Approximately 30% of the Earth’s surface is covered by forests, which serve as a vital source of basic needs for almost all living beings. Without forests, living beings would no longer have sufficient oxygen, two-thirds of terrestrial species would lose their habitats, and humans would lose access to essential wood resources.
Given how essential forests are for living beings, especially humans, are we truly more mindful of them? In fact, more than 80% of the world’s original forests have been destroyed. It is also common to see in the media the devastation of forests caused by human activities. Is this the way humans repay the forests after all their needs have been met by them?
Against this backdrop, on 21 March, the Social and Environmental Department of the 2018 FMIPA UI Student Executive Board (BEM) held an activity to commemorate World Forest Day at the yard area of Building B, FMIPA UI Campus, Depok.
This activity featured a booth where visitors, consisting of students from all FMIPA UI departments, could interact and participate in engaging games prepared by BEM FMIPA UI. The games were themed around forests.
Salsabila Afifah (Mathematics 2016), a staff member of the Social and Environmental Department of the 2018 FMIPA UI Student Executive Board (BEM), revealed that the preparation for this activity was relatively short. However, she felt that the results met expectations. According to her, the activity successfully captured the attention and curiosity of the visitors. She also explained that each visitor was greeted with the phrase, “Happy World Forest Day.”
In addition, Salsabila added that the committee also provided many interesting facts and news about forests, covering the scale of UI, Indonesia, and even internationally.
“We are ready to explain and answer questions regarding these facts,” she said.
Through this simple activity, the 2018 FMIPA UI Student Executive Board (BEM) hopes to raise awareness among FMIPA UI students about the importance of preserving forests and the surrounding environment.
