Dr. Alfi Rahman presenting “Living Wetlands: Indigenous Knowledge and the Socio-Cultural Use of Wetland Fauna in Aceh, Indonesia” at Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal — 15 October 2025
The Research Center for Social and Cultural Studies (PRISB) at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) took part in the International Symposium on Traditional Knowledge Related to Wetland Fauna, held at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. The symposium was organized by the Ramsar Center Japan (RCJ) under the leadership of Dr. Bishnu Bhandari, bringing together scholars from across Asia to share insights on how Indigenous and local knowledge can support wetland conservation and community resilience.

Representing PRISB USK, Dr. Alfi Rahman presented a paper titled “Living Wetlands: Indigenous Knowledge and the Socio-Cultural Use of Wetland Fauna in Aceh, Indonesia.” The presentation highlighted how Aceh’s traditional ecological wisdom continues to influence sustainable wetland practices and local livelihoods, especially in post-disaster and post-conflict contexts.

The symposium served as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, with participants from countries including Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Discussions covered tangible and intangible uses of wetland fauna—ranging from food and medicine to symbolism, art, and local belief systems.

Dr. Alfi emphasized that the participation of PRISB USK reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the connection between science, local knowledge, and policy in environmental conservation. “This event allowed us to share Aceh’s unique experiences and explore future collaboration with Asian researchers focusing on traditional knowledge and sustainability,” he said.

The symposium is part of the ongoing “Traditional Knowledge Related to Wetland Fauna” regional initiative supported by the Ramsar Center Japan, in which PRISB USK and TDMRC USK have been active partners since 2023.