In 2024, Universitas Padjadjaran actively supported and organized several key events that promoted the conservation and sustainable utilisation of oceans, seas, rivers, and marine resources. The year began with the inaugural lecture “Blue Economy in the Perspective of National Development Toward Indonesia Emas 2045,” which emphasized science-based marine governance, measured fishing, and sustainable aquaculture. This commitment continued through the Marine Tourism Festival 3.0, a major event that showcased innovations in sustainable marine tourism and strengthened community empowerment through partnerships with coastal conservation organizations. Unpad’s dedication was further highlighted during Fisheries Week 11, where the National Seminar on Sustainable Fisheries brought together students, experts, and policymakers to discuss blue carbon ecosystems, responsible fishing practices, and fishery waste management. Collectively, these events demonstrate Unpad’s strong role in advancing public awareness, education, and collaborative action for the protection and sustainable use of marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Unpad Students Lead Mangrove Conservation Efforts in Mayangan
Universitas Padjadjaran demonstrated its commitment to coastal ecosystem protection by organizing a mangrove conservation event in Mayangan, Subang, on May 7, 2024. Through the Department of Environmental Affairs of BEM Kema Unpad, twelve students took part in direct field activities to restore and protect the mangrove area, recognizing its vital role in preventing coastal abrasion, supporting marine biodiversity, and absorbing carbon emissions. During the visit, the students adopted and planted twelve mangrove seedlings, specifically Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora stylosa, as part of their mission to take concrete climate action and inspire wider student involvement in environmental stewardship. This initiative reflects Unpad’s broader vision of mobilizing youth leadership in climate resilience and strengthening the sustainability of coastal ecosystems through hands-on conservation efforts.
Fish Restocking Program
The “Karamba” Student Activity Unit from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran carried out a fish restocking initiative at the Jatigede Reservoir in Sumedang on May 12, 2024, in response to declining fish populations caused by overfishing. In collaboration with the Sukamenak Village administration, the West Java Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, and the Southern Regional Marine and Fisheries Branch Office, the team released 100,000 fingerlings of nilem fish (Osteochilus hasselti), an endemic freshwater species of West Java that has been cultivated in Jatigede since 2015. The restocking process included careful acclimatization to ensure the fish could adapt to the reservoir environment before being released across three central points of the reservoir. Beyond supporting ecological balance and fish population recovery, the initiative also strengthened community ties between Unpad students and local residents and is expected to contribute to improving the economic well-being of communities living around Jatigede, particularly in Sukamenak Village.
Marine Tourism Festival 3.0 Showcases Unpad’s Commitment to Sustainable Marine Tourism and Innovation
The Marine Tourism Study Program of Universitas Padjadjaran’s Vocational School held the Marine Tourism Festival (MTF) 3.0 on December 5, 2024, at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Bandung. With the theme “Explore the Wonderful Marine Tourism Indonesia,” the festival served as a platform for students, academics, and industry partners to share innovative ideas promoting sustainable marine tourism. The event also marked the launch of the Teaching Factory (TeFa) PARI TREND, a practice-based education model integrating marine ecotourism, hospitality, and creative industries. Through strategic collaborations with organizations such as Smiling Coral Indonesia and Wisata Sekolah, MTF 3.0 strengthened Unpad’s role in empowering coastal communities and advancing Indonesia’s marine tourism competitiveness.
Fisheries Week 11 Highlights Unpad Students’ Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Innovation
The Student Association of Fisheries (HIMIKAN), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, held the National Seminar on Sustainable Fisheries as part of its annual flagship event, Fisheries Week 11. The seminar provided a scientific platform for students to discuss key topics such as blue carbon, measured fishing, and fishery waste utilization while connecting with experts and policymakers. Through this event, Unpad reinforced its dedication to advancing sustainable fisheries management and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 on Life Below Water.
Inaugural lecture: “Blue Economy in the Perspective of National Development Toward Indonesia Emas 2045
The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, delivered a keynote speech at Universitas Padjadjaran’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences inaugural lecture on March 5, 2024, themed “Blue Economy in the Perspective of National Development Toward Indonesia Emas 2045.” He emphasized the role of universities in advancing research and innovation in sustainable marine and fisheries management through policies such as measured fishing, marine conservation, and aquaculture development. The event underscored Unpad’s commitment to supporting the Blue Economy framework by integrating ecological balance with economic growth through education and research.