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Indonesia is one of the countries that house a number of endangered animals and plant conservation globally. Its natural biodiversity makes it a crucial destination for scientists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.
The Centre for Ecological and Ethnobiological Research (PREE) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) focuses on strategies and achieving national targets for the recovery of ecosystems and flora-fauna species from the threat of extinction through Indonesian biodiversity conservation.
One of these strategies involves data collection using state-of-the-art technology to produce more comprehensive information, status, and data on Indonesia’s biodiversity (KEHATI) to support national goals.
Anang Setiawan Achmadi, the Head of PREE BRIN, explained that the government has entrusted BRIN with special attention to preserving Indonesia’s biodiversity through Presidential Regulation No. 1 of 2023 on Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation in Sustainable Development.
Badiah, the Head of the Species and Genetic Conservation Sub-Directorate at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, elaborated on the global vision for biodiversity conservation efforts. She expressed that there are four significant objectives will guide conservation efforts until 2050, based on the agreements made in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
First, the primary focus is on preserving and enhancing ecosystem diversity, species, and genetic diversity. This includes the preservation of natural ecosystems, the protection of endangered species, and the promotion of genetic diversity to address environmental changes.
Second, it involves recognising and appreciating nature’s contributions to human life. This includes understanding that natural ecosystems provide valuable benefits in the form of natural resources, ecosystem services, and human well-being. Acknowledging the economic and social value of nature can drive conservation efforts.
Third, it addresses benefit-sharing, which refers to how the benefits of using natural resources and ecosystems should be distributed fairly and sustainably. This means that the wider community should enjoy economic and social benefits, and efforts should be made to address inequality.
Fourth, it concerns the means and implementation, referring to the mechanisms and methods required to achieve the previous objectives. This involves global cooperation, the development of effective policies, and robust implementation planning.
Furthermore, by using data and technology for the preservation of rare species, BRIN opens up new and innovative opportunities to support conservation efforts. The integration of data and technology in the conservation environment allows BRIN to monitor endangered species’ populations more accurately, understand changes in their habitats, and identify potentially threatening trends. Technologies such as satellite monitoring, environmental sensors, and advanced data analytics can assist in developing more effective and sustainable conservation strategies.
Moreover, data and technology facilitate better cross-border collaboration in the conservation of rare species. Organisations and researchers from various countries can efficiently share data and knowledge, enabling closer global cooperation in efforts to preserve endangered species. International collaboration supported by data and technology can expand understanding and have a positive influence on nature conservation.
Data that is well-implemented and regularly collected will yield significant long-term benefits in various aspects of environmental conservation and biodiversity. With an approach focused on data collection, analysis, and utilisation, BRIN can establish a strong knowledge base for the preservation of rare species and their natural habitats.
Effective data utilisation allows BRIN to identify long-term population trends of species, understand migration patterns, and identify factors affecting ecosystem health. Regular and comprehensive data can also assist in measuring the impact of climate change and human activities on the natural environment, providing valuable information for the development of more effective conservation policies.
In the context of preserving rare species, timely and accurate data enables more efficient monitoring efforts and rapid responses to potential threats. Up-to-date data can also aid in making better decisions regarding resource allocation and long-term conservation planning.
Furthermore, well-collected data can be used as a powerful communication tool to build awareness and public support for the preservation of rare species. Compelling data and stories from the field can inspire people to care and participate in conservation efforts.