Semarang, September 2024 — Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to lead in sustainable development by integrating local biodiversity conservation into its planning and development processes. The university ensures that construction projects and campus expansions align with environmental preservation goals, including the protection of rare and endangered plant species that are critical to the region’s biodiversity.
Preserving Rare Plant Species on Campus
Collaboration between Taman Kehati and UNNES for Sustainable Environment
Source: UNNES’ Documentation
One of the key initiatives spearheaded by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UNNES is the preservation of rare plant species, including Acrocalyx sp., Phalaenopsis amabilis, Manilkara kauki, and various epiphytic orchids. These plants are not only important to local ecosystems but also hold cultural and ecological significance.
FMIPA has committed to planting and conserving these rare species within the university grounds, providing a sanctuary for these plants while enhancing campus biodiversity. This commitment ensures that UNNES becomes a model of sustainable urban development, integrating green spaces and promoting environmental education.
Collaboration for Sustainable Campus Development
Collaboration between Taman Kehati and UNNES for Sustainable Environment
Source: UNNES’ Documentation
UNNES collaborates closely with Taman Kehati (the Biodiversity Garden), a local environmental organization, to ensure that campus development efforts support both biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. This partnership focuses on creating green spaces that provide valuable habitats for native plants and wildlife while contributing to the university’s environmental goals.
Through this collaboration, UNNES also engages in public education programs that emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and encourage students and the wider community to take an active role in biodiversity conservation.
Green, Clean, and Healthy Campus Management
UNNES Pedestrian Area
Source: UNNES’ Documentation
In addition to the conservation of biodiversity, UNNES’s commitment to a Green, Clean, and Healthy Campus is enshrined in its campus management policies, which align with national environmental standards. These policies, governed by Rector’s Regulation Number 126 2024, ensure that all campus activities, from construction to waste management, contribute to environmental sustainability.
The Green Campus Management policy emphasizes the use of eco-friendly construction materials, the sustainable design of new buildings, and the protection of green spaces across the university. The initiative aims to make the campus a hub of biodiversity, clean energy, and responsible resource consumption, reducing the university’s environmental footprint and promoting climate action.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Through these integrated efforts, UNNES contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), which focuses on the protection of ecosystems, the preservation of biodiversity, and the restoration of habitats. By ensuring that biodiversity is considered in all planning processes, UNNES is leading the way in sustainable campus development and community-based environmental action.
“Biodiversity conservation is a fundamental part of our role as an educational institution. At UNNES, we are committed to protecting local ecosystems while providing a green, sustainable environment for future generations,” said the Rector of UNNES.
