Two forestry students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, namely Faiha Azka Azzahira and Anastasya Tesalonika Ambarita, were crowned Best Overall Presentation at the IFSA’s 2021 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting held online on June 1-3. Faiha and Anastasya were selected as Indonesian delegates to the Regional Meeting organized by the LC Hokkaido University, Japan.
IFSA or International Forestry Student Association is a non-political, non-religious, and non-profit international youth organization focusing on forestry and related fields. It has representatives in more than 50 countries, with 130 members known as Local Committees (LC) registered. The global youth network is run completely by students.
“Before being selected as delegates, we have to pass various selection stages at the university level. For instance, there are curriculum vitae screening, interviews, and essay writing assessed directly by the counseling members and directors of IFSA LC Universitas Gadjah Mada,” said Faiha on Saturday (26/6).
Faiha revealed that the team had prepared for the event for about seven months. They raised an issue on COVID-19 impacts on forestry and tourism activities in the Kalibiru forest to suit this year’s Regional Meeting primary theme. Through their research, Faiha and Anastasya highlighted the social and economic impacts of the pandemic on the community’s income, life, and forest management.
Anastasya added that the Kalibiru community could take some measures to address the pandemic challenges by increasing the digital promotion, number of collaborations, and adding new ecotourism spots.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity, trust, assistance, and support from the IFSA LC UGM, the UGM Faculty of Forestry, and the Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association (APHI). The key to finally achieve your goals is by putting faith in yourself. Be excited to try new things, and don’t give up halfway,” said Anas.
Author: Khansa