Utsunomiya University and ULM Discuss Climate Change Mitigation on Curiak Island
Banjarmasin – Efforts to conserve proboscis monkeys and preserve wetlands initiated by Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) have attracted the attention of international academics. Recently, a research team from Utsunomiya University, Japan, visited the Proboscis Monkey Research Station on Curiak Island, Barito Kuala Regency, South Kalimantan, to study the ecosystem-based conservation practices implemented there.
The visit was led by Associate Professor Futoshi Ishiguri along with two of his team members, Ikumi Nezu and Hikari Yokoyama. They expressed their admiration for the research facilities and the integrity of the wetland ecosystem that is still maintained.
“Curiak Island is very interesting because so many trees are planted and create a natural habitat that attracts wildlife. We are very impressed with how humans can help maintain the ecology in this place,” said Futoshi while at the location, Sunday (12/5).
This research area is part of ULM’s collaboration with Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia (SBI) Foundation, led by Dr. Amalia Rezeki, a lecturer in ULM’s Biology Education Study Program. Amalia, who is familiarly called Amel, stated that her party welcomed the interest of Japanese researchers to establish cooperation in the field of wetland research and climate change mitigation.
“We hope that this visit can open the way for further research collaboration between ULM and Utsunomiya University, especially in environmental issues and endemic animal conservation,” said Amalia.
While on Curiak Island, Futoshi Ishiguri and the team also had the opportunity to directly observe the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus)—a typical long-nosed primate that is an icon of South Kalimantan. They saw how this area has been managed naturally to support the survival of the animal.
The Proboscis Monkey Research Station is one of ULM’s leading conservation centers that combines scientific research activities with community involvement in environmental conservation. This effort is in line with the university’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting education-based ecotourism.
