Bogor, Indonesia — The Department of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), IPB University continues to strengthen its international engagement by establishing a strategic partnership with the College of Environment and Ecology (CEE), Xiamen University, China. This collaboration reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing scientific research, promoting sustainable coastal management, and addressing global environmental challenges through international cooperation.

From 24–30 July 2026, a delegation consisting of 15 professors and postgraduate students from Xiamen University visited Tangerang and Bogor as part of a reciprocal academic exchange, following a previous visit by the MSP IPB delegation to Xiamen University earlier this year. The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen institutional ties while fostering collaboration in education, research, and community engagement.

One of the highlights of the visit was the inauguration of the Sister Mangrove Station initiative, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia–China cooperation for mangrove conservation. The partnership connects the Ketapang Urban Aquaculture (KUA) Mangrove Station in Tangerang Regency—managed through collaboration between the Tangerang Regency Government and IPB University—with the Zhangjiang Mangrove Station operated by Xiamen University. Through this initiative, both institutions will collaborate on comparative ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, sustainable coastal ecosystem management, and knowledge exchange to support long-term mangrove conservation efforts.

The visit also featured a Joint Workshop on Blue Carbon and the Blue Economy, hosted by IPB University. The workshop brought together faculty members, researchers, postgraduate students, and the visiting delegation from Xiamen University to discuss the latest developments in blue carbon science, sustainable marine resource management, and innovative approaches to the blue economy. Participants exchanged research experiences, explored opportunities for collaborative projects, and discussed future initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and promoting resilient coastal communities

Beyond the academic sessions, the program strengthened personal and institutional connections between researchers from both universities, creating a solid foundation for future collaborations in research, student and staff mobility, joint publications, and capacity-building activities. The exchange also reaffirmed the importance of international partnerships in producing innovative solutions to global marine and environmental challenges.

Through this growing partnership with Xiamen University, the Department of Aquatic Resources Management, FPIK IPB University, continues to demonstrate its commitment to becoming a globally connected academic institution that advances world-class research, supports sustainable coastal development, and contributes to international scientific cooperation for a more sustainable future.