The Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya held an International Conference on Tropical Agroforestry, with the theme “Sustainable Agroforestry Management in Changing Landscape”. The conference which lasted for 2 days (29-30/08/2023) and was opened by the Rector of Universitas Brawijaya Prof. Widodo, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.Med.Sc., accompanied by the Dean of FP, UB Prof. Mangku Purnomo, S.P.,M.Si, Ph.D.
This conference discusses important issues related to landscape multifunctionality and water security, resilience to shocks from volcanic activity, climate change, Covid-19, changes in market demand, food security and human health, as well as landscape transformation from product provision to service-based. Economics and adapting the educational process.
The presence of several speakers including Dr. Bambang Supriyanto (Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry), Prof. Meine van Noordwijk (Wageningen University and Research), Dr. Edi Purwanto (Tropenbos Indonesia), Dr. Grace Villamor (Crown Research Institute), Dr. Ajit Singh (University of Nottingham), Prof. Prasit Wangpapattanawong (Chiang Mai University), Dr. Erika Speelman (Wageningen University and Research), and Prof. Kurniatun Hairiah (Universitas Brawijaya).
One of the presenters, Dr. Speelman stated that simulation games can be an important bridge between the world of science and society at large, especially in areas that have limited access to information and education. He explained that simulation games provide a more in-depth interactive experience than conventional educational methods such as books or lectures. By playing simulation games, people can be directly involved in situations that illustrate the challenges and dilemmas in forest conservation.
For example, Dr. Speelman mentioned several projects that have successfully utilized simulation games in forest conservation extension efforts. One of them is a game that simulates the duties of a forest manager, from monitoring wildlife to handling forest fire problems. In this game, players are invited to make difficult decisions that must be faced by field workers in an effort to preserve forests.
“Simulation games have great potential to change the way we approach environmental and conservation issues, we can also create an effective educational tool in increasing public awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting forests for the future of the earth. “However, this is a new view on how forest conservation education and outreach can be realized through a more interactive and interesting approach,” said Speelman, ending his material. (zma/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
