayar Islands District.
