Banjarmasin, April 20, 2025 – The Europe Today: In commemoration of Earth Day, academics from Indonesia’s Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) and Canada’s University of Montreal joined forces on Sunday to plant 100 seedlings of the endangered Ulin tree (Eusideroxylon zwageri) at the Bukit Manjai Biodiversity Park in Banjar, South Kalimantan.
The symbolic planting event was led by Valerie Preseault of the University of Montreal, accompanied by students from ULM’s Biology Program under the supervision of lecturers Amalia Rezeki and Luthfiana Nurtamara.
“This is a matter of pride and honor for us, as a team of Canadian academics is able to take part in Earth Day commemorations here in South Kalimantan,” Rezeki said.
She emphasized that the initiative was not only a tribute to nature but also a call to action, raising public awareness about environmental conservation and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Beyond tree planting, ULM students were encouraged to amplify the message of environmental stewardship by sharing their actions and experiences on social media, thereby inspiring broader community involvement.
The selection of the Ulin tree was intentional due to its critically endangered status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Native to Borneo, the Ulin tree plays a crucial ecological role by providing food and shelter for various wildlife species and serving as a natural carbon sink.
“By converting carbon dioxide into biomass, the Ulin tree contributes significantly to reducing atmospheric carbon levels and supporting climate change mitigation efforts,” Rezeki explained.
The seedlings used in the initiative were sourced from the private botanical garden of Chendrawan Sugianto, a noted conservationist in Banjarmasin who is dedicated to preserving rare and endangered tree species.
