The International Undergraduate Program (IUP) of Environmental Geography at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is taking an active role in promoting low-carbon emissions through the UGM International Geography Olympiad 2025. The event, scheduled to take place at the Faculty of Geography UGM, aims to foster awareness and solutions for environmental sustainability while encouraging young geographers to contribute to global climate action.
The International Geography Olympiad (OLGENAS) 2025 officially commenced on Monday (January 20) at the Merapi Auditorium, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), with a strong commitment to supporting a low-carbon future. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13, which focuses on climate change and global warming.
Entering its 20th year, this prestigious geography competition brings together students from various schools in Indonesia and internationally. This year, OLGENAS adopts the theme:
“Net Zero Imperative: Regional Complex Contingency Towards Climate Resiliency,”
which is highly relevant to the current global challenges.
Relevance of OLGENAS 2025 in Addressing Climate Change
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Geography UGM, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., emphasized that this year’s OLGENAS theme is particularly relevant as climate change continues to be a major global concern.
He highlighted various environmental events over the past decades, such as wildfires in Los Angeles, floods in Lampung, drought in the Amazon River, declining coffee production in Brazil, and reduced global food supply, as clear evidence of climate change impacts.
“These phenomena demonstrate that global warming and climate change are real threats,” Dr. Danang stated.
He further stressed that geography plays a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable and disaster-resilient future. “I truly appreciate these young participants who, at such an early age, are already aware of and committed to a low-carbon future through this geography competition,” he added.
UGM’s Commitment to Environmental and Geographic Education
Dr. Danang reiterated the Faculty of Geography UGM’s commitment to supporting global environmental issues, ensuring that young generations have the best opportunities to study geography. “The Faculty of Geography UGM is a global player, as proven by our ranking—111th in the world and 4th in ASEAN,” he noted.
In the same session, the Head of the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Muh Aris Marfai, S.Si, M.Sc., provided insights into the importance of geospatial technology in mitigating global warming.
“One of our key efforts is capturing carbon through our forests and oceans. Our tropical rainforests hold immense potential for carbon sequestration, and therefore, we must protect them,” he explained.
To support these efforts, he emphasized the need for accurate data on forest size and location, which can be obtained through mapping—one of BIG’s core missions as a non-ministerial institution in geospatial information.
“For the students participating in this event, remember that one of the most critical data sources for climate change mitigation is maps. If you are already interested in this field at the junior high school level, you can continue your studies in geography, geodesy, geomatics, or related disciplines such as forestry and marine sciences,” Prof. Aris added.
Record-Breaking Participation in OLGENAS 2025
OLGENAS 2025 has garnered tremendous enthusiasm, with participation from 136 teams from junior high schools (SMP) and 116 teams from senior high schools (SMA). Additionally, the competition features four international teams, including representatives from Russia and Malaysia.
The event is divided into two sessions:
- Junior High School (SMP) Olympiad: January 20–21, 2025
- Senior High School (SMA) Olympiad: January 22–24, 2025
With its strong focus on climate resilience and sustainability, OLGENAS 2025 continues to inspire young geographers to contribute to a more sustainable and low-carbon future.