Going Green from the Ground Up: Environmental NGOs in Singapore
November 30, 2009 by Kelly Wu
Filed under Green Reporter
Sungei Buloh Wetlands
I asked my friends if they know of any environmental NGOs and many rattled off the international ones like WWF (World Wildlife Fund), IUCN, Nature Conservancy etc.
Lesser people know that, other than these big players, there are also a handful of made-in-Singapore environmental organizations. They may not be at the same magnitude, in terms of range of influence or monetary prowess as the international organizations.
Nonetheless, they are doing some pretty good work and contribute to the local environmental movement in one way or another. So, here’s a little introduction to three of these groups.
Nature Society (Singapore) is probably one of the oldest organizations in Singapore dedicated to nature as a cause. It was formerly known as the Singapore branch of the Malayan Nature Society (formed in 1954) and became Nature Society (Singapore) in 1991.
Starting out in Singapore’s developing years, during a time where environmental conservation is virtually unheard of in Singapore, the group has fought many tough battles for Singapore’s nature heritage and paved the way for newer environmental groups.
Key contributions include persuading the government to preserve Sungei Buloh (which has nature reserve status now) and stop the development of part of Pierce Reservoir into a golf course.
While Nature Society (Singapore) has a green focus, Singapore Environment Council has a more brown focus – on sustainable urban living in Singapore. They are active in engaging corporate groups, schools and communities.
The group is most recognized for administering the Singapore Green Labeling Scheme which award environmentally friendly products with eco-labels. It also has a Schools’ Green Audit program that recognizes good environmental performance in schools. Students are engaged as well as they can take part in the auditing process.
ECO Singapore is a relatively young group (established in 2003) with a young target audience. It aims to encourage active involvement in environmental activities amongst youths in Singapore. The society represents Singapore in many youth environmental networks. The volunteer programs and forums they organize are designed to appeal to youths.
This December, ECO Singapore will be sending a delegation of 21 youths to represent Singapore at the international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen. They hope to lobby other delegates, engage with media and work with international youth to affect change in climate change policy.
Hopefully, more and more people will know of and support our local environmental groups. The focus of the environmental scene of late has been skewed towards international agencies and governments, particularly when it comes to climate change. I mean, look at the hype on Copenhagen – all the talks on which country cutting CO2 emissions by how much.
Yes, agreed, it’s all very important. But let’s not forget the many unsung heroes in the grassroots environmental movement too – even in tiny island Singapore. They may not be up for the next Nobel Peace Prize but in terms of engaging the community and influencing changes in everyday lives, they are priceless.
