Collaboration

September 28 2026

YAGASU Expands Collaboration with China on Mangrove, Blue Carbon, and Environmental Technology

Author: Grace Yanti Panjaitan, S.Hut, M.Si

Schenzhen and Hong Kong, January 13–19, 2026 — A week of academic exchange in China opened new opportunities for YAGASU to strengthen international collaboration in mangrove restoration, blue carbon, biodiversity conservation, community development, and environmental technology. YAGASU team visited Peking University and The University of Hong Kong for a series of technical exchanges, academic discussions, field visits, and institutional meetings focused on mangrove resources, blue carbon, and socio-economic integration.

The visit brought together YAGASU practitioners, university professors, researchers, and students to share experiences from Indonesia and explore how science and technology can support practical environmental solutions. The YAGASU delegation consisted of Mr. Bambang Suprayogi, Mrs. Rahmi Masita, Mr. Riza Aditya, Ms. Fauzia Damayanti, Ms. Grace Yanti Panjaitan, Mr. Imam Abdul Gani, and Mr. Dandi. Upon arrival at Peking University, the team was warmly welcomed by Prof. Ruili Li, Prof. Shen, Associate Prof. Maurycy Daroch and several master’s students. A campus tour provided the delegation with an introduction to the university’s academic environment, including its laboratories, library, classrooms, gardens, and research facilities.

The academic exchange then moved into more focused discussions on climate change. YAGASU presented its experiences in climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and carbon research, sharing lessons from its long-term work in mangrove ecosystems and coastal communities in Indonesia. The discussions highlighted the importance of connecting scientific research with practical field implementation. Rather than treating carbon as an isolated environmental commodity, the exchange emphasized the need to integrate carbon management with ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, and improvements in community livelihoods.

This perspective became particularly relevant during the field visit to the Shenzhen mangrove wetlands. The YAGASU and Peking University teams observed mangrove diversity and the management of wetlands within a highly urbanized environment. What stood out was not only the ecological value of the mangroves but also their role as a public space. Residents were seen enjoying the area, walking, spending time with family, and experiencing nature in the middle of a rapidly developing city. The landscape demonstrated how urban development and ecological conservation can coexist when natural ecosystems are incorporated into city planning and public life. From the wetland area, the proximity of Hong Kong was also visible, creating a striking contrast between mangrove ecosystems and one of Asia’s major urban landscapes.

The exchange continued with discussions on natural resources and community development. YAGASU introduced various products and initiatives developed from mangrove resources and agroforestry systems, demonstrating how restoration can generate economic opportunities while maintaining ecological functions. The conversation reinforced a key principle of YAGASU’s approach: restoration should not end with planting trees. Long-term success depends on whether ecosystems are maintained, communities are involved, and local people can obtain meaningful social and economic benefits from sustainable resource management.

Technology also became an important part of the exchange. The YAGASU delegation visited DJI and an intelligent ecological monitoring enterprise in Shenzhen to learn about advances in drone technology, digital systems, and intelligent environmental monitoring. The visits provided practical insights into how emerging technologies could be applied to ecological restoration and carbon projects. Discussions explored opportunities to strengthen field data collection, spatial monitoring, and digital systems that can improve the accuracy and efficiency of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV).

The collaboration reached an important milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YAGASU and Peking University. The agreement established a foundation for continued institutional cooperation and future activities in research, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and technological development. For YAGASU, the partnership represents an opportunity to connect its field-tested experience in mangrove restoration and community development with academic expertise and technological innovation from China.

The visit also extended to The University of Hong Kong, where the YAGASU team was welcomed by Prof. Lou. Discussions focused particularly on the potential development of an advanced MRV system using drones and artificial intelligence. The proposed collaboration could support more efficient assessment of mangrove restoration, biomass and carbon stocks, and new mangrove restoration project around 4,000 ha. The integration of high-resolution drone imagery, spatial analysis, AI, and field-based data could eventually provide a more reliable and transparent monitoring system for nature-based solutions and carbon projects.

The seven-day visit ultimately demonstrated that effective climate and environmental action requires more than scientific knowledge alone. It requires collaboration between researchers, practitioners, communities, governments, and technology developers. By bringing together YAGASU’s field experience in Indonesia with the academic and technological capabilities of institutions in China and Hong Kong, the exchange opened a pathway toward practical innovation in mangrove restoration, blue carbon, biodiversity, community development, and digital MRV.

September 11 2026

WETLAND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION WORKSHOP AND CHINA-ASEAN MANGROVE WETLAND CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION TRAINING PROGRAMME | Shenzhen, China

Four days filled with inspiration, learning, discussion, and collaboration have just concluded. Amidst the fast-paced dynamics of global development, environmental conservation particularly of wetland ecosystems has become an urgent calling that recently united conservationists, experts, and academics from across the globe in Shenzhen, China.

On this valuable occasion, the Sumatran Elephant Foundation (Yagasu) participated in the prestigious “Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Workshop” through the presence of Riza Aditya, Yagasu’s Managing Director and Co-Founder, and Anton Syahputra Siregar, M.Si,. Program Director Yagasu. This international workshop, initiated by the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF) and the International Mangrove Center (IMC), served as a strategic platform for sharing experiences, strengthening cross-border networks, and formulating concrete solutions for the future of mangrove and wetland ecosystems.

Sharing Best Practices from the Frontlines of Conservation

As an organization consistently operating at the forefront of environmental preservation, Yagasu was deeply honored to share our field knowledge and experience regarding best practices for “Climate Action” in sustainable mangrove management.

This session became a major highlight when Anton Syahputra Siregar, M.Si., Program Director of Yagasu, had the opportunity to lead a presentation before an international audience. In his delivery, Anton did not merely outline a vision; he dissected the concrete actions Yagasu has undertaken alongside coastal communities over the past 25 years. He highlighted how restoration programs, community development, policy advocacy, and scientific research can work in harmony to improve the economic well-being of local communities. This integrative approach has successfully created a conservation model that is not only ecologically impactful but also socio-economically sustainable.

Mangroves: Natural Seawalls and Solutions for the Future

The four days of intense discussion reaffirmed one absolute truth: mangroves are far more than just a line of trees along the coast. This ecosystem is an unsung hero functioning as a vital seawall. Mangroves sustain biodiversity, store massive amounts of blue carbon, and act as natural breakwaters that protect our coastlines from extreme abrasion. More than that, mangrove forests are the lifeblood supporting the livelihoods and economic resilience of millions of coastal residents worldwide.

Unfortunately, looming threats remain. Pressures from ecologically unfriendly development, the undeniable impacts of climate change, and natural resource exploitation continue to pose massive challenges. Solving these issues cannot be done in isolation; it demands continuous, concrete action and robust global collaboration.

Through our participation in this workshop, Yagasu reaffirms its commitment to continuously contribute on both local and global scales. We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF) and the International Mangrove Center (IMC) for their outstanding initiative in organizing such a highly valuable event.

Let us keep moving forward together, because mangroves are one of our best answers to facing the climate crisis, protecting communities, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a better future for all life.

September 8 2026

Strengthening Collaborative Networks: Yagasu and Peking University Visit Universitas Potensi Utama

Scientific data and findings should not simply remain neatly tucked away in journals. They must live, breathe, and bring about tangible changes to society. This philosophy served as the heartbeat of the meeting between Yayasan Gajah Sumatera (Yagasu), Universitas Potensi Utama (UPU), and a research delegation from Peking University on July 30, 2026.

The visit provided an opportunity for the three parties to share information regarding their ongoing programs while introducing their respective research focuses and fields of expertise. Yagasu’s Managing Director, Riza Aditya, and Program Director, Anton Syahputra Siregar, S.P., M.Si., exchanged views directly with research experts from Peking University, Prof. Ruili Li and Prof. Shen. Their arrival was welcomed with a collaborative spirit by the Rector of UPU, Prof. Dr. Rika Rosnelly, S.Kom., M.Kom., alongside faculty members who actively support networking and cross-institutional collaboration.

During the agenda, Yagasu, Peking University, and Universitas Potensi Utama shared experiences, findings, and data relevant to their respective programs and research. This exchange allowed each party to understand the approaches, outcomes, and lessons learned from various field activities and academic studies. Through these discussions and knowledge exchanges, the three institutions were able to identify common interests and explore opportunities to develop future collaborations in research, education, and development programs.

This meeting marks the first step toward building a closer partnership between Yagasu, Peking University, and Universitas Potensi Utama. By bridging research strengths, field experiences, and data from each party, this collaboration is expected to generate knowledge that goes beyond academic discoveries, applying it directly to address environmental challenges and deliver real benefits to the community.

August 24 2026

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.

August 18 2026

Pelatihan Membatik dengan Pewarna Organik Mangrove Bersama World Friends Korea

Jumat, 7 Agustus 2026,

Yayasan Gajah Sumatera (Yagasu) menerima kunjungan delegasi relawan internasional dari World Friends Korea (WFK) yang terdiri dari mahasiswa dan dosen dari berbagai universitas di Korea Selatan dan didampingi oleh Kijami Table.

Pada kunjungan ini, Tim yagasu melaksanakan kegiatan edukasi dan pelatihan membatik menggunakan bahan organik mangrove kepada para relawan World Friends Korea di Kantor Yagasu, Medan, kegiatan ini diawali dengan penyambutan langsung oleh Program Direktur Yagasu, Anton Syahputra Siregar, S.P., M.Si., dan dilanjutkan dengan pemaparan materi pengenalan dan potensi mangrove kepada para peserta.

Dalam kegiatan pelatihan ini, para relawan diberikan materi mengenai tahapan-tahapan pembuatan batik yang dipandu langsung oleh para staf batik Yagasu. Selanjutnya, para peserta kemudian langsung mempraktekkan proses mencanting dan melakukan pewarnaan kain menggunakan pewarna organik mangrove.

Para relawan dari World Friends Korea terlihat sangat senang dan bersemangat dalam mengikuti seluruh rangkaian proses pembuatan batik dari awal hingga selesai.

Melalui pelatihan ini, para peserta diharapkan mendapatkan ilmu dan pengalaman baru mengenai kesenian batik dan pelestarian lingkungan. Kegiatan ini menjadi bukti nyata Yagasu yang senantiasa terbuka dengan kolaborasi berkelanjutan di masa mendatang.

Kunjungan edukatif ini diharapkan dapat memperkuat hubungan dan membuka berbagai kesempatan untuk berkolaborasi dengan berbagai komunitas lokal maupun internasional.

January 23 2025

Yagasu Mangrove Fest, 20-21 December 2024

Wrapping Up Year 2024

With a theme “Hundred roots, Million lives”

Yagasu has been working for 23 years on mangrove restoration and protection on the coast of Sumatra and building collaborations with various related parties.

The Mangrove Fest activity was held for 2 days:

Day 1: Mangrove cruiser to the Yagasu restoration site and the Center of Biodiversity Research Unit (CBRU). Seeing the balance of coastal ecosystems and various biodiversities such as bird islands, mammals and other biota preserved by Yagasu.

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Day 2: Workshop introducing various high-value mangrove products that can be utilized sustainably and presenting community groups from Aceh and North Sumatra who are fostered by Yagasu, such as the Pasar Rawa ecotourism group, Tanjung Rejo mangrove organic batik group, mangrove food group (syrup, cakes etc.), silvofishery group, Pulau Kampai waste bank group etc.

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This event was opened by Director Managing Yagasu (Dr. Meilinda Suriani Harefa) and attended by the Global Mangrove Trust (Dr. Mohamed Abdelwareth), the North Sumatra Provincial Government, CSOs, Private Sector and the community. Also present were Ir. Yuliani Siregar, M.AP (Head Department of Environment and Forestry (DLHK) at North Sumatra Province), M. Riza Kurnia Lubis, S.Pi, M.Si. (Head Division of Coastal and Small Islands in Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) at North Sumatra Province), Furkan Zaman, S.Hut (Environmental and Forestry Law Enforcement (GAKKUM LHK) at Sumatra), Samuel Siahaan, S.P (Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) at North Sumatra Province) and other parties.

Author : Anton Syahputra Siregar

November 1 2024

Agroforestry Training And Carbon Stock Research Held By Yagasu And GEI

YAGASU and GEI (Global Environmental International) held an Agroforestry Training with the theme Agroforestry Camp ‘Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience and Livelihoods’ which was held on 22-25 October 2024 in West Java. Where the place is a lot of Agroforestry planting patterns and suitable for holding camping as well as training, so that training while enjoying the local nature with beautiful scenery. The training organised by YAGASU invites not only from within the country, but YAGASU provides opportunities for East Asian or Southeast Asian countries to participate in this training activity, and countries that participate in this Agroforestry Training include; Indonesia (PRCF Indonesia Foundation and Kennemer Eco Solution), Malaysia (MPOGCF and Malaysian Nature Society), Cambodia (The NGO Forum On Cambodia and NTFP), Laos (VFI and Lao Biodiversity Associate, China (GEI), and participants who attended this training amounted to 11 people plus staff from YAGASU itself.

This training does not only cover Agroforestry planting patterns but YAGASU provides many things in the form of:

Agroforestry planting pattern
Carbon stock calculation
Certified seedlings
Discussion with the group about Agroforestry Planting
Discussion about Social business with the group

Starting the training session this time on 22 October 2024 at Grand Sunshine, Soreang. Bambang Suprayogi said, ‘The training was held to establish links between institutions, besides that the technical explanation on the second day included carbon assessment and seedling training.’ The CEO of YAGASU also said, ‘Mr Rudi as the representative of PUREPLANET can be a networking opportunity for cooperation between institutions in ASEAN.’ On the same occasion Yunzhu (GEI) said ‘This networking opportunity can invite many teams especially from Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia’.

The first day of this activity was filled by all participants by presenting their respective materials regarding the development of agroforestry in their respective countries, including: (The NGO Forum on Cambodia) ‘Gender case studies on women’s participation in community forests (CF) and community protected areas (CPA)’. (NTFP Cambodia) discusses ‘Conserving Natural Resources, Empowering Communities’. (MNS) discusses ‘Impact of Agroforestry: Beyond food security, carbon sequestration and climate mitigation’. (PRCF Foundation) on ‘Working with people to protect their natural environment’. (VFI) talked about ‘Green earth centre, Southern Laos, Laongam District, Saravan Province’. (LBA) talked about ‘Values of the organisation to provide a better life in a well-protected biodiversity and improve the living status of poor ethnic communities in a challenging environment’. (MPOGCF) discussed on ‘Role in supporting Conservation Initiatives in Malaysia’. Dicky Edwin Hindarto (YAGASU) spoke on ‘Indonesia’s Case for Carbon Pricing’. (VERRA) on ‘The Verra Standard on Voluntary Carbon Markets’. (BRIN) on ‘Carbon sequestration potential in agroforestry systems’.

On the second day of the training, all participants visited the Gambung Forest in Pulosari Village, Pangalengan District. On this day, all participants participated in a series of training on Carbon Stock Research in a non-destructive way. There are various types of trees found in the gambung forest including coffee trees, eucalyptus trees, and surian trees. Meilinda (Director of YAGASU) said ‘Colleagues from China, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia can gain new knowledge and can simulate carbon stock estimation for land areas, especially in agroforestry areas’. On the same occasion, Mr Siarudin demonstrated the use of tools such as Hagameter for measuring tree height, ring soil sampler for non-destructive soil sampling, Phiband for measuring plant diameter, and collecting leaf litter as organic matter. In collecting data, all participants followed the tallysheet that had been previously distributed.

On the third day, all participants held a class meet again with a discussion about seedlings or seedlings, and all participants conducted training in the form of planting, procedures for grafting seedlings, how to process compost, and how to make agroforestry project proposals. At the beginning of this session Mr Epi (Yagasu Consultant) said ‘Yagasu’s cooperation and activities with the community, including rehabilitation activities, field surveys, community empowerment based on climate change control’. On the same occasion Mr Enjang explained about coffee nurseries and Mr Jejen explained about grafting fruit seedlings. In addition, UPDT Certification and Seeding of Forest Plants (SPTH) also explained its role in providing certified seeds to farmers and community groups in West Java. At the end of the session Arif (Kennemer) said ‘it is hoped that this activity can also be a trigger for the government to implement this method of cooperation. And hopefully in the future it can bring benefits to small farmers’.

On the last day of the training, all participants visited “Kiara Payung” to see examples of Agroforestry planting patterns and discuss with the group that manages the kiara Payung, besides that, participants also visited Kuningan, namely Sayana Village and discussed with the farmer group for discussion of Coffee Business Products that can be produced from the village.

Author : Cahyanto and Gellang

September 22 2024

Coastal Community Resilience Workshop in East Java

The importance of developing coastal community resilience, YAGASU (Indonesia) and GEI (China) together with partners from the East and Southeast Asia Community Conservation Network (EASACCN) again facilitated regional collaboration in marine and coastal conservation through a workshop with the theme “Coastal Community Resilience”. This activity designed in the form of training and filed visits to the Yagasu project location. This activity was carried out in East Java on August 26-31, 2024 which was attended by several communities from various countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia including GEI (China), Huaqiao University (China) , Institute of Oceanology (China), Zhoushan Lanhai Public (China), China Blue (China), Malaysian Nature Society (Malaysia), Myanmar Forest Association (Myanmar), The NGO Forum On (Cambodia), Oceanus (Philippines), and YAGASU (Indonesia).

Starting the workshop, Deden Suhendi, S.Hut. MM, Head of Watershed Management and Social Forestry of the East Java Provincial Forestry Service, said that “East Java has a mangrove potential of 51,000 ha. In 2022, the Governor of East Java issued a policy to support the restoration of critical land and mangroves”. The representative of the East Java Forestry Service also revealed that one of the collaborations between the East Java Forestry Service and YAGASU is to hold the JATIM Mangrove Festival in 2022. YAGASU and the JATIM Forestry Service are committed to jointly implementing critical land restoration activities throughout East Java”.

Yunzhu (GEI) said, “The purpose of this program is to connect and communicate with various agencies and communities that focus on handling climate change and the environment, especially the coast.

On the same occasion, Yagasu CEO Bambang Suprayogi explained, “The activities carried out for one week include a program to raise awareness of the importance of coastal conservation in Pasuruan, carbon measurement in Probolinggo, and a visit to Baluran National Park in Situbondo”. Bambang said “YAGASU’s blue carbon project has been registered through VERRA Carbon Credits and has been running in 13 provinces in Indonesia. In addition, YAGASU also concentrates on the field of coral and seagrass transplantation which has been running in Situbondo.

On the first day of the activity, the participants presented various topics including (GEI) “Protection of marine ecosystem species and community development”. (China Blue) discussed “Conservation and tourism activities in coastal areas of China, especially in Beigang Village”. (Zhoushan Lanhai Public) discussed “How to conserve marine biota and also work together with local communities packaged in handicraft making activities, biodiversity patrols, marine waste recycling, learning about reducing plastic waste and tourism. (Fugong Forestry Workstation of Longhai District Forest Beureau) discussed “Mangrove conservation at the mouth of the Chiu Lung River”. (Oceanus Foundation) discussed “Bird migration and distribution of mangroves in the Philippines”. (Myanmar Forest Association) discussed “Sustainable mangrove conservation and community development in Myanmar”. (Institute of Oceanology) discussed “Seagrass conservation with seed collection, sowing, and planting activities”. (Malaysian Nature Society) discussed “Seagrass beds as a home for marine species and threats to seagrass habitats by humans and nature”. (Huaqiao University) discussed “Exploration and practice of sustainable development patterns of Chinese horseshoe crab conservation communities in Fujian, China”. (Dandi and Imam – YAGASU) discussed “Remote sensing and spatial analysis including identification and verification methodology of potential land projects”. While Grace (YAGASU) discussed “Carbon assessment in mangrove ecosystems”.

Continuing the activities on the second day by visiting various places including SDN 2 Patuguran to conduct awareness activities, namely environmental education for students in grades 5 and 6. Furthermore, all participants visited the workshop house for processed mangrove products of the Mina Sentosa women’s group , Patuguran Village, Pasuruan to find out about the various types of processed mangrove products that have been produced. The products that have been produced include mangrove dawet, syrup, chips and mangrove nuggets. Ending the activities on the second day, all participants visited the mangrove forest in Dringu, Probolinggo to measure carbon in an 18-year-old mangrove forest using a non-destructive method, where the Rhizophora mucronata species is the dominant type, followed by Bruguiera spp. and Avicennia . spp is a co-dominant species.

Next, on the third day, all participants visited Baluran National Park to see the sustainability of the ecosystem in Baluran National Park. According to Ade (Baluran Forestry Police), “There are 4 zones in Baluran National Park, including the primary forest zone, savanna zone, mangrove forest zone, and marine zone. In addition, in Baluran National Park there are protected fauna, namely the Javan Banteng ( Bos javanicus ), Leopard ( Panthera pardus ), Hawksbill Turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata ), Peacock ( Pavo muticus ), Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ), and Timor Deer ( Cervus timorensis ).

On the fourth day of the visit, all participants carried out a coral transplantation movement in Pasir Putih Village, Situbondo Regency. This activity was carried out in the Watu Kenong area which is the target location for saving the underwater ecosystem. The method used for coral reef transplantation is the wireframe method six square model . This movement was also attended by representatives of the Situbondo Fisheries and Marine Service, where he appreciated YAGASU for its dedication and efforts in organizing coral reef transplantation activities that not only help rehabilitate marine ecosystems, but also educate and inspire the younger generation to care about the environment.

On the fifth day, all participants received material on calculating and monitoring carbon absorption with Remote Sensing and GIS. In this discussion, the Remote Sensing session instructor, Mukhammad Muryono, said, “Remote sensing is the process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring radiation reflected and emitted from a distance (usually from satellites or airplanes)”. He also said, “An efficient methodology for carbon calculation is the use of remote sensing and GIS, in the form of a vegetation index (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) or often called NDVI through processing on software such as ArcGIS and Google Earth Engine”. After the discussion, all participants also took the time to visit a batik house. At the batik house, participants practiced organic batik, YAGASU taught basic batik techniques, from making designs, applying wax, to the coloring and washing process that maintains the authenticity of the material. By using natural dyes, participants not only learn to make beautiful batik, but also gain knowledge on how to maintain a healthy ecosystem through the selection of materials and processes used.

On the last day, which is the sixth day, participants presented conservation project designs packaged into a coastal blue carbon project development plan. The instructor in this session was guided by Mr. Erwin who in his opportunity conveyed “The first thing to do when designing a blue carbon conservation project is to find out the main conclusions of the project, then determine the objectives, methodology, and funding plan, which are supported by basic information such as background, problems, targets, approaches, activity planning, timeline, funding strategy, stakeholders involved, impacts, and project monitoring and evaluation”. In addition to increasing capacity in implementing coastal blue carbon projects, Yagasu and GEI in October 2024 will also conduct training on the implementation of agroforestry as a form of increasing the resilience of watersheds (DAS) and terrestrial areas in reducing the impacts of climate change and sustainable livelihoods.

August 23 2024

Yagasu Sets Sail on Education with Free School Boat Launch in Pulau Kampai

Langkat District, Indonesia – On July 29th, 2024, Yayasan Gajah Sumatra (Yagasu), a leading environmental and social organization, celebrated a momentous occasion: the official launch of the Free School Boat for students in Pulau Kampai, Indonesia. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Yagasu, Global Mangrove Trust, OxCarbon, and Marex, promises a brighter future for the island’s young generation by ensuring their safe and reliable transportation to school.

The launching ceremony was a joyous event, marked by the presence of distinguished guests. Mr. H. M. Faisal Hasrimy, AP., M.AP, the Acting Regent of Langkat District, graced the occasion alongside Yagasu’s Managing Director, Meilinda Suriani Harefa. Representatives from the collaborating organizations, including Mohamed Abdelwareth, Robert Watts, and Guy Wolf, also participated in the celebration.

Prior to the Free School Boat, students in Pulau Kampai faced challenges in accessing education due to unreliable transportation options. This new initiative removes a significant barrier, allowing them to attend school consistently and pursue their academic aspirations.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Free School Boat,” remarked Meilinda Suriani Harefa, Yagasu’s Managing Director. “This project embodies the power of collaboration in creating positive change. With this reliable transportation, students in Pulau Kampai can now focus on their education without the worry of getting to school safely and on time.”

Yagasu extends its heartfelt gratitude to Global Mangrove Trust, OxCarbon, and Marex for their invaluable support. Their commitment to the well-being of the younger generation has made a significant impact on the lives of students in Pulau Kampai.

The Free School Boat Launch represents more than just a new mode of transportation; it signifies a pathway to a brighter future for the island’s youth. Yagasu invites those who share their passion for education and environmental sustainability to join their mission.

Further Information :

Yayasan Gajah Sumatra / Gajah Sumatra Foundation

Jl Batu Gingging No. 69 Medan, North Sumatra,

+6261 4503 773, www.yagasu.or.id, Email : admin@yagasu.or.id

June 3 2024

The Conservation Dialogue, KVT Study Program of IPB With Yayasan Gajah Sumatera

Bogor – Friday (18/05), The Postgraduate Student Association of the Tropical Biodiversity Conservation Study Program (KVT) at Institut Pertanian Bogor organized a conservation dialogue in collaboration with various partners, including YAGASU, an environmental institution focused on land conservation, climate adaptation, and mitigation activities. The dialogue aimed to provide a space for open discussion, share knowledge, and exchange ideas.

The event, themed “Conservation Dialogue: Conservation for Sustainable Development,” took place in the Audiovisual Room of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park and was attended by students, lecturers, researchers, and environmental activists.

Key figures at the event included Prof. Dr. Ir. Yanto Santosa, DEA, the Head of the Tropical Biodiversity Conservation Study Program, and Bambang Suprayogi, CEO of YAGASU, who participated via a zoom meeting.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Yanto Santosa, DEA expressed gratitude to all involved parties and emphasized the importance of the event in raising awareness about biodiversity conservation and fostering networks. The alumnus of Paul Sabatier University, France, emphasized that the Dialogue Conservation event organized by the Tropical Biodiversity Conservation students is an effort to raise awareness about biodiversity and foster networking.

“Bringing together various parties, especially those with conflicting views on conservation, is not easy. Hence, this event is very important,” he stated.

Through a Zoom meeting, Bambang Suprayogi, CEO of Yagasu, emphasized that conservation has experienced a paradigm shift. “The conservation program was initially just protection, but the paradigm has changed, namely how to utilize the potential of biodiversity so that it adds value to society,” said Bambang.

Furthermore, the Murdoch University, Perth, Australia alumnus emphasized that conservation should extend beyond protected species and areas to include those not officially protected.

On the same occasion, the Head of the TNGGP, represented by the Head of Administration, Dr. Anggit Haryoso, S.Hut, M.Sc, explained the challenges and strategies for managing Mount Gede Pangrango National Park.

The Forestry alumnus from IPB used TNGGP as an example to explain that the management of national parks must align with each park’s unique characteristics. TNGGP adheres to five (5) principles: comprehending the potential of every part of the area, understanding the conditions (trends and potential distribution), planning management intervention based on accurate data, understanding community typology, and utilizing the area’s value for sustainability, community, and national benefits.

Concluding the event, Dr. Arzyana Sunkar, M.Sc, representing the lecturers, noted that conservation efforts must incorporate social approaches and use welfare measures as success indicators. “While we implement conservation programs, it is crucial to consider human factors, as the success of these programs ultimately hinges upon human involvement and support,” said Arzyana.

Grace Yanti Pandjaitan, Vice Director for R&D Yagasu and a graduate student of Tropical Biodiversity Conservation, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and field practitioners to provide real solutions to conservation challenges.

“We hope events like this will become a regular agenda to strengthen networking and knowledge exchange,” Grace concluded.

This interactive event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers and a group photo session.

(contributor: M. Arifin)