In June 2015, CIFOR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Riau’s new Center for Disaster Studies, directed by Prof. Harris Gunawan. The Center also includes Zuli Laili Isnaini, lecturer in anthropology, and is particularly interested in the fire-related disasters that increasingly threaten their Province.
Although mostly from the natural sciences, students and researchers at the center take a broad approach to disaster management. The center is also the focal point for a new university outreach scheme that places recent graduates in rural communities to do outreach on issues related to fire and resource management.
This new agreement opens opportunities for collaborative work with faculty and students. Notably, students will be supporting CIFOR researchers in their data collection in Riau. In July 2015, CIFOR offered a joint training with University of Riau on the use of the Q-method to understand fire and haze. CIFOR scientists have also committed to giving guest lectures at the University during their upcoming visits.
Riau University, established in 1962. Credit: www.1hal.com
