Earlier letter to NParks

This is the one i (unashamedly) sent to NParks in February (i think) when, to my surprise, advertised for people to deal with biodiversity issues... of cos, there's no response from them, though not that i expected any. Well, never try, never know...

"Ideals for NParks (Singapore)"

Dear Sir,

It was with great pleasure that I knew of NParks' increasing involvement in biodiversity conservation. The career webpage indicates an expansion of NParks' role and scope in this much neglected field, nationally and (suggestively) abroad. This move could not have come at a better time in more ways than one.

Singapore is not well-known internationally for being environmentally conscious. There are few mentions of Singaporeans or of our country's active participation in regional conservation projects, except perhaps for the provision of academic linkages, short-term studies or technological knowledge. It is also of my opinion that the insufficiency of education in ecological and environmental awareness, and inadequate guidance for the enthusiastic few that had brought about the apathetic attitude towards biodiversity and conservation in most singaporeans. The detachment between us (singaporeans in general) and environmental problems are even more apparent with regard to issues further abroad.

I would like to suggest some ideas that may have some effect in bringing about a change in our citizen's mindset, and toward a more significant role for Singapore in the conservation of biodiversity (including habitat protection and management) as a responsible global citizen.

In the 1987 Brundtland report (Our Common Future, World Commission on Environment and Development), the underlying principle of the concept "ecologically sustainable development" or ESD, is the use (and management) of our resources for our needs "without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". I strongly believe that, rather than simply battling today's problems as adults, we should also inform our inheritors the legacy we're leaving for them, good or otherwise. There is no better way than to start off well with the young, our future leaders. A curriculum that incorporates much ecological and environmental education may not be a possibility, given the broad scope of questions posed during major examinations. However, much can be achieved if educators are encouraged to use information from biodiversity and conservation studies as material in teaching, say, language lessons, or assigning mini-group projects. The provision of respected journals such as Science, Nature, Conservation Biology and other titles at the junior college level as supportive teaching tools will do well to stimulate independent thinking as well as generate greater awareness of scientific and environmental issues among the students.

There is a need for greater support of public programs to promote environmental awareness and the importance of being environmentally responsible citizens. For example, the public should know why we should practice the three "R"s - reduce, reuse and recycle, other than the extra trouble of doing so. In Brisbane, Australia, an effective public education method was to have signs and posters in public areas warning that litter in waterways could end up in the Moreton Bay, a protected area that support a multitude of wildlife such as turtles and dugongs as well as seagrass communities. Similarly, singaporeans might want to know that vehicle and industrial emissions have a more global impact in the form of increasing concentration in CO2 and other greenhouse-warming gases in the global atmosphere, other than being detrimental to an individual's health. The list goes on, but the programs should not end just there. Instead, they should suggest what singaporeans can do, and explain using examples of efforts in foreign countries doing their bit to alleviate environmental impacts.

Another positive direction would be for our universities and government bodies, such as NParks, to be greater involved in conservation and management projects in the region. Collaboration in such projects should involved sending of academics and staff as co-workers and joint researchers. This will provide hands-on experiences for Singapore as well as an exchange of ideas between participating countries, especially in areas where urgent help is needed. I believe such joint projects have already been going on, although not very much publicized.

This letter's second objective is to congratulate the creation of career opportunities in the field of biodiversity conservation in Singapore. It will provide an impetus for keen potential students to develop themselves in this area, which previously seems to hold little job prospects. On a more personal note, this is especially welcoming news for me as an environmental science undergraduate that, against current trends in life sciences, majors in ecology. The timing may not be right for me yet, but after years of doubt imposed by my peers and relations on my choice of university education (and career), at least I know now there's something to look forward to back in Singapore, in time to come.

This letter is not intended as a self-promotion for the advertised positions, of which I am obviously not qualified for. However, I would like to express my interest in learning from the appointed biodiversity conservation officers after I return back to Singapore at the end of this year. I will be continuing university studies in a few years time, and hence, would like to be involved through a part-time voluntary internship or attachment. It will equip me with invaluable experience and practical skills when I embark on my honours year and any such opportunities will be gratefully appreciated. I have attached herewith a brief CV and current academic transcript to provide some information on my background and present studies. It will be understandable if this letter is not favourably received or deemed worthy of a response. As such, there is no obligation to reply on your part.

It is my hope that NParks will continue to advance biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness in Singaporeans, and to lead Singapore in becoming a much more responsible global citizen.