Global Researchers Discuss Sustainable Resource Governance at Unhas

Makassar — A group of international researchers gathered to discuss sustainable resource governance at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday. Academics, researchers, and students from Australia, the United States, and the Netherlands attended the series of activities leading up to the Pre-Conference for the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) 2027.

Representing the Unhas delegation, Professor Forest Muhammad Alif K. Sahide, a lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry, stated in Makassar that studies regarding ‘the commons’—resources owned and used by communities—extend far beyond forestry. He explained that the concept encompasses various resources managed collectively by society, ranging from mangrove areas and coastal waters to aspects of public health and social life. “Therefore, this conference does not focus on a single scientific field. We are bringing together various perspectives to understand the relationship between humans, the environment, and the resources they manage together,” he clarified.

The meeting included delegates from various institutions, including Hasanuddin University, IPB University, Gadjah Mada University, Mataram University, and the University of Hawai‘i, alongside several partner organisations. During the session, delegates shared updates on the preparations for the 21st IASC Biennial Conference, which is scheduled to take place in South Sulawesi from 21–25 June 2027. In addition to the scientific conference, participants will engage in field activities to observe these practices directly.

The Rector of Unhas, Professor Jamaluddin Jompa, noted that the issue of managing common resources is becoming increasingly critical amidst the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable development. For Unhas, the IASC 2027 serves not only as an international academic forum but also as an opportunity to introduce South Sulawesi as a global learning laboratory for the management of common resources. Amidst various environmental challenges, cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration remains key to providing sustainable solutions for both society and nature.

The IASC Biennial Conference is a biennial event organised by the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC), an international association focused on the study of the governance and management of common-pool resources.