A total of 40 school principals from elementary and junior high schools, along with supervisors from Pangandaran Regency, participated in the socialization event for the SEAMEO BIOTROP program and the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Pangandaran Education Department and SEAMEO BIOTROP. This event was held on May 7, 2025, at the hall of SMPN 1 Pangandaran.

Mr. Agus Nuryadin, Head of the Pangandaran Education, Youth, and Sports Department, stated that Pangandaran is an environmentally-conscious tourist area, where the number of visitors sometimes exceeds the local population. He welcomed the collaboration with SEAMEO BIOTROP, believing that current education often only focuses on knowledge. He emphasized that biology education and environmental learning should not only highlight knowledge but also develop skills and attitudes. This new paradigm encourages real-world practices so that students become more environmentally aware.

He noted that students should feel compelled to store trash instead of littering, avoid stepping on grass, and care for withering plants. He stressed that these behaviors are more important than students' academic achievements in biology.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Elis Rosdiawati also highlighted the importance of encouraging students to love nature. The event aimed to formalize the partnership between the Pangandaran Education Department and SEAMEO BIOTROP. Thanks to the support of the department, BIOTROP also had the opportunity to introduce itself and the broader SEAMEO family to schools across Pangandaran Regency.

During the meeting, the education head also instructed students to care for plants, both in schools and at home.

Following the MoU signing, the event continued with a presentation of SEAMEO BIOTROP's profile by Mrs. Sri Widayanti and an introduction to its programs by Dr. Doni Yusri. He shared various SEAMEO BIOTROP programs and activities planned for 2025, such as urban farming training, studies, seminars/webinars, cooperation initiatives, and school visits.

The session was followed by a presentation from Mrs. Dewi Suryani on various BIOTROP training programs, with a deeper explanation of the AEET program. She also offered five urban farming training programs for schools in Pangandaran: hydroponics, tabulampot (fruit plants in pots), aquaponics, fish farming, and mushroom cultivation.

Also attending the event were Mr. Supri, Head of Junior High School Development, and Mr. Darso, Head of Elementary School Development. The SEAMEO BIOTROP delegation included Mrs. Elis Rosdiawati, Dr. Doni Yusri, Mrs. Sri Widayanti, Mrs. Dewi Suryani, and Mr. Haritz Cahya.