Banda Aceh, October 17, 2026 – The Biology Student Association, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), successfully organized Biofair 2026 under the theme “Explore the Wild, Discover the Life.” The event served as a platform for environmental education and conservation action, aiming to raise public awareness of biodiversity and the importance of environmental sustainability.
Biofair 2026 was held on October 8–9 and October 17, 2026, featuring a series of activities, including a conservation education talk show and a tree-planting initiative. The event attracted a total of 300 participants, comprising university students, school students, and members of the general public.
Conservation Education to Raise Environmental Awareness
One of the main activities of Biofair 2026 was a conservation education talk show held at the FMIPA USK Auditorium. The event was attended by approximately 224 participants, including university students, school students, and members of the general public.
The talk show was open to the public and free of charge. Participants registered through Google Forms, providing an opportunity for people from various backgrounds to gain knowledge about environmental issues and conservation.
The event featured two speakers: Ir. Joni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., from the Department of Environment and Forestry, and Afifi Rahmadetiassani from the Leuser Conservation Forum.
The topics covered environmental change and sustainability, as well as the Leuser Ecosystem, its unique biodiversity, and conservation efforts. Through the talk show titled “Wild Survival: Can Life Survive a Changing Environment,”participants were encouraged to understand the environmental challenges facing ecosystems and the importance of maintaining ecological balance.
The educational session aimed to strengthen awareness among students and the wider community regarding the importance of protecting wild flora and fauna, preserving natural habitats, and actively participating in conservation efforts.
Tree Planting as a Concrete Conservation Action
In addition to conservation education, Biofair 2026 translated environmental awareness into action through a tree-planting initiative held on Jalan Indra Budiman, Lampulo, Kuta Alam District, Banda Aceh.
The activity involved approximately 150 participants, including members of the Biology Student Association, lecturers, invited guests, and local residents. Community participation was an important aspect of the initiative, fostering shared responsibility for environmental protection.
A total of 100 tree seedlings were planted, consisting of 50 tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) seedlings and 50 sea pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) seedlings. The initiative is expected to support local greening efforts and contribute to improving environmental quality.
The tree-planting activity received support from several partner institutions. The Watershed Management Agency provided the tree seedlings, the Sumatra River Basin Organization attended as an invited institution, and the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries facilitated land-use permission.
The planting site was located on Jalan Indra Budiman, Lampulo, Kuta Alam District, Banda Aceh, at coordinates 5.579721, 95.318471. The total area of the planting site has not yet been specified in the available activity report and will be added once verified information is available.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, members of the Biology Student Association will conduct periodic monitoring and follow-up activities to support the growth and maintenance of the planted trees.
Biofair’s Contribution to SDG 15: Life on Land
Biofair 2026 also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15, Life on Land, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
This contribution was reflected in the conservation education activities, which increased public understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, as well as the planting of 100 tree seedlings as a practical greening initiative. The event also encouraged students and local communities to participate in environmental protection and recognize the importance of conserving flora, fauna, and natural habitats.
By combining education with practical conservation activities, Biofair 2026 is expected to inspire younger generations to become more environmentally conscious and actively contribute to ecosystem sustainability.
Through the spirit of “Explore the Wild, Discover the Life,” Biofair 2026 represents a meaningful effort by the Department of Biology, FMIPA USK, to connect scientific knowledge, environmental awareness, and conservation action in support of a more sustainable future.
