In collaboration with ALMI (Indonesian Young Academy of Sciences), InSME (Indonesian Society of Microbial Ecology) and IULI (International University Liaison Indonesia), the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) Asia, is organising the International Network for Government Science Advice Asia Capacity Building Workshop in Jakarta on the 23rd and 24th of September 2019.
Many of the challenges facing modern societies can neither be adequately nor solely addressed by using common sense, experience, ideological principles, or basic analytical methods. Whether it is climate change, renewable energy, natural disasters, food security, or disease pandemics, policymakers need current and accurate scientific advice to inform their decisions.
Obtaining rigorous and useful science advice in a timely manner is pertinent in navigating complex policy areas involving multiple stakeholders. However, incorporating the advice into policymaking is not a straightforward process.
As a whole, the interface between science, politics and society is a minefield for both policymakers and scientists. Thus, there is an increasing need for scientists to be trained to have science advice and communication skills to ensure that evidence-based policies are made and favour a positive impact to all stakeholders.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to about half of the global biodiversity hotspots. People in the region depend directly on the forest and biodiversity services that contribute significantly to economic growth; benefiting more than 4.5 billion people. With more than half of the world’s population located in the Asia region, there has been a variety of ecological and environmental issues that have become increasingly severe and require immediate attention. Some of the threats include extreme weather events, rising sea-levels, increased invasive foreign species, agricultural intensification and an increase of waste and pollution.
The degradation of biodiversity affects humans in many ways; particularly in health and overall well-being as well as economically. A healthy community relies on a well-functioning and balanced ecosystem. “Biodiversity loss can destabilize ecosystems, promote outbreaks of infectious disease, and undermine development progress, nutrition, security and protection from natural disasters” according to Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health.
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 report summarizes that despite efforts and success in conservation measures supporting biodiversity, global biodiversity loss is still ongoing. A collective effort of individuals and multiple-level organisations is essential to address the issue of biodiversity loss.
Tentative schedule of The INGSA Asia Capacity Building Workshop
Science Advice in Biodiversity and Its Research Management
Jakarta, 23-24 September 2019
Day 1
| Time | Session |
| 08.30-09.00 | Registration |
| 09.00-09.45 | Welcoming remarks
– Dr Vanny Narita, INGSA Asia – Dr. Alan Koropitan, ALMI Chair – Dr. Chairil Abdini, General Secretary of the Indonesia National Academy of Sciences
|
| 09.45-10.30 | Keynote Address:
Personal Journey: Science Advice in the RegionTan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid, Former Chief Science Advisor to Prime Minister of Malaysia
|
| 10.30-11.00 | Group photo & coffee break |
| 11.00-12.30 | Plenary session 1: Asian research landscape, Biodiversity and its challenges.
Moderator : Farah Atiqah, INGSA Asia Regional Programme Officer Panels: – Dr. Tatas H.P. Brotosudarmo, The Indonesia Young Scientist Academy. –“Science for Indonesia Biodiversity” – Associate Professor Dr Reuben Clements, Sunway University Malaysia & Co-founder of Rimba Malaysia – “How can researchers catalyse the development and implementation of environmental policies and legislation?” |
| 12.30-13.30 | Lunch |
| 13.30 – 15.30 | Plenary session 2: The importance of communicating science effectively to decision makers
Moderator : Prof Kavita Shah, INGSA Asia Steering Committee member Panels: – Associate Professor Dr Reuben Clements, Sunway University Malaysia & Co-founder of Rimba Malaysia – “Using the CARING approach to influence decision makers to adopt pro-sustainability behaviours” – Dr. Roby Muhamad, Secretariat Office of Presiden of Republic Indonesia, ALMI members |
| 15.30-17.30 |
Case Study 1Moderator : Prof Kavita Shah – INGSA Asia Steering Committee |
| 17.30 | End of day 1 |
Day 2
| Time | Sessions |
| 08.30-09.00 | Recap day one and plan for day two |
| 09.00-10.00 | Plenary lecture:
Dr. Lukas Laksono Adhyakso, Program Director World Wild Fund Indonesia “Sharing experience: Building network with the scientist to manage biodiversity in Indonesia ” |
| 10.00-11.00 | Case Study 2
Moderator : Dr Sarwar Jahan – INGSA Asia Steering Committee |
| 11.00-11.30 | Coffee break |
| 11.30-12.30 |
Case Study 2 – cont |
| 12.30-13.30 | Lunch |
| 13.30-15.30 |
Case Study 3 |
| 15.30-16.00 | Coffee break |
| 16.00-18.00 | Talk show:
“Doing Research: Assessing the Social Sciences Research System in Indonesia” – Dr Inaya Rakhmani, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia – Dr. Zulfa Sakhiya, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Languages and Arts, University of Universitas Negeri Semarang Host: Gita Putri Damayana – Executive Director, Center for Indonesian Law and Policy Studies |
| 18.00-18.30 | Discussion of future strategies
Concluding remarks Presentation of certificates |
| 18.30-19.30 | Dinner and networking |
