Mulawarman University and YKAN Strengthen Collaboration in Marine Conservation and Fisheries

Mulawarman University (UNMUL), through its Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, and the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) have officially extended their Cooperation Agreement (PKS) in education, research, and community service to promote sustainable coastal and marine management in East Kalimantan. The PKS signing, held at the Gunung Kelua Campus in Samarinda on 7 October 2025, reflects the commitment of both institutions to strengthening cross-sector collaboration in conservation efforts and enhancing the capacity of coastal communities.

This PKS is a continuation of the strategic partnership established in 2022, during which UNMUL and YKAN conducted various studies in coastal and marine ecosystems. With this extension, they will expand their activities to include human resource capacity building, community empowerment, the development of marine science and technology, as well as the exchange of data, information, and experts.

The Dean of UNMUL’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Moh. Mustakim welcomed the continuation of the partnership, highlighting its significance for the university’s direct contribution to sustainable marine resource management.  

“As a higher education institution, we are responsible not only for producing academically valuable research but also for research with tangible impact for communities. Cooperation with YKAN enhances opportunities for our students, lecturers, and researchers to contribute to equitable and sustainable marine resource management,” he said.

Similarly, YKAN’s Ocean Program Director, Muhammad Ilman, noted that the partnership aligns with YKAN’s mission to provide science-based solutions balancing nature and human needs. He emphasized that collaboration with universities is crucial to ensure that research outcomes can be practically applied and deliver direct benefits.  

“UNMUL, one of our strategic partners, is instrumental in developing local knowledge and enhancing regional research capacity. Through this collaboration, we aim to broaden the perspective on coastal and marine management beyond ecological considerations, incorporating social and economic dimensions. This approach ensures that communities actively participate in finding solutions to these challenges.

The UNMUL-YKAN partnership has previously produced significant findings in natural resource conservation and management. For instance, they conducted environmental DNA (eDNA) research to monitor biodiversity and mangrove health, leading to the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems.

They have also engaged in joint scientific research in terrestrial environments, including a study of 59 orangutan food plant species in the Wehea-Kelay landscape, over half of which show potential for traditional medicinal use. Such discoveries enrich the scientific foundation for conservation and open new opportunities for the sustainable use of biodiversity.

With this extended cooperation, UNMUL and YKAN are committed to conducting multidisciplinary research that can serve as a foundation for policy formulation in the management of coastal and marine areas. Community empowerment programs will be further expanded through training, knowledge transfer, and collaborative efforts in the development of nature-based economic initiatives. Both parties are optimistic that their synergy will significantly contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems and the improvement of the welfare of communities in East Kalimantan.

As a science-based conservation organization, YKAN consistently collaborates with universities across Indonesia, including UNMUL, to strengthen research capacity, produce applicable scientific data, and support sustainable natural resource management. Through such partnerships, YKAN ensures that conservation serves not only to preserve nature but also to empower communities through knowledge and innovation.