tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73689011385324707032024-03-22T11:06:50.675+08:00Singapore Blue Plan 2018Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-21333501527896928442019-10-13T10:30:00.000+08:002018-10-26T07:57:11.528+08:00The Blue Plan is a ground-up initiative that presents the vision of the marine community in Singapore. The Singapore Blue Plan 2018, is the third instalment of the Blue Plan, that is presented to governments every decade.<br />
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The Singapore Blue Plan 2018, published by <a href="http://www.sibiol.org.sg/">SIBiol</a>, is led by marine biologists, and prepared with the broad inclusion of marine scientists, stakeholders and members of the public. Altogether, there are more than 100 contributors to this document.<br />
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We are keen to share the vision of those passionate about the marine environment with you. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Download the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 (5 MB)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UzlaJb645EFlZpSyAW7P-u0GOFNZ52rN" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="464" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v532Ut2UsNMRd_jDQgT6ha0KMHsdo-s-QGot9d6QWtlnMjqbpj2u5ZyBc-4WigYfrI6-u9pDHwfFhv3utnyVHkRhIBd0JKqh0ScnCDIWW0T2JsIaIamkPYEoeljwgvSK1arzY8CYsdwo/s400/download+SGP.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Support the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 - click here!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://singaporeblueplan2018.blogspot.com/p/support.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="464" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcsp__T3PaFG3COc5iG92hNE9T58dDTdmJe31Pp_lYeKAsTcmfnX4RgSHlanbLJqysk3w_ZuC2wqiWLBdHnPs9muC79QQOKgByFe2ceiGpMuDRWtOf3zmG8nZrJJnJrmzwvB9N62Sciuq/s400/support.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-48801781167050554132019-05-21T15:07:00.001+08:002019-05-21T15:07:40.787+08:001-2 June (Sat, Sun): Singapore Blue Plan at the Biodiversity CarnivalThe Singapore Blue Plan will be at the <a href="https://www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary2/c/30307529/result/term/biodiversity" target="_blank">NLB's Biodiversity Carnival</a> on 1-2 June.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejwyrQrgDQkdRfNETlrPyaDMmNuJXesYMqyFuN1JsU_fOuWeO3WSaOaSKl9rZ8yd5ioTLrIraObVNXQ3WergUlNL9zlsg-TqqbuPyHc_hAIg5PJAttEjM-26LOa78VqAkT8aud3WuEv8/s1600/60363851_2334410223440856_5230102394984988672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejwyrQrgDQkdRfNETlrPyaDMmNuJXesYMqyFuN1JsU_fOuWeO3WSaOaSKl9rZ8yd5ioTLrIraObVNXQ3WergUlNL9zlsg-TqqbuPyHc_hAIg5PJAttEjM-26LOa78VqAkT8aud3WuEv8/s400/60363851_2334410223440856_5230102394984988672_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Come to the Singapore Blue Plan booth to learn about Singapore's marine life and the community plans to protect them. AND get marine plushies, prints from hand-carved stamps, and marine colouring sheets!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfKLK3CbE77c4JjUPtq4D66jZwyiHSxE37xo7Tsf2HJP5HTNRTBuZFJwpaKR0Umh2-CjMNWomx_8DBmMYhUz6CEpBrjtQ4vb3hJy-GNNobCNpIkkC13uWhaNXyhIyXxr7EzOgxvzNfrI/s1600/carnival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="908" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfKLK3CbE77c4JjUPtq4D66jZwyiHSxE37xo7Tsf2HJP5HTNRTBuZFJwpaKR0Umh2-CjMNWomx_8DBmMYhUz6CEpBrjtQ4vb3hJy-GNNobCNpIkkC13uWhaNXyhIyXxr7EzOgxvzNfrI/s400/carnival.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/oursingaporereefs/">Our Singapore Reefs</a> will also be giving a talk on "Can we save Singapore's coral reefs?".<br />
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<b>Can We Save Singapore's Coral Reefs?</b><br />
Singapore's marine environment has changed drastically through extensive coastal modification and human activities since the 1960s. Due to such impacts of urbanization, we have since lost more than 60% of coral reefs with our remaining reefs exposed to chronic high sedimentation. Despite such challenges, our corals remain resilient and continue to host a wide array of marine animals. Rediscover what exactly lies under the murky waters in Singapore and how our scientists and the local marine communities are fighting alongside with the corals to ensure their survival in the tough times ahead.<br />
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Sharing by Our Singapore Reefs (OSR), a non-profit organization formed by a community of divers who loves Singapore’s coral reefs.<br />
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This programme is in conjunction with the Biodiversity Carnival at Central Public Library.<br />
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Date: 1 Jun (Sat)<br />
Time: 11am-12noon<br />
Venue: Programme Zone, Central Public Library, 100 Victoria Street, National Library Board, Singapore 188064<br />
More details and registration on the <a href="https://www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary2/e/biodiversity-carnival-can-we-save-singapores-coral-reefs-18785674">NLB website</a>.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-82555207947587258852019-02-26T09:00:00.003+08:002019-03-12T11:09:30.464+08:0016 Mar (Sat): The Singapore Blue Plan joins Celebrating Singapore Shores at Berlayar CreekSave the date! Join the Singapore Blue Plan volunteers and marine community for an evening of fun. FREE, no registration required. Specially for kids and the family with games and prizes, nature walks and films. Share your support for the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 and get these great gifts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsingapore/46448230144/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Plushie sea creatures"><img alt="Plushie sea creatures" height="417" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7874/46448230144_a80ca14539_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddly hand-made marine plushies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAZmtg1CMW73oPvsA3Ghw7oOjrduS_fDX6ruaYtW9TfryfhrkPjoLPHDAT23GMBX2iZAgaDwxV20d7zPyUWmtZ8av_aSC7NExcyAOSzDOEMs1I5ACPdwfWcVeYdxaDo9BBbFNtuV0mPbJ/s1600/jani-prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="750" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAZmtg1CMW73oPvsA3Ghw7oOjrduS_fDX6ruaYtW9TfryfhrkPjoLPHDAT23GMBX2iZAgaDwxV20d7zPyUWmtZ8av_aSC7NExcyAOSzDOEMs1I5ACPdwfWcVeYdxaDo9BBbFNtuV0mPbJ/s640/jani-prints.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special marine prints from hand-crafted stamps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLprNGGQsZDhXysIoIugUKRA9DY1kdno2u12S7vHeMGYy2NOyuVQDeTBoxb-6ELOivoWpGu3xVanZpoK6X8839muv9bkIdfTvJLNVGDoEfvK_gr63RrGkpZWp_4H3V-6wLvBgRnf73uxE/s1600/sbp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="842" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLprNGGQsZDhXysIoIugUKRA9DY1kdno2u12S7vHeMGYy2NOyuVQDeTBoxb-6ELOivoWpGu3xVanZpoK6X8839muv9bkIdfTvJLNVGDoEfvK_gr63RrGkpZWp_4H3V-6wLvBgRnf73uxE/s640/sbp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special colouring sheets!</td></tr>
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<br />Meet more than 20 marine community groups who will share about our mangroves, seagrasses, reefs, fascinating wildlife and more! Find out more about their work and how you can be a part of it.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Save the date and see you there!<br />
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Date: 16 March 2019 (Saturday) First day of March school holidays.<br />
Venue: Berlayar Creek Boardwalk (next to Labrador Park MRT Station) to Marina at Keppel Bay<br />
Time: 4pm – 8pm<br />
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More details on the <a href="https://celebratingsingaporeshores.blogspot.com/2019/02/16-mar-sat-celebrating-singapore-shores.html">Celebrating Singapore Shores blog</a>.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-47387307475845008472018-12-19T09:20:00.001+08:002019-02-26T09:04:04.249+08:00"A Blueprint For Blue Waters" - Asian Scientist MagazineThe Singapore Blue Plan 2018 was featured in <a href="http://www.asianscientist.com/2018/12/features/singapore-blueprint-blue-waters/">"A Blueprint For Blue Waters"</a> in the Asian Scientist Magazine 18 Dec 2018.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsingapore/31086685594/in/album-72157698747301192/" title="Rocky shores of St John's Island"><img alt="Rocky shores of St John's Island" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/256/31086685594_3550b0c474_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
In an interview, lead editor Dr. Zeehan Jaafar of the National University of Singapore shared insights into how the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 was developed, how conservation will be carried out for the recommended areas. As well as a comparison with earlier Blue Plans and what the 2018 Singapore Blue Plan is expected to achieve in 10 years' time.<br />
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Read more in <a href="http://www.asianscientist.com/2018/12/features/singapore-blueprint-blue-waters/">"A Blueprint For Blue Waters"</a> in the Asian Scientist Magazine 18 Dec 2018.<br />
<br />Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-63478217259297103912018-11-08T10:09:00.002+08:002019-02-26T09:04:14.071+08:002 Dec (Sun): Let’s Act on the Singapore Blue Plan 2018!Join this FREE workshop to put the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 into action! Share your ideas. Be part of the change that you want to see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtycUTVqHTBDJuepqqURArrknR1uX7bzkgE2BSbfDwdlQgPhubbo4juSyfveo4HzC1u1gtayav0_ja2Y6yNCYexfFQCq2BRVXzaAO328d74OzIgG33zbXvGAxx0K7dq1Ki1C47fD8gd80/s1600/lepak-worshop.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="462" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtycUTVqHTBDJuepqqURArrknR1uX7bzkgE2BSbfDwdlQgPhubbo4juSyfveo4HzC1u1gtayav0_ja2Y6yNCYexfFQCq2BRVXzaAO328d74OzIgG33zbXvGAxx0K7dq1Ki1C47fD8gd80/s640/lepak-worshop.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
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This workshop will focus one of the six recommendations in the Blue Plan: Environmental Education and Science Communication.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Zeehan Jaafar, Lead editor of the Blue Plan, along with Theresa Su, Grace Lim, Sam Shu Qin, and Lee Yen-Ling, will share the recommendation to "include topics on natural environment into school syllabus and promote science communication". <br />
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They are keen to hear your thoughts and ideas on how these recommendations can be best achieved during the breakout discussion groups.<br />
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<li>Environmental Education in Formal School Syllabus: led by Theresa Su</li>
<li>Enrichment Activities and Environmental Literacy: led by Grace Lim</li>
<li>Science Communication: led by Sam Shu Qin</li>
<li>Infographics and Outreach: led by Lee Yen-Ling</li>
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DOWNLOAD the Plan, SUPPORT the Plan!<br />
<a href="https://singaporeblueplan2018.blogspot.com/">https://singaporeblueplan2018.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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The workshop is FREE but registration required <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXlNIpVzauIBDhekkH5WM8fAsgw4X3PK-UI_Nhdg2chqbvaA/viewform" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Date: 2 Dec 2018 (Sun)<br />
Time: 3pm - 5pm<br />
Venue: <a href="https://www.cdlsustainability.com/singapore-sustainability-academy/">Singapore Sustainability Academy</a> (City Square Mall, Level 6)<br />
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Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/891595864381433/">facebook event page</a> for updates.<br />
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This workshop is organised by youths of <a href="https://lepakinsg.wordpress.com/">Lepak In SG</a> for <a href="http://celebratingsingaporeshores.blogspot.sg/p/what-is-international-year-of-reef-2018.html">International Year of the Reef 2018</a>.<br />
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<b>What happened ...</b><br />
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More than 50 people gathered on a Sunday afternoon to workshop ways to act on the Blue Plan's recommendation to "include topics on natural environment into school syllabus and promote science communication".<br />
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We are touched by the great response to the first workshop after the Blue Plan was launched just 6 weeks ago.<br />
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Thanks to all participants for enthusiastic sharing of expertise and ideas, and offer of support! The Blue Plan is off to the a great start!<br />
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Special thanks to <a href="https://lepakinsg.wordpress.com/">Lepak In SG</a> for organising the workshop, venue sponsor <a href="https://www.cdlsustainability.com/">Singapore Sustainability Academy</a>, and all facilitators!<br />
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="746" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmedia%2Fset%2F%3Fset%3Da.10156010311913595%26type%3D3&width=400&show_text=true&appId=108362335868324&height=746" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe>Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-81798709155927076032018-10-26T08:47:00.000+08:002018-10-26T09:12:31.895+08:00Commentary on the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 for the Straits Times, 18 Oct 2018On behalf of the Editorial Committee, Dr Zeehan Jaafar submitted the following as an opinion piece in the Straits Times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hlf14a7HTG3HDSbkHZE7yYor6V8UPmTTnmxNTyvojuROI9fhzIlqM6WCXh5Dk66p7-7sAxEOceQAveYFCjsFGr5wbPW9IH4wMet43qt-ziC0ZByIHoJQZ_yQD2McjCk8v8iLAaPRvRfS/s1600/7181888175_45a3a4cd10_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="947" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hlf14a7HTG3HDSbkHZE7yYor6V8UPmTTnmxNTyvojuROI9fhzIlqM6WCXh5Dk66p7-7sAxEOceQAveYFCjsFGr5wbPW9IH4wMet43qt-ziC0ZByIHoJQZ_yQD2McjCk8v8iLAaPRvRfS/s640/7181888175_45a3a4cd10_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living reefs of Kusu Island with the Central Business District on the horizon.<br />
Photo by Ria Tan.</td></tr>
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Singapore is an island nation, and the lives of many Singaporeans are intertwined with the sea.. Every day, coastal and marine areas here are used by thousands of people, for work and for play.<br />
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The impact of these activities on marine ecosystems is significant. Yet rich biodiversity still persists in our waters.<br />
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These marine areas deserve protection — not for the sake of nature alone — but also for our own health and future success. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Coastal spaces and offshore islands offer us a respite from urban life and contribute to our well being and national identity. Healthy marine ecosystems also provide services such as clean coastal waters important for aquaculture and desalination, and protection from coastal erosion.<br />
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Their sustainable management will strengthen Singapore’s reputation as a global maritime hub and a smart, eco-conscious city.<br />
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These are some of the premises upon which the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 - an effort to protect the marine environment - proposed recommendations to the government this month.<br />
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Responding to the ground-up initiative, the Government has said it will see how it can work with the marine community to realise common goals.<br />
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This is the third blue plan: earlier recommendations were submitted to the Government in 2001 and 2009, and the latest effort is the most comprehensive to date. Led by five marine biologists, and with over 100 contributors, the document includes - for the first time - scientific and legislative data to support the proposed recommendations.<br />
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The recommendations are made in the spirit of ensuring long-term benefits to the country’s marine areas.<br />
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Incorporating basic environmental science concepts into the formal school curriculum is one proposal. Students learn about local culture and history in school, but little of Singapore’s natural environments. The biodiversity here, including that of marine organisms, is unique. For instance, many may not know that our mangroves are home to one of the smallest fish species in the world.<br />
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Including environmental science and the ecological roles of native organisms into the formal curriculum ensures that we understand natural processes, and the implications of a changing climate.<br />
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In Blue Plan 2018, in addition to coral reefs — the main focus of earlier years’ recommendations — habitat types such as seagrass meadows and mangrove areas are also proposed for preservation. The protection of island clusters, instead of specific coral reef areas, is recommended for the first time to ensure that interconnectivity between habitats is preserved.<br />
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Protecting larger, interconnected islands also allows zoning for different uses within the area, an important principle that the Blue Plan 2018 advocates. Take Pulau Ubin, for example. If it is gazetted for protection, visitors to the island would still be able to enjoy the same activities, including fishing and kayaking. Limited access zones would be restricted only to biologically sensitive sites to minimise trampling effects from human visitors.<br />
As Singaporeans, we recognise the immense pressure on our limited land and sea areas. When deciding between reclamation or preservation at a coral reef site, for example, difficult decisions have to be made.<br />
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These decisions must be made carefully, and after active engagement sessions between the community and the government. Coming to a collective decision may be a laborious process but it allows for stakeholders and government agencies to state and justify their positions. Realisation of the multiple present and potential uses of our natural areas is important in order to understand the value of what would be lost, so that we know what to save.<br />
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The commitment displayed by the Government to find a balance between infrastructure development and conservation of biodiversity and habitats is laudable.<br />
Today, many community-led and Government-backed initiatives such as coastal and reef clean-ups, mangrove and coral restoration efforts, and the annual Pesta Ubin festival to rediscover the island’s charms, all enhance community spirit.<br />
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Such activities are important because openness in communication paves the way for public stewardship of natural areas.<br />
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Several recommendations proposed in the previous Blue Plan 2009 have been implemented by the Government. Key among them was the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS) organised by the National Parks Board and National University of Singapore, which ran from 2010 to 2015.<br />
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More than 350 surveys were conducted in the Johor and Singapore Straits, uncovering a rich biodiversity of over 1,100 species, including many new ones. Another significant milestone was the designation of Sisters’ Islands as a Marine Park.<br />
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It is our hope that the recommendations made in the Blue Plan 2018 can be realised through active partnership and collaboration between the community and government agencies.<br />
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The Blue Plan 2018 also advances platforms where interested members of the public and the Government can continue the dialogue, because these issues affect all citizens. The Blue Plan calls for greater transparency and accountability in environmental governance, and the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment.<br />
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Development in fragile ecosystems that threatens endangered species must be considered with feedback from the community so we do not lose our natural and national heritage.<br />
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Often, when discussing some of the impacts to the marine environment, we are met with an air of resignation over how little can be achieved as an individual.<br />
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But the reality is quite the opposite: an individual wields incredible power.<br />
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Borrowing from Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee’s speech at the launch of the Blue Plan 2018 on Saturday: “You cannot protect what you don’t love, and you can’t love what you don’t know.”<br />
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If you are interested in protecting marine areas, visit coastal and marine parks, as well as wetland reserves. Be involved in community initiatives such as coastal and reef cleanups or participate in guided walks. Share what you experiences and observations with your family and friends.<br />
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Resources on the Internet including websites of <a href="https://www.nparks.gov.sg/">National Parks Board</a>, <a href="http://celebratingsingaporeshores.blogspot.com/">Celebrating Singapore’s Shores</a>, and <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/">wildsingapore.com</a>, provide ample information on these areas<br />
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The launch of the Blue Plan 2018 is just the beginning of our collective journey.<br />
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There is still much we do not know of our marine areas. Continued work to understand the processes within marine ecosystems is crucial to effectively manage them, especially in areas with competing uses. Available scientific data, in an accessible format, must be shared with the public so that there is good awareness of our heritage.<br />
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The Singapore Blue Plan 2018 envisages a Singapore that celebrates and cherishes her marine heritage. And we can only do this together.<br />
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About the writer: Dr Zeehan Jaafar is the lead editor of the Singapore Blue Plan. She is a marine biologist whose research focuses on the diversity, ecology, and evolution of fishes. Concerned over the rapid losses of natural coastal areas of the region, she co-authored a book “Endangered Forested Wetlands of Sundaland” that provides an overview of the current status of, and approaches to,conservation efforts for coastal areas of the region. She is a lecturer at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore.<br />
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The final commentary was carried on 18 Oct 2018 in the Straits Times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click on image for larger view</td></tr>
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<br />Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-58716948841509696562018-10-26T08:20:00.001+08:002018-10-26T13:22:43.085+08:00Launch of the Singapore Blue Plan 2018, 13 Oct 2018The Singapore Blue Plan 2018 was launched on 13 Oct 2018 by the Guest of Honour, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development. Members of the community, agencies and stakeholders were invited. More than 100 people from about 30 groups attended.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Dr Tan Heok Hui</td></tr>
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After a warm Welcome Address by Prof. Peter Ng, Minister Desmond Lee shared his thoughts on the Blue Plan. Among his key points, he said "our agencies will carefully study the recommendations in detail, discuss and engage the editors and community, and see how we can take this forward together. We have come a long way in our nature conservation journey, and it is only with the same spirit of openness and collaboration that can we continue to make progress to protect our biodiversity"<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Prof. Chou Loke Ming then gave the historical account of the first and second Blue Plan in 2001 and 2009 respectively, while Mr Francis Lee provided personal insights into marine conservation in Singapore. <br />
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Dr. Zeehan Jaafar then summarised the steps taken to prepare the Singapore Blue Plan 2018. She shared how information were solicited from academics, environmental lawyers, and stakeholders; and from these, how recommendations were parsed. In addition to going over the six recommendations of the Blue Plan 2018, she emphasised the importance of collaboration between multiple stakeholders to implement these recommendations.<br />
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Prof. Leo Tan concluded the ceremony with an inspiring speech by calling on Singaporeans to protect the remaining natural areas and biodiversity.<br />
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The Blue Plan was launched online at 10.30am for free download and support.<br />
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The Launch was well covered in the mainstream media<br />
<ul>
<li>TODAY Online - <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/conservation-spores-marine-ecosystems-starts-home-say-experts">Conservation of S'pore's marine ecosystems 'starts at home', say experts</a></li>
<li>The Straits Times - <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-blue-plan-to-preserve-more-of-singapores-marine-landscape">New Blue Plan to preserve more of Singapore's marine landscape</a></li>
<li>Channel News Asia - <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-blue-plan-coastal-areas-proposed-for-conservation-10824314">Three coastal areas proposed for conservation in the Singapore Blue Plan</a></li>
<li>Channel News Asia - <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/videos/three-coastal-areas-proposed-for-conservation-in-singapore-blue-10824354">Three coastal areas proposed for conservation in the Singapore Blue Plan | Video</a></li>
<li>The Straits Times - <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/conservationists-set-out-blue-plan-to-preserve-marine-landscape">Conservationists set out Blue Plan to preserve marine landscape</a></li>
<li>The Straits Times - <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/semakau-not-just-a-landfill-but-full-of-life">Semakau - not just a landfill, but full of life</a></li>
<li>Channel 8 News - <a href="https://www.channel8news.sg/news8/singapore/20181013-sg-singapore-blue-plan/4153340.html">《新加坡蓝色计划2018》建议扩大保护区 修复我国海洋生态</a></li>
<li>Berita Harian - <a href="https://www.beritaharian.sg/setempat/memastikan-singapura-kekal-biru-hijau">Memastikan Singapura kekal biru & hijau</a></li>
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="702" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCelebratingSingaporeShores%2Fposts%2F1937430746352591&width=400&show_text=true&appId=108362335868324&height=702" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><br />
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These articles are also on the <a href="http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2018/10/conservation-of-singapores-marine.html">wildsingapore news blog</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Photos of the Launch</span></b><br />
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</b> <b>By Minister Desmond Lee</b><br />
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="714" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdesmondtslee%2Fposts%2F2508124922531768&width=400&show_text=true&appId=108362335868324&height=714" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<b>By Dr Tan Heok Hui</b><br />
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="651" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmedia%2Fset%2F%3Fset%3Da.1940877316007934%26type%3D3&width=400&show_text=true&appId=108362335868324&height=651" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<b>By Karl Png</b><br />
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="627" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmedia%2Fset%2F%3Fset%3Da.1926511637444502%26type%3D3&width=400&show_text=true&appId=108362335868324&height=627" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><br />Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368901138532470703.post-73912411196160741412018-09-03T07:33:00.000+08:002018-10-26T09:13:00.067+08:00First Symposium on the Singapore Blue Plan 2018, 4 Nov 2017The first Symposium on the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 was held on 4 Nov 2017 by the Blue Plan 2018 Editorial Team and Working Committee for International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2018 Singapore. Members of the community, stakeholders, and those interested to contribute to the Blue Plan 2018 were invited. More than 80 people from about 35 groups attended.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Key issues discussed included the aims of The Blue Plan 2018, and on how best conserve the remaining coastal and marine areas in Singapore. <br />
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The Symposium began with addresses by seasoned conservationists Prof Peter Ng, Prof Chou Loke Ming and Mr Francis Lee. They shared the inspiring history of marine advocacy with details on work and submissions that had been made in decades past.<br />
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The lead editor of The Blue Plan 2018, Dr. Zeehan Jaafar, then introduced the team of editors, and proposed a work flow for submission and feedback of documents from contributors. <br />
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There was also an introduction to <a href="http://celebratingsingaporeshores.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html">outreach plans for IYOR 2018</a> by Dr. Neo Mei Lin, and to offer <a href="http://celebratingsingaporeshores.blogspot.com/p/why-are-internships-being-offered-as.html">IYOR internships</a> by Ms Ria Tan.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.com