As part of its commitment to strengthening international collaboration and knowledge exchange, researchers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) conducted a joint fieldwork activity in Central Kalimantan through a staff mobility program. The field visit took place at the Katingan Mentaya Project and also involved an Australian scholar, creating a multidisciplinary and international learning environment to explore issues related to responsible innovation in forestry management and sustainable resource governance.
The fieldwork aimed to support research and stakeholder engagement on sustainable landscape management, forest governance, and carbon-related initiatives in forested areas. Through site visits, discussions with project stakeholders, and direct interaction with local communities, participants gained a deeper understanding of how conservation efforts, carbon projects, and livelihood strategies are interconnected within local governance contexts. The activity provided valuable opportunities to examine both the opportunities and challenges associated with balancing environmental sustainability, economic development, and community well-being. Aligned with the objectives of the SUSTAIN Project, the joint fieldwork contributed to strengthening research collaboration and fostering dialogue among academics, practitioners, and local actors involved in natural resource governance. By connecting global discussions on sustainability, climate action, and just transitions with locally grounded experiences, the activity supported the project’s broader mission of promoting inclusive participation, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based approaches to sustainable resource governance. Ultimately, the field visit reinforced the importance of collaborative learning and cross-border partnerships in addressing complex environmental and development challenges.
