Medan Area University (UMA) successfully held the UI Greenmetric Biodiversity Workshop online via the Zoom platform on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This event was attended by university leaders from all over Indonesia with the theme ” Doing SDGs in Higher Education: The Story of Our Institution and Society “.

This workshop served as a crucial platform for strengthening commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly regarding biodiversity in higher education. Participants shared experiences and inspiration regarding concrete steps that institutions and communities have taken and will take to achieve sustainable development.

The Rector of Medan Area University, Prof. Dr. Dadan Ramdan, M.Eng., M.Sc., together with the National Coordinator of UI Greenmetric Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hariyanto, ST, M.Sc., IPU, and the Chairperson of Greenmetric World University Rankings, Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, MM, M.Sc., also gave a speech and officially opened the workshop.

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Dadan Ramdan expressed his deep appreciation to all the participating speakers and university leaders. He emphasized that this workshop reflected a shared commitment to supporting the SDGs agenda, particularly regarding biodiversity conservation on campus.

“Biodiversity is not only an ecological issue, but also an integral part of sustainable development, character education, and innovation, which must be strengthened by universities as centers of knowledge and drivers of change,” said the UMA Chancellor.

Prof. Dadan Ramdan also encouraged all participants and the wider community to raise awareness of the strategic role of universities in preserving the earth. He also emphasized the importance of building inter-institutional networks and strengthening the connection between science and society for a more sustainable environmental future.

“Through this forum, we hope to generate innovative ideas and collaborations from academics, institutions, and campus communities that can strengthen Indonesia’s position on the global stage in realizing sustainable living. This will undoubtedly bring tangible benefits to both institutions and the surrounding environment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hariyanto, M.Sc., IPU, as the National Coordinator of UI Greenmetric Indonesia, emphasized that this workshop is part of a global movement that captures and encourages the commitment of higher education institutions to creating sustainable and environmentally friendly campuses.

“The workshop theme invites us all to reflect on how higher education institutions continue to contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs, particularly through the preservation of biodiversity on campus,” he said.

According to Prof. Hariyanto, campus biodiversity is not merely an aesthetic element but also serves as a living laboratory, a learning center, and a vital ecosystem supporting sustainability. He emphasized the importance of integrating SDG principles into the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education as a response to current environmental challenges.

“I hope this workshop will generate new perspectives and concrete solutions that can be implemented by campuses across Indonesia, as well as strengthen networks for a greener and more equitable future,” he added.

On the same occasion, Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, MM, Chairperson of the Greenmetric World University Rankings, highlighted the importance of biodiversity discussions in recent years. She noted that more than 60 percent of biodiversity has experienced significant decline due to climate change and human activities.

“Maintaining and developing flora and fauna within the campus environment is crucial. Many universities have taken on unique roles in this preservation as a form of shared responsibility,” said Prof. Riri.

At the end of the session, Asep Perry M. Athorized, SP, Head of the Environmental Management and Forestry Division of the North Sumatra Provincial Environment and Forestry Service, representing the Governor of North Sumatra, stated that the environment is a priority program of the North Sumatra Provincial Government. The provincial government is ready to support and discuss ways to create a green campus with the distinctive characteristics of North Sumatra.

The workshop opened with a first session presenting a presentation on the overview of biodiversity in UI Greenmetric Indonesia by Dr. Junaidi, MA (Deputy Chair of UI Greenmetric). The second session was filled with sharing best practices of biodiversity management on campus by Prof. Dr. Dadan Ramdan (Rector of UMA), Dr. Ir. Andrey Andoko, M.Sc. (Rector of Multimedia Nusantara University), Dr. rer. agr. Eva Anggraini, S.Pi., M.Sc. (Director of Global Connectivity of IPB University), and Ika Listiana, M.Sc. (Secretary of the Sustainable and Environmentally Aware Campus Development Team of UIN Raden Intan Lampung).