Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has earned grants for the Dome of Wanagama Paksi and its facilities from Yayasan Toemo Silva Gama foundation.
The grant worth Rp1,500,000,000 comes in form of dome for birds, breeding cage, demonstration cage, and plaza for visitors.
The grant receipt was marked with grant agreement signing by chairman of Yayasan Toemo Silva Gama, Dr. Ir. Novianto Bambang Wawandono, M.Si., to UGM Vice-Rector for Human Resource and Asset, Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Agus Kironoto, on Tuesday(26/6) in the Rector’s office.
Attending the event were Dean of Faculty of Forestry, Dr Budiadi, Vice-Dean for Community Service and Cooperation, Dr. Muhammad Ali Imron, S.Hut., M.Sc., Director of Gembira Loka Zoo, KMT A. Tirtodiprojo, and Head of Centre for Natural Resources Conservation Yogyakarta, Ir Junita Parjanti MT, in addition to UGM leaders.
Chief governing officer of the foundation, Dr. Ir. Tahrir Fathoni, M.Sc., said the dome would serve to safeguard bird diversities in the country. It serves as a conservation, breeding, and rehabilitation of rare birds as well as research and education for students and society.
“Hopefully, the dome would serve as a place for education, training, and learning for students,” he said, adding that it can also generate young entrepreneurs that can develop bird breeding business.
UGM Vice-Rector said the dome would be beneficial and support Indonesian biodiversity. “The dome can also enrich the Wanagama forest with various fauna,” he added.
Wanagama Paksi is part of Wanagama education forest that was established to increase the support for student conservation learning. Wanagama Paksi lies on Plot 16 under a cooperation between Gunma Safari Park from Japan, Environment and Forestry Ministry, Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), Forestry Alumni class of 1975 (Yayasan Toemo Silva Gama) and Gembira Loka Zoo.
Wanagama Paksi offers ecotourism focusing on bird conservation education for society. At least there are 37 types of birds and 10 other animals living in this place.