Synergy of Academics and Practitioners: Yagasu and Universitas Syiah Kuala Forge Collaboration on Blue Carbon Research
Medan, May 5-7, 2026
Yayasan Gajah Sumatera (Yagasu) forged a strategic collaboration with the Marine Science Study Program of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) in an effort to enhance the quality of coastal conservation research. This series of visits and collaborative activities took place over three consecutive days, comprehensively combining academic studies with field practice reviews.
The first day’s activities commenced with an intensive discussion (sharing session). During this session, academics from Universitas Syiah Kuala and Yagasu’s field practitioner team exchanged insights, data, and research results related to coastal ecosystems. This discussion aimed to align theoretical foundations from the university with the reality of conservation challenges in the field.
Entering the second day, the agenda continued with a field excursion within the Yagasu working area. The primary focus of this field visit was direct observation and hands-on practice regarding blue carbon research. Participants were able to observe firsthand how the mangrove ecosystems managed by Yagasu function as vital carbon sinks and storage, which are crucial for climate change mitigation.
This productive series of activities concluded on the third day with the signing of the Implementation Arrangement (IA) document between Yagasu and the USK Marine Science Study Program. This signing serves as a formal validation of the long-term commitment of both institutions to continuously support sustainability programs.
Bridging the gap between educational institutions and field practitioners is an essential element in creating a tangible conservation impact. Through this synergy, Yagasu hopes that environmental research initiatives in Indonesia can continue to develop and provide concrete solutions for nature conservation.
