Tuesday, 03 June 2025 on 2:10pm
SEAMEO BIOTROP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and circular economy principles in Southeast Asia by organizing the Regional Seminar and Training on Sustainable Cultivation & Circular Economy System, held in a hybrid format on 26–27 May 2025, in collaboration with Politeknik Negeri Lampung (POLINELA).
The event was officially opened by the Acting Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Dr. Elis Rosdiawati, who emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the challenges of climate change, ecosystem degradation, and food security. She highlighted the need for a systemic approach that integrates science, local wisdom, technological innovation, and international partnerships.
Dr. rer. nat. Doni Yusri, SP., MM, Deputy Director for Program at SEAMEO BIOTROP, who served as one of the speakers. He stated, “By integrating circular economy and zero-waste principles, agriculture becomes not only more environmentally friendly but also economically efficient and resilient to climate change.”
As reported by Ms. Risa Rosita, the event coordinator, the seminar and training gathered 263 participants from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan, consisting of 57% lecturers, 33% students, 5% government officials, and 5% from the general public. The objective of the activity was to enhance participants' understanding of sustainable agriculture and circular economy principles and practices.
The event featured prominent speakers from both local and international institutions, including:
- Dr. Yoshikazu Tatemoto from Sakado Senior High School, University of Tsukuba, Japan;
- Dr. Christian M. Santiago from Aurora State College of Technology, the Philippines;
- Prof. Dr. Fitriani, S.P., M.E.P, Dr. Dulbari, S.P., M.Si, Mrs. Destieka Ahyuni, S.P., M.Si, and Mr. Rizky Rahmadi, S.P., M.P from POLINELA.
Throughout the seminar and training, participants gained both conceptual insights and hands-on skills to apply sustainable cultivation and circular economy principles in their respective regions.
The expected outcomes of the program include:
- Enhanced understanding of sustainable agriculture and circular economy principles;
- Development of actionable implementation plans in participants’ communities or regions;
- Establishment of a regional network to foster cross-sector collaboration.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. rer. nat. Doni Yusri, SP., MM, who reiterated that the circular economy approach is a key message that must continue to be echoed. He emphasized that this concept offers a shift from the traditional take–make–dispose paradigm to a more regenerative reuse–recycle–restore model. In agriculture, this approach opens great opportunities to transform waste into valuable new resources, rather than treating it as an environmental burden. With joint commitment and cross-sector collaboration, it is hoped that circular economy principles will be broadly applied to achieve a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural system in the future.
