FMIPA UI Engagement Team led by Dr. Retno Lestari develop “Arboretum Durio Botanica” as The Center for Botanical Gardens and Durian Conservation located in Gandasoli Village, Sukabumi.
In the development of “Arboretum Durio Botanica” the team collaborate with Pandu Cendikia Foundation and supported by the Directorate of Research and Community Engagement Universitas Indonesia (DRPM UI).
The activity, which was carried out from February to October 2019, was carried out in stages, starting from the opening of conservation land, searching for seedlings, to planting various types of durian trees from various regions in Indonesia.
Retno explained the selection of Gandasoli Village as the location because the area is known as a producer of quality durian and is part of the Ciletuh Port Ratu Geopark which is an area that harmonizes geological, biological, cultural diversity through the principles of conservation, education, and sustainable development.
“Arboretum Durio Botanica is a concept for developing durian conservation areas of dozens of species, hundreds to thousands of varieties in the archipelago and abroad”. said Retno.
The initial step of durian conservation activities is carried out by planting durian seedlings together with the residents of Gandasoli Village, the UI Community Engagement Team and the Pandu Cendekia Foundation provide facilities namely training on planting durian as well as seeding for planting in the Gandasoli Village area.
Then, the team together with the Pandu Scholar Foundation, and the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) prepared a 5-hectare land for the arboretum area which would later be pushed as an integrated tourism area, with a homestay concept.
Facilities will also be built for tourists, including hygiene stalls, bamboo mountain huts, toilets, jogging, and bike tracks.
“It is hoped that by developing the arboretum area and integrated tourism, it can create a sustainable program for the community by prioritizing the principle of conservation so that programs run by the community can be sustainable.” closed Retno
Fajar. R. Budiman, as chairman of the Pandu Cendekia Foundation, explained that in early March 2019 a national durian contest was held in Sukabumi, durian from Gandasoli ranked first and second.
This, said Fajar, shows that the village of Gandasoli has great potential for the development of botanical gardens and durian conservation.
Finally, the Head of Gandasoli Village, Saeban, explained that this program was very helpful for villagers to earn more income besides their daily life as farmers and field laborers. Residents of Gandasoli Village are very happy with and are helped by the “Arboretum Durio Botanica” program in collaboration with FMIPA UI.
