Nurturing the next generation of environmental managers

06 Aug 2009

The NUS Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR), ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and the West Zone Centre of Excellence for Science and Technology (WZCOE) are working together in cultivating Singapore's next generation of naturalists and environmental managers through the Nature Explorers' Programme. Aimed at Primary Four to first-year Junior College students from local schools nationwide, this initiative is designed to inspire experiential learning and creative thinking in participants, as well as to instill in them a greater awareness of the richness of Singapore's biodiversity.

The Nature Explorers' Programme was launched in NUS by Minister for Environment and Water Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim on 5 August 2009. The collaboration is expected to reach out to approximately 300 students each year. A pilot programme involving 299 students from 23 primary and secondary schools began in January this year and response from the participants were very positive. At the launch ceremony, Dr Yaacob presented certificates and naturalists' kits to 30 of the most outstanding participants from the pioneer batch of the programme.

RMBR Director Prof Peter Ng said education is the way to saving our biodiversity and the young must be keen to engage in this effort. He added: "Only when this can be done, humankind will have a hope for sustainable survival on this planet. The present collaboration between NUS and ExxonMobil will contribute substantially to grooming Singapore's next generation of environmental managers."

General Manager of the ExxonMobil Singapore Refinery Mr Darrin Talley said: "ExxonMobil is excited to be involved in this project to nurture and support young budding nature explorers. Singapore has a wealth of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. Through this programme, we hope to engage and educate students on the rich biodiversity that exists on our shores."

Annually, the best 30 nature explorers will be selected out of the batch of 300 students and offered the chance to participate in a four-day study camp at Pulau Tioman. Through the camp, the students will have the opportunity to interact with scientists and experienced naturalists as well as conduct research projects and field studies. Those with keen interest in biodiversity studies will also have the chance to participate in internships and research attachments with NUS scientists and be involved in other research and nature-based projects with RMBR.

The Nature Explorer's Programme is expected to receive its second batch of students in January next year.