UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), in partnership with Trans ASEAN Backpackers (TABS), wrapped up the main event of the Sea of Change SDG Forum with a talk show titled Climate & Land: Forest and Biodiversity as Natural Climate Solutions in ASEAN. The program took place on Wednesday (Nov. 5, 2025) at the Bima Suci Hall of the Airlangga Convention Center, MERR–C Campus.
In his remarks, Prof. Hery Purnobasuki, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Institute for Sustainable Community Services, stressed the need for tangible action from all parties to advance progress and sustainability. He reiterated that UNAIR remains committed to championing environmental preservation.
“We all have a responsibility to engage actively in environmental conservation because it ultimately affects economic, social, and management systems. UNAIR reinforces this effort by prioritizing SDGs 4 and 9. These achievements reflect our strong commitment to sustainability and environmental protection,” he said.
Biodiversity as key to addressing global warming
Dr. Eko Prasetyo Kuncoro, S.T., D.E.A., explained that climate change is a pressing global issue requiring immediate, effective solutions. According to him, biodiversity offers significant potential as a natural strategy for combating climate change.
He noted that climate mitigation is essential for reducing or eliminating long-term risks posed by climate change to human life. Mitigation also plays a crucial role in increasing the absorption of greenhouse gases.
“Some of the actions we can take include optimizing biodiversity and forest resources, using renewable energy, adopting sustainable farming practices, and converting financial investments into energy initiatives,” he added.
Dr. Kuncoro further emphasized that biodiversity is highly valuable and must be strengthened to respond to rapidly shifting climate patterns. He also highlighted several key points related to biodiversity that the public should understand.
“Biodiversity spans many components, including ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity. It is important to remember that biodiversity represents a vital national asset, maintains ecological balance, provides resources, reflects cultural and historical identity, and serves as an essential field of study,” he explained.
Role of mangroves
Dr. Kuncoro also shared that he focuses on mangroves as a concrete mitigation effort, noting that they offer numerous environmental benefits.
“Mangroves are coastal vegetation that can thrive in tidal zones with muddy or shoreline substrates. They grow in colonies, forming an integrated system that supports balance, stability, and productivity in the environment,” he said.
The event also serves as one of UNAIR’s contributions to advancing SDG 13, which centers on climate action.
Author: Putri Andini
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
