Optimizing Biological Resources and the Environment With Biotechnology

Biodiversity is a major component in the balance of ecosystems and supports human survival. In order to support the sustainability of the availability of biological resources and good environmental quality, the Biology Study Program, FMIPA Sebelas Maret University in collaboration with the Biodiversity Study Group and the Indonesian Biodiversity Society held a National Biodiversity Seminar. The seminar which was held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at Hotel Lor In featured three speakers who are competent in their fields.

Taking the theme of Management of Biodiversity Through the Application of Biotechnology, three speakers were presented, each of whom was Prof. Dr. Ir. Antonius Suwanto, M.Sc., (Professor of Microbial Genetics, Bogor Agricultural University); Dr. Ir. Dewi Ayu Utari (Head of the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Center) and Prof. Dr. Sugiyarto, M.Si (Professor of Conservation Biology at Sebelas Maret University).

The purpose of this seminar as stated by Dr. Shanti Listyawati as the committee is to increase understanding and concern about the importance of managing biological resources and the environment through the application of biotechnology.

“Besides that, it is also important to develop the ability to determine the right policies in national development so that they still pay attention to aspects of the preservation of biological resources and the environment,” added Shanti.

It is known that there are still many problems that have not been completely resolved, such as the low utilization of technology in the management of natural resources and the environment.
Indonesia is a country that has the potential for biotechnology development. With the development of biotechnology, efforts to manage biological resources and the environment are expected to be more flexible and optimal, especially for commercial purposes in order to achieve national development. [M2]