SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and Partners Join Ocean Literacy FGD at Universitas Sriwijaya
Staff members from SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and the Research Institute for Inland Fisheries and Extension (RIIFE) participated as resource persons and participants in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organized by the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sriwijaya, through the EQUITY Program.
The FGD carried the theme “Strengthening Climate Awareness and Action Based on Ocean Literacy to Support SDG 13 through International Collaboration.” The event served as a collaborative platform that brought together academia, government institutions, research organizations, schools, and international partners to discuss strategies for strengthening climate awareness and promoting sustainable action through ocean literacy.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Hermansyah, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sriwijaya. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing education and research initiatives to address global environmental challenges.
The FGD featured distinguished speakers from academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, including Dr. Jitraporn Phaksopa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Thailand; Mr. Wahyudi, Head of the Environmental Department of Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia; and Mr. Aroef Hukmanan Rais, staff member of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and RIIFE–Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia.
Approximately 20 participants attended the event, including school partners, teachers, school representatives, representatives from the South Sumatra Provincial Education Department, the Environmental Department of Ogan Ilir Regency, lecturers from the Department of Marine Science of Universitas Sriwijaya, and representatives from SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and RIIFE–Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia.
The Focus Group Discussion aimed to increase students’ capacity and awareness of the importance of ocean and inland water literacy, as well as climate action education. It also aimed to formulate strategies for integrating ocean literacy and climate action into secondary school education in non-coastal areas, strengthen collaboration among Universitas Sriwijaya, local and central governments, research institutes, schools, and international academic partners, and reinforce Universitas Sriwijaya’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
Throughout the discussion, participants exchanged ideas and experiences on climate education approaches and the role of ocean literacy in building environmental awareness. The activity highlighted the importance of strengthening international collaboration and cross-sector partnerships to create meaningful and sustainable impacts.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment among stakeholders to develop educational strategies and collaborative actions that contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development, while also strengthening partnerships between local institutions and international organizations.