Enviro News Asia, Makasar — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has concluded the Forest Youthverse Summit Regional Makassar, bringing together 30 outstanding young participants from universities, schools, communities, and youth organizations across South Sulawesi to develop practical solutions for forest conservation.
Held on July 22–23 under the theme “Forest Adventure: Exploring the Forest, Inspiring the Next Generation,” the summit was organized by the Center for Forest Conservation Youth Development (Pusgenri) in collaboration with the Regional VI Center for Human Resources Development and Extension (P2SDM) Makassar.
Head of Pusgenri Luckmi Purwandari said the Forest Youthverse program is designed to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders through hands-on action rather than classroom-based training alone.
“I came to Makassar not merely to attend an event, but to meet Indonesia’s future green leaders,” Purwandari said during the opening ceremony.
She emphasized that South Sulawesi’s forests are home to endemic wildlife, provide essential water resources, store significant amounts of carbon, and support local livelihoods, while facing growing threats from land degradation and deforestation.
Purwandari encouraged participants to become ambassadors for forest conservation by sharing their experiences in schools, universities, communities, and social media.
“Protecting forests is not only about planting trees, but also about nurturing a generation committed to safeguarding them,” she said.
The summit marked the final stage of the Forest Youthverse program, which began with a Mentoring Class held from June 30 to July 2. Out of 65 initial participants, 30 were selected to continue through intensive coaching before presenting their conservation initiatives at the summit.
During the first day, participants joined field activities at the Tabo-Tabo Forest Area with Special Purpose (KHDTK), where they planted trees, installed environmental awareness messages, and explored forest ecosystems to better understand their ecological functions.
On the second day, each team presented its Innovation Board during the Forest Innovation Pitching session before forestry experts, academics, and environmental practitioners.
The proposals received feedback from Darmawan Denassa, founder of Rumah Hijau Denassa, Karno B. Batiran, Executive Director of the Maros Youth Learning Center, and representatives from the Regional VI P2SDM Makassar, with the aim of strengthening the feasibility of each project.
Closing the event, Regional VI P2SDM Makassar Head Kamaruddin stressed that innovative ideas must be translated into long-term action.
“The ideas presented today are only the beginning. Forest conservation around Makassar will only succeed if these innovations are consistently implemented on the ground. We will continue mentoring Genries so their Innovation Boards become real conservation initiatives rather than remaining on paper,” he said.
Following the summit, all participants will join the nationwide Forest Conservation Youth (Genries) network, where they will continue receiving guidance to implement their projects, build partnerships, and expand forest conservation initiatives throughout their communities.
Through the Forest Youthverse program, the Ministry of Forestry aims to strengthen youth participation in protecting Indonesia’s forests while fostering innovation, leadership, and long-term environmental stewardship. (*)
