Dr. Guswarni Anwar: Leading Researcher in Forestry, Community Empowerment, and Environmental Sustainability

Guswarni Anwar, Ph.D, a Senior Lecturer (Lektor Kepala) at the Doctoral Program of Natural and Environmental Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, is recognized for her extensive contributions to forestry, environmental sustainability, and community development. Born on August 22, 1967, in Padang, Dr. Anwar has dedicated her career to advancing research, teaching, and outreach programs in Indonesia.

Dr. Anwar holds a B.Sc. in Agronomy from the University of Bengkulu, an M.Sc. in Forestry from Gadjah Mada University, and a Ph.D. in Forest Science from Michigan Technological University, USA. Her doctoral research focused on the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as inoculants to support Northern White Cedar growth on poor fen peatlands, reflecting her commitment to applied ecological research.

Teaching Expertise: Dr. Anwar teaches a variety of courses across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, including Silviculture, Academic English, Entrepreneurship, Habitat and Ecosystem Rehabilitation, and Research Methodology & Philosophy of Science. She has guided over 100 undergraduate and 6 graduate students, shaping the next generation of environmental scientists.

Research and Innovation: Over the years, Dr. Anwar has led numerous research projects, covering topics such as:

• Molecular diversity of soil fungi in rhizospheres and host plants of Rafflesia spp.
• Sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems in Bengkulu Province
• Agroforestry systems for carbon sequestration and soil restoration
• Environmental impacts of forest fires and peatland management

Her work has been published in international journals, including IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, New Forests (Q1), and International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences.

Community Engagement: Dr. Anwar has a strong commitment to empowering local communities, particularly women, through sustainable livelihood programs such as organic fertilizer production, oyster mushroom cultivation, and eco-entrepreneurship initiatives. Her outreach efforts have strengthened environmental awareness and economic resilience in rural and coastal areas of Bengkulu.

Professional Leadership: Currently, she serves as Head of the Forestry Laboratory at University of Bengkulu and chairs the Hikafaperta Mitra Sejahtera Syariah Cooperative. She has previously held key administrative roles, including Vice Rector for Resources and Cooperation and Head of the International Affairs Unit, reflecting her capacity for institutional leadership.

International Recognition: Dr. Anwar has been invited to speak at conferences worldwide, including India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. She also actively contributes as a reviewer for scholarly journals and national grant programs.

Affiliations: She is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the Indonesian Mycorrhizal Association (AMI), Indonesian Microbiology Society (PERMI), and the Indonesian Silviculture Society (MASSI), demonstrating her active engagement with the scientific community.

Dr. Guswarni Anwar exemplifies the integration of research, teaching, and community service, advancing sustainable forestry, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic development in Indonesia.