On 13 July 2026, the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, led by the Dean and the Deputy Dean for International Affairs, warmly welcomed Prof. Dr. Edi Santosa, the newly appointed Centre Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology, or SEAMEO BIOTROP, and Dr. Doni Yusri, Deputy Director for Programme.
The visit marked the occasion of Prof. Dr. Edi Santosa’s appointment and provided an opportunity for SEAMEO BIOTROP to introduce its roles, missions, and strategic directions. Representatives of both institutions exchanged information and explored opportunities for practical collaboration in education, research, capacity building, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable natural resource management.
The areas discussed were aligned with SEAMEO BIOTROP’s six strategic flagships:
- School of Biodiversity (SoB): Strengthening the capacities of schools and educational institutions in biodiversity conservation.
- Sub-optimal Land Management Program: Restoring, managing, and sustainably utilizing degraded or naturally low-productivity lands.
- Agro-Edu-Eco Tourism (AEET): Integrating agriculture, education, and ecotourism to support conservation and contextual learning.
- Biodiversity Academic Leaders (BAL): Developing biodiversity-based academic leadership through fellowships and capacity-building activities.
- Geopark Educational Model (GEM): Integrating nature, culture, and learning to promote education for sustainable development.
- AI and Digital Herbaria: Applying artificial intelligence and digital technologies to modernize tropical plant conservation through instant species identification, data digitization, climate modelling, and virtual classrooms.
The meeting marked an important step towards strengthening the relationship and future collaboration between the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, and SEAMEO BIOTROP. Both institutions aim to advance joint activities in education, research, innovation, capacity development, and regional biodiversity conservation in a practical and sustainable manner.
