Unram Promotes Ecosystem and Biodiversity Education for Communities and Students
University of Mataram (Unram) actively promotes education on ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation for both local communities and its academic community. In 2025, these programmes engaged schoolchildren, coastal communities, conservation groups, and university students through environmental education, community training, and field-based learning.
In South Lembar, West Lombok, an interdisciplinary Unram team implemented the Digitalization of Coastal Ecosystem Education Programme, developing animated videos, interactive applications, and educational games on mangrove ecosystems, conservation zones, marine fauna, marine debris, and disaster mitigation. The programme involved 90 elementary school students and strengthened the capacity of the Cemare Eco Green Mangrove Society to continue providing environmental education for coastal children. Unram β Digital Coastal Ecosystem Education
In Bagek Kembar, Sekotong, Unram provided participatory training for coastal communities on the identification and documentation of mangrove species. Through classroom and field-based activities, participants learned to recognize local mangrove flora and conduct biodiversity monitoring, strengthening community capacity to participate directly in the conservation of their coastal ecosystem. Unram Journal β Mangrove Identification and Monitoring Programme
Unram also supports long-term ecosystem education in Teluk Jor, East Lombok, where community engagement connects mangrove conservation with sustainable coastal livelihoods. Educational activities introduce approaches such as silvofishery and the sustainable use of resources associated with mangrove habitats, helping communities understand the relationship between ecosystem health, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. Lombok Post β Unram Marine Research Center and Teluk Jor
Ecosystem education is also provided to Unram students. Agribusiness students participated in field-based learning at Kerabat Penyu Lombok, where they learned about sea turtle conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable ecotourism. The activity enabled students to observe directly how wildlife conservation can be integrated with community-based ecotourism and sustainable local economic activities. Field-Based Sea Turtle Conservation Education
Together, these programmes demonstrate Unram’s continuing commitment to ecosystem education inside and beyond the university, covering mangrove flora, coastal and marine fauna, wildlife conservation, biodiversity monitoring, habitat protection, and sustainable ecosystem use. By combining education for students with outreach and capacity building for local communities, Unram contributes to greater awareness and participation in ecosystem and biodiversity conservation in support of Educational Programmes on Ecosystems.
Reference:
- Aksi Nyata Peduli Lingkungan: Mahasiswa Agribisnis UNRAM Pelajari Konsep Ekowisata Berkelanjutan di Konservasi Kerabat Penyu Lombok
- Interdisciplinary Unram Team Launches Digital Mangrove Education for Coastal Schools in West Lombok
- Sinergi Tiga Keilmuan Universitas Mataram Tanamkan Kesadaran Lingkungan Anak Pesisir
- Pelatihan Pendataan Jenis Mangrove dalam Upaya Peningkatan Kapasitas Masyarakat Pesisir Di Bagek Kembar, Sekotong, Lombok Barat
- Socialization Of Ecotourism Development In The Mangrove Region Of South Lembar, West Lombok
- Marine Research Center Unram Bangun Ekonomi Pesisir dan Akses Pendidikan Anak Miskin di Teluk Jor
Advancing Ecosystem and Biodiversity Education through Academic Programs
University of Mataram (Unram) integrates ecosystem and biodiversity education into its undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes. Through programmes in Biology, Biology Education, Forestry, Master of Biology, and Master of Science Education, students gain knowledge and practical experience related to ecosystems, wild flora and fauna, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable natural-resource management.
- Biology Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
The Biology Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) provides extensive education on biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly those of the Lesser Sunda region. Its curriculum includes Basic and Advanced Ecology, Plant and Animal Biosystematics, Conservation Biology, Lesser Sunda Ecology, and Coastal and Small Island Bioecology. More specialised courses address wild flora and fauna through subjects such as Primatology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, Entomology, Herpetology, Ethnobotany, Mangrove Bioecology, Phytogeography, and Zoogeography. These courses enable students to understand species diversity, habitats, ecological interactions, and approaches to biodiversity conservation.
- Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
The Biology Education Study Program (FKIP) combines biological sciences with education, preparing future teachers to transfer knowledge about plants, animals, biodiversity, and ecosystems to schools and wider communities. Subjects related to plant ecology, zoology, environmental biology, and ecotourism provide students with a foundation for communicating ecosystem and conservation knowledge through formal and community education.
- Forestry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture
The Forestry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, provides another important pathway for ecosystem education at Unram. Forestry education connects forest ecology and biodiversity with the conservation and sustainable management of forest resources, including the management of wildlife and their habitats. Learning extends beyond the classroom through field and professional experiences with conservation and forestry institutions. Unram provides Forestry students with opportunities involving organisations such as BKSDA, Baluran National Park, Gunung Rinjani National Park, and SEAMEO BIOTROP, exposing students directly to protected areas, forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and natural-resource management. Unram’s KHDTK Senaru educational forest further functions as a living laboratory where students can learn directly from forest ecosystems and connect scientific knowledge with conservation practice.
- Master of Biology Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
At postgraduate level, the Master of Biology Study Program strengthens advanced education and research on biodiversity and conservation, particularly the biological diversity of the Lesser Sunda region. Its areas of expertise include plant and animal ecology, biosystematics, primatology and animal behaviour, ethnobiology, coastal and marine bioecology, and natural-resource and environmental management. The programme therefore develops researchers and professionals capable of contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.
- Master of Science Education Study Program
The Master of Science Education Study Program complements these programmes by integrating ecosystem and environmental knowledge with science education. Through subjects related to environmental biology, ecology, climate change, bioindicators, environmental management, biodiversity, and sustainable development, the programme prepares educators to communicate scientific understanding of ecosystems and environmental conservation to students and society.
Together, these undergraduate and postgraduate programmes demonstrate that ecosystem education at Unram is embedded within formal academic learning and supported by field experience, research, conservation practice, and community engagement. Students learn about wild plants and animals, their habitats, ecological interactions, biodiversity monitoring, forest and coastal ecosystems, and conservation management. As graduates, teachers, researchers, and conservation professionals, they can further transfer this knowledge to local and national communities, strengthening Unram’s contribution to SDG 15, particularly Educational Programmes on Ecosystems.
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