“Hope Begins with Us: Caring for Carbon, People, and Environment”Forestry Education Commission (FEnC)

Press Release FORESTALK

“Hope Begins with Us: Caring for Carbon, People, and Environment”

Forestry Education Commission (FEnC)

Author : Iputa Septiani Ramadhan

Picture 1. Appreciation Session With the Speakers by the Project Officer of FORESTALK

On May 31, 2025, the Forestry Education Commission (FEnC) of IFSA LC UGM successfully hosted FORESTALK, a talk show that explores current issues, innovations, and perspective in forestry, under the title "Hope Begins with Us: Caring for Carbon, People, and Environment" at the Faculty of Forestry, UGM. This event was held in collaboration with Dassa Corp, is a South Jakarta-based company that specializes in carbon project management, as part of a joint effort to raise awareness about the importance of the carbon cycle by integrating technology, nature-based solutions, and community empowerment for a more sustainable and harmonious future.

This year, FORESTALK adopted a carbon-related discussion theme to raise awareness among forestry students regarding global environmental issues, especially global and national focus on climate change mitigation. The carbon cycle plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of carbon in the atmosphere and significantly contributes to climate regulation. Imbalances in this cycle, particularly due to the increase in carbon emissions from human activities, lead to a rise in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The impacts include global warming, climate change, and disruptions to ecosystems and human life.

The event lasted for approximately 1.5 hours and featured an interactive dialogue session between students, particularly from the Faculty of Forestry, and representatives from Dassa Corp, featuring expert carbon consultants and speakers Andrean Ardhitya Firnadi and Gery Novrian. The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities of carbon management, innovations in carbon projects, and the role of youth in maintaining environmental sustainability. This talk show was further enriched by  the exemplary practices of Dassa Corp whose working system is truly remarkable, integrating carbon project development, policy analysis, and GIS-based sustainability. Notably, their carbon project development is rooted in AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use) and incorporates HCV-HCS (High Conservation Value-High Carbon Stock) assessments. Additionally, a Q&A session and interactive quiz further added to the participants' enthusiasm.

Picture 2. Talk show Session Presented by Speakers.

This edition of FORESTALK successfully drew attention and active participation from students, especially from the Faculty of Forestry UGM. The lively and informative discussion is expected to spark new initiatives in carbon management and environmental conservation. We believe that hope for a better earth begins with the small steps we take together. 

Picture 3. Documentation Session with All FORESTALK Participants.

We extend our gratitude to all participants, Dassa Corp, and the organizing committees who have supported FORESTALK. Your feedback and support are invaluable for the future development of FEnC programs. See you at the next FORESTALK, together let's create a more sustainable world!