Nationalgeographic.co.id – Indonesia, as a megabiodiversity country, possesses an exceptionally high level of biodiversity. This is supported by its geographical position and geological history, which divides the Indonesian landscape into seven ecoregions with high endemism levels.

Indonesia has 22 types of natural ecosystems with 98 types of natural vegetation, 9.7 percent of flowering plants; 14 percent of mammal species; 8.7 percent of reptile species; 6.3 percent of amphibian species; 18.6 percent of bird fauna, and 8.9 percent of freshwater fish species in the world.

In the oceans, 16 percent of marine fish species; 38.9 percent of marine mammal species; 56.6 percent of marine reptile species, and 10.5 percent of coral species are found globally. The richness of this biodiversity is also supported by Indonesia’s geographical location in the heart of the Coral Triangle, which is the world’s marine biodiversity center.

However, Indonesia’s biodiversity faces extinction threats due to deforestation, infrastructure development, habitat degradation and fragmentation, pest and disease attacks, the entry of invasive alien species, illegal hunting and trade, environmental pollution, and global climate change.

To help preserve this biodiversity, initiatives to support government efforts are needed, such as raising awareness and educating high school students about biodiversity. One such initiative is a website-based Quiz Game.

The Biodiversity Quiz Game website was designed and built by lecturers and students from Universitas Pakuan (Unpak) in collaboration with the Belantara Foundation. The Quiz Game was launched at SMAN 1 Sukaraja, Bogor Regency, on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

The launch of the Biodiversity Quiz Game website is part of a program aimed at increasing biodiversity literacy for high school students, as part of the Community Service Program (PKM) carried out by Unpak’s lecturers and students since October 2024 at SMAN 1 Sukaraja, Bogor Regency.

This PKM program includes various activities, such as guest lectures, identification of local biodiversity around the school, poster competitions, Instagram reels content on biodiversity conservation, and interactive games through the Biodiversity Quiz Game website.

Dr. Dolly Priatna, Head of the Unpak PKM Internal Grant activity, explained that SMAN 1 Sukaraja was chosen as the site for this activity because the school had received the Adiwiyata Award, which aims to enhance students’ ability to develop themselves in order to create a school that implements environmental care and a culture of environmental consciousness. However, students’ knowledge and understanding of biodiversity were still lacking and needed improvement.

Dolly also stated, “The launch of the Biodiversity Quiz Game website is a strategic step to encourage an increase in students’ knowledge through fun and easily accessible technology applications.”

“We believe that learning about the very complex field of biodiversity must be done in a way that provides an interesting and enjoyable experience,” said Dolly. “We are confident that the Biodiversity Quiz Game we launched will be an effective way for students and the general public interested in learning about and understanding Indonesia’s biodiversity,” she added.

The Principal of SMAN 1 Sukaraja, Dra. Emi Rosmiami, expressed, “We greatly appreciate the collaboration between Universitas Pakuan and Belantara Foundation in this biodiversity literacy education program at our school. We see our students very enthusiastic and beginning to understand the meaning and benefits of Indonesia’s biodiversity.”

Isnaeni Fazriah, one of the students from SMAN 1 Sukaraja, shared that this educational program was very interesting, and they had learned a lot about biodiversity, ecosystems, and more. “Now we understand the importance of biodiversity, and we hope to play a role in conserving it,” she explained.

Diny Hartiningtiyas, representing the Belantara Foundation, stated that this activity is also part of the celebration of Reverse the Red Day 2025, which is celebrated worldwide on February 7, 2025.

The goal of Reverse the Red is to drive a global movement through cooperation and strategic actions to ensure the survival of species and natural ecosystems.

“That is why Reverse the Red brings together a coalition of diverse partners to collaborate, amplify aspirations and impact, and engage all levels of society to take action for the preservation of biodiversity, including the activities organized by Universitas Pakuan and Belantara Foundation,” emphasized Diny.

Source: Nationalgeographic.grid.id