As part of its commitment to advancing collaborative research and capacity development, the SUSTAIN Project contributed to strengthening research partnerships among Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Bangka Belitung (UBB), the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and the University of Oulu. Through this collaboration, the project created opportunities for researchers, faculty members, and students from partner institutions to work together in developing research initiatives that address issues related to natural resource governance, sustainability, and societal transitions.
Drawing on its established South–South network, the project facilitated the implementation of survey and experimental research activities in the Bangka and Belitung Islands. The collaboration involved the active participation of students and faculty members from both UGM and UBB, providing valuable opportunities for learning, field engagement, and academic exchange. Beyond supporting data collection and research implementation, the initiative fostered closer cooperation among partner institutions and encouraged the sharing of knowledge, methodologies, and research experiences across different academic contexts. Aligned with the objectives of the SUSTAIN Project, this collaboration contributed to strengthening institutional capacities and expanding international research networks. In particular, the project created pathways for UBB to deepen its engagement with universities in the Global North and gain greater experience in international research collaboration. By promoting knowledge exchange, joint learning, and cross-border partnerships, the initiative supports SUSTAIN’s broader mission of enhancing research capacity, fostering inclusive academic collaboration, and generating evidence-based knowledge that contributes to more sustainable and participatory approaches to resource governance.
