Thursday, August 21, 2008

We love the earth group 2: Private sector

Art of War, Sun Tzu "He who wishes to fight must first count the cost"

Over the years, several of local private sectors have actively sought the conservation of the reefs. Like all conservation, reef's are not cheap to maintain. Money is put into research and development, publicity and projects. Some members of this group are Keppel Corporation, Singapore Underwater World, Raffles Marina and 1deg15 Marina. These companies have taken up the fight for our corals and they have counted well the cost.

Keppel corporation initiated Singapore's first coporate-sponsored marine environmental project,sponsoring $250,000 over a period of two years. The project aims to set up the first Coral nursery. Volunteer divers from Keppel have a collaboration with NUS divers as acting nannies at the coral nursery. Chores include monitoring of progress and removal of nasty, fouling organisms from the nursery.

It appears that the whole planet's reefs are being decimated. The Planetary Coral Reef Foundation (PCRF) was set-up in 1991 to fight the destruction. As South East Asia contains a major part of coral reefs globally PCRF will also base its operations in Singapore and the region. To accomplish this noble purpose, PCRF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Francis Lee, President of Ra, Raffles marina has also decided to chip in an effort to save the reefs of Singapore.

Another local corporation which brings marine life from the water unto dry land without killing them is Underwater World. “Underwater World Singapore is committed to marine conservation and environmental awareness, through its public education, breeding, rescue and rehabilitation and research initiatives. The joint collaboration with WWF further reinforces our firm belief in corporate social responsibility towards, amongst others, our environmental conservation efforts,” said Chng Hwee Hong, Deputy Chairman of Underwater World Singapore. *Applause*, period. One day we might just get back what we once had. But for now the work in the private sector might leave our reefs to fight another day.

photo from http://www.underwaterworld.com.sg/tellafriend.htm

Jacque and Theophilus finished work at 1:55 PM

______________________________

the marine junkies
Jacque and Theophilus
18071990 / 28081990
NUS High School
NUS Marine Biology Labs

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Nudibranchs drawn by Prof. Chou
(hand drawn! wow!)
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