Faculty of Biology UGM is serious to develop the tourism of Porok beach in Gunungkidul regency into a source of marine and coast resources as a form of science and technology development, especially in biomarine.
“We’re developing Porok as a Biomarine Science Research Center and Technopark,” said Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, on Friday (3/3) at Faculty of Biology.
Budi said the development of research centre on the south coast of Java was important because Indonesia has yet to have field stations focusing on marine and coast resources in Java.
“Marine research is still lacking, and there is not yet a field station available to work on the waters of south Java coasts. So, development of research centre is important to explore biodiversities and potential in this area,” he said.
Budi hoped the centre would be able to explore marine phenomenon and potential on the south coasts as well as to benefit the local people and government.
“We’re trying to increase the command of technology in lobster, microalgae, nori, and fish farming of the local people, as well as melon cultivation and coast conservation,” he said.
“We plan to develop the area into an edupark in 2018 so people will get to learn the research outcomes,” he said.
Citra Septiani, member of marine study group of the Faculty, said she was happy with the plans as this can accelerate their research.
Suwarno, a local resident of Kemadang village, said the people hoped much from the research centre and expected the outcomes would be able to increase people’e economy.