Banda Aceh, May, 2024 – Mohammad Adzannie Bessania Raviq, a Master’s student in Biology Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Syiah Kuala University (USK), garnered significant acclaim at the International Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation in Russia.
Adzannie’s presentation, which focused on Biodiversity and Conservation in Aceh, was part of the III International Scientific and Practical Conference of Foreign Students of Preparatory Departments of Universities, themed Discovering the World of Science, organized by Kazan Federal University on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Delivered entirely in Russian, Adzannie’s presentation shed light on Aceh’s rich biodiversity, particularly highlighting the Leuser Ecosystem, renowned as the largest tropical rainforest ecosystem in Southeast Asia and globally.
“With an expansive area of up to 2.6 million hectares, the Leuser forest in Aceh serves as a habitat for 380 species of birds, 194 species of reptiles and amphibians, 130 species of mammals, and around 10,000 species of plants. Recognized by UNESCO since 2004 as a World Heritage Site, the Leuser plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation,” he explained.
Adzannie further underscored that Leuser stands out as the sole tropical rainforest globally to harbor four keystone species within a single ecosystem, including the Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii), Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), and Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis).
“These four species coexist uniquely in Aceh and are integral to maintaining the ecological balance,” he emphasized.
Moreover, Adzannie elaborated on the ongoing research endeavors within Leuser, with Aceh hosting three primary research stations: Soraya, Ketambe, and Suaq Balimbing. These stations attract numerous foreign researchers who study various aspects of tropical biodiversity, ranging from animal behavior to plant identification and the exploration of microorganisms.
“At Suaq Balimbing Station, researchers dedicated to orangutans typically spend at least a year studying their behavior. During my time there, I collaborated with a team of termite researchers from the Department of Biology, FMIPA USK, for ten days,” he remarked.
In addition to his presentation, Adzannie highlighted the potential collaboration opportunities between Aceh and Russia, particularly in climate resilience and energy. He invited Russia to engage in sustainable environmental conservation initiatives, leveraging Aceh’s substantial carbon reserves and its commitment to ecological preservation. Adzannie’s presentation garnered significant recognition, emerging as the favorite champion in the pure science category.
