Researchers from the Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran, led by Dr. Susanti Withaningsih, conducted a groundbreaking study examining the relationship between environmental factors and flying insect diversity across different land use types in Paseh District, Sumedang Regency, West Java. Utilizing field surveys and advanced statistical tools, the team cataloged 115 insect species across mixed gardens, plantations, rice fields, and other land uses. Findings revealed that mixed gardens supported the highest insect diversity. Key environmental drivers included temperature, which was positively correlated with diversity across all land uses, wind speed (beneficial in gardens), humidity, and altitude (which showed nuanced, land-use-specific effects).

These insights carry profound implications for sustainable development in the region. By clarifying how microclimate and land-use patterns influence vital insect biodiversity—central to pollination, natural pest control, and ecosystem health—this research supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 15 (Life on Land) – highlighting how diverse landscape use can preserve vital insect communities essential for terrestrial ecosystem integrity.

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that uphold insect-mediated services crucial for crop productivity and soil health.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – by providing evidence that can inform ecologically-sensitive land-use planning, enhancing biodiversity in human-dominated landscapes.