Bogor, 6–8 February 2024 — The IPB Center for Applied Research in Nature-based Solutions (I-CAN), through its I-CAN Transform pillar, successfully delivered a three-day Research Method Short Course in Bogor. This initiative is a vital part of I-CAN’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s applied research ecosystem for Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
The Short Course on “Designing a High-Quality Research Proposal for Nature-Based Solutions Applied Research” equipped government, academic, and community partners with the tools to turn ideas into actionable research, advancing biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration across Indonesia. It brought together 40 in-person participants from universities, government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, complemented by additional online attendees. This marks a significant milestone in cultivating a robust, connected community of researchers capable of designing high-quality, gender-responsive NbS research.
Empowering Researchers for Actionable Solutions
The training was meticulously designed to equip a diverse cohort, including lecturers, graduate students, government officers, and practitioners, with the skills to design rigorous and policy-relevant NbS research proposals. A major focus was enhancing Indonesia’s capacity to develop gender-responsive studies that effectively support national restoration and climate adaptation efforts.
Over the three days, participants engaged in comprehensive exploration of key pillars for designing and implementing applied NbS research, including:
- Research Design: Choosing appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches, and designing field-based, policy-focused, or secondary-data research.
- Contextual Research: Exploring comparative and embedded case study approaches, and conducting effective community-level and Indigenous research.
- Inclusion: Mastering the integration of Gender Equality and Social Economy Inclusion (GESEI) considerations into all research stages.
- Practical Skills: Developing realistic, results-oriented research budgets and engaging in collaborative peer review and proposal refinement.
Building the NbS Network
A central theme of the course was the necessity of strong collaboration across academia, government, civil society, and communities for effective NbS implementation. Participants actively exchanged experiences, discussed field challenges, and built vital relationships that will shape future NbS initiatives and applied research projects.
By the course’s conclusion, participants were also proficient in developing proposals for the collaborative study program, effectively aligning their research ambitions with available resources.
The training significantly contributed to:
- Strengthening Indonesia’s overall capacity in applied NbS research.
- Increasing understanding of rigorous, gender-responsive methodologies.
- Enhancing crucial cross-sector collaboration.
- Preparing a pipeline of researchers capable of delivering real-world impact.
The Research Method Short Course clearly underscores how I-CAN is investing in the next generation of NbS researchers. By equipping them with essential skills and strengthening cross-sector networks, I-CAN is building the foundation for solutions that are inclusive, science-based, and ready for implementation.
Through I-CAN Transform, IPB University reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that research is not only rigorous and innovative but also actionable, scalable, and grounded in community realities.
Rewatch the short course recordings:
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veG7unlRFYA
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD8h1p1zDiA
Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ZJ-JMsjwM