Enviro News Asia, Bogor — Forty-five young people explored biodiversity at the Dramaga Research Forest in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday (August 29) through the Forest Youthverse Bio-Discovery Expedition 2026. The initiative seeks to strengthen youth participation in biodiversity conservation while addressing gaps in scientific data needed to support effective conservation policies.
Organized by the Center for Forest Conservation Generation Development (Pusgenri) of the Ministry of Forestry, the expedition carries the theme “Young Generation Moves to Explore Data Deficient for Biodiversity Conservation.” The program provides participants with direct experience in observing, identifying, and documenting biodiversity in a research forest environment.
The participants were accompanied by academics and forestry experts, including representatives from IPB University and the Center for Sustainable Forest Research and Development (P2HB). Through field-based learning, they received guidance on species identification, habitat assessment, biodiversity observation, and systematic documentation.
During the first day of the expedition, the participants were divided into groups focusing on birds, mammals, butterflies, flora, and herpetofauna. Each group conducted field observations across the Dramaga Research Forest and documented biodiversity findings while identifying information that remains limited or requires further research.
The expedition also introduced participants to the concept of “data deficient,” highlighting the importance of identifying gaps in biodiversity information. Participants were encouraged to assess existing data, determine what remains unknown, and identify additional information required to improve conservation planning and decision-making.
Head of the Center for Forest Conservation Generation Development Luckmi Purwandari said youth involvement in biodiversity research was important for developing conservation awareness based on scientific knowledge.
“Young people need opportunities not only to learn about biodiversity but also to participate in discovering and documenting data that can contribute to conservation efforts,” Luckmi said.
The activity brought together young people, academics, and forestry practitioners in a shared learning environment. The collaboration is expected to strengthen young people’s capacity to understand biodiversity while expanding networks between education, scientific research, and forest conservation initiatives.
The Forest Youthverse Bio-Discovery Expedition 2026 is expected to contribute to the development of a new generation of conservation-minded young people who can play a greater role in addressing biodiversity information gaps.
The first day of the expedition demonstrated that strengthening biodiversity conservation can begin with practical field activities, including observing species, documenting findings, and developing a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s biological diversity. (*)
