Thursday, February 13, 2025 – The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) welcomed a visit from Kyoto University representative Takura Furusama, who is also part of the research team from the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF). The meeting discussed opportunities for collaboration in mangrove conservation research and strengthening efforts to preserve the Wallacea ecosystem.
NEF is a non-governmental organization that focuses on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in developing countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Through its Research Grant Scheme program, NEF has supported various environmental research projects, including forest ecology, endangered species conservation, and sustainable natural resource management. During the meeting, Furusama expressed his appreciation for UNHAS’ commitment to raising the issue of mangrove conservation as a priority research agenda.
“We are happy that Indonesia has taken the initiative to address this environmental issue, which is also our concern. We hope to build a collaborative research partnership between Indonesia and Japan, specifically with Hasanuddin University,” said Takura Furusama.
As a strategic step in supporting environmental research, UNHAS is planning to establish the Wallacea Research Institute, a research institute focused on biodiversity, mangrove ecosystems, and environmental sustainability in the Wallacea region. This institution is expected to become a leading research center that not only strengthens academic cooperation but also contributes to the formulation of conservation policies based on scientific research.

The collaboration offer between UNHAS and NEF is expected to open up more opportunities for cooperation with international partners and strengthen research capacity in the field of environmental conservation. Through this synergy, UNHAS affirms its role as an academic institution committed to nature conservation and the development of science based on sustainability.