Bogor, 29 August 2025 – SEAMEO BIOTROP strengthened the development of practical, school-ready learning resources by organizing the Focused Discussion Workshop on Suboptimal Land Management Training Materials on 28–29 August 2025 at the Royal Hotel Padjajaran, Bogor. The workshop gathered 35 participants, including 12 males and 23 females from BIOTROP and partner institutions. The activity featured resource persons Prof Hadi Susilo Arifin (IPB University), Dr Rusdiono Muryanto (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia), and Ms Risa Rosita (Manager of the Science, Innovation and Technology Department, SEAMEO BIOTROP).

The workshop was organized to refine and validate a series of training modules designed to support teachers and education practitioners in transforming suboptimal land into contextual environmental learning spaces. During the opening session, Acting Director Dr. Elis Rosdiawati and Deputy Director for Programs Dr. Doni Yusri highlighted the importance of providing schools with practical tools for sustainable education, especially in regions facing soil degradation, low fertility, and water management issues.

Throughout the two-day program, participants evaluated the clarity, structure, and relevance of five draft learning modules. Prof Hadi offered technical insights on ecological management of low-quality land using biodiversity-based and phytoremediation methods. Dr. Rusdiono examined the pedagogical framework to ensure that learning objectives, activities, and assessments suited SMA/SMK levels. Ms. Risa facilitated the integration of material content, ensuring that techniques such as compost production, biofertilizer application, soil sampling, and water quality assessment could be implemented effectively in schools with limited resources.

Group discussions centered on simplifying scientific terminology, aligning hands-on activities with teacher readiness, and ensuring safety and feasibility for student-level implementation. Participant feedback played a key role in restructuring module sequences and enhancing their practical value for classroom and field use.