IFSA, the International Forestry Students’ Association, is a global student network that focuses on forestry and related disciplines. It has over 130 local committees (LCs) in more than 50 countries, coordinating thousands of students interested in exploring forest concepts, cultures, and environmental issues. IFSA is a student-run organization with a non-political, non-profit, and non-religious aim to shape global cooperation among forestry students. We organize meetings to facilitate idea exchange, and scientific debate, and support students’ involvement in decision-making at regional and global levels. IFSA is an organization that focuses on understanding forests and their impact on society. It is a catalyst for change and a leading voice for students committed to a sustainable future for global forests (http://www.ifsa.net).
IFSA LC UNHAS was established on February 2, 2020, by seven initiators representing different academic cohorts (2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019). Guided by a faculty lecturer from the Faculty of Forestry at Hasanuddin University, officially became the local Committees for IFSA at Hasanuddin University in December 2020. This milestone reflects the collaborative efforts of the student initiators and the support provided by university faculty, underscoring their dedication to advancing IFSA’s objectives at the local level.
Reflecting on the IFSA world, IFSA LC UNHAS has a vision to promote global awareness and appreciation for the importance of forests. The organization recognizes diverse perspectives on forests and values the varied opinions within communities. Firmly believes that forests play a crucial role in sustainability, encompassing social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Members acknowledge the numerous benefits provided by forests, such as natural beauty, timber, shade, water purification, non-timber forest products, habitat, biodiversity, recreation, carbon sequestration, and energy resources. The vision of a global community is inclusive, allowing for interpretation across different scales, including Local Committees (LCs), IFSA itself, and The Groups focused on forests. Aims to promote universal recognition of the value of forests “a world that appreciates forests” and cultivate appreciation for their significant contributions to human well-being, and with the mission of Enriching the education of our members through international events, networking, and intercultural exchange.