The development of human resources and science and technology in agriculture and natural resource management requires higher education institutions in the agricultural field to have a mandate to produce agricultural human resources with specific expertise. The contribution of higher education institutions to this development is manifested and implemented through the Three Pillars (Tridharma) of Higher Education, which consists of education, research, and community service. Education produces quality human resources, research generates science and technology, while community service utilizes science and technology for agricultural development.
University-level policies have changed, marked by the amendment of the Statute of the University of Bengkulu in 2023. This has impacted policy adjustments at the Faculty of Agriculture level and the Studi Program level. Two main aspects that must change are the focus of agricultural education oriented towards coastal areas and tropical forests, as well as the policy achievement period that must be reached by 2025. These aspects form the basis for formulating the Strategic Plan of the Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, for the years 2021–2030.
The preparation of this strategic plan is based on the vision and mission of the University of Bengkulu, the Faculty of Agriculture, and the Environmental Science Study Program. Additionally, it considers objective conditions, both internal and external. SWOT analysis is used as an analytical tool to map the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Department of Forestry. This strategic plan was prepared by involving all stakeholders.