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NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2011 THE PANDA TIMES INSIDE THIS EDITION: Using Forests Wisely WWF calls for poaching to stop on World Rhino Day The Inaugural Asia Pacific One Planet Leaders © Sanchez & Lope / WWF-Canon hile taking the bus or MRT, did you notice the latest WWF Singapore ads displayed at selected bus shelters or MRT Stations? And if so, are you wondering what the kitchen table, fridge or sandwich has to do with conservation? Well, many of these everyday items that we eat, wear and use are connected to our natural environment and the local communities that depend on it. Our immediate world and lifestyle can only survive if the planet continues to do. Look out for these ads. W The world is where you live. Help us look aſter it. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED The fridge needs help. Much of the energy we need to power it produces waste, pollutes the atmosphere and changes the climate. SMS “climate” to 9888 9992 and find out how you can help us look after the world where you live. The tuna in your sandwich needs help. Many species are being overfished driving them to the brink of collapse. SMS “fish” to 9888 9992 and find out how you can help us look after the world where you live. 1

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NOVEMBERNEWSLETTER

2011

THE PANDA TIMES

INSIDE THIS EDITION:Using Forests WiselyWWF calls for poaching to stop on World Rhino Day The Inaugural Asia Pacif ic One Planet Leaders

© S

anch

ez &

Lop

e / W

WF-

Can

on

hile taking the bus or MRT, did you notice the latest WWF Singapore ads displayed at selected bus shelters or MRT Stations? And if so, are you wondering what the kitchen table, fridge or sandwich has to do with conservation?

Well, many of these everyday items that we eat, wear and use are connected to our natural environment and the local communities that depend on it. Our immediate world and lifestyle can only survive if the planet continues to do. Look out for these ads.

WThe world is where you live. Help us look a�er it.

WE ARE ALL CONNECTED

The fridge needs help. Much of the energy we need to power it produces waste, pollutes the atmosphere and changes the climate.

SMS “climate” to 9888 9992 and find out how you can help us look after the world where you live.

The tuna in your sandwich needs help. Many species are being overfished driving them to the brink of collapse.

SMS “fish” to 9888 9992 and find out how you can help us look after the world where you live.

1

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THE PANDA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2011

WWF Singapore thanks MediaCorp Pte Ltd and SMRT Investments Pte Ltd for their kind support towards these outdoor media ads. If you like these ads and you want to know about how we are all connected or what you can do to reduce your impact on our environment, visit www.wwf.sg for more details.

The kitchen table needs help. The wood that is used to make it often comes at the expense of tropical forests and the wildlife that lives in them. SMS “forest” to 9888 9992 and find out how you can help us look after the world where you live.

These kings of the animal kingdom need help. Despite their strength and cunningness, they are no match for a poacher’s rifle.

SMS “tiger” to 9888 9992 and find out how you can help us look after the world where you live.

Upcoming EventsLook out for our upcoming roadshows in the month of November and December.

MINI EARTH-DIY SOLUTIONS ROADSHOWCheck out what you can do to help save our planet home by embarking on these simple DIY solutions.

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD ROADSHOWLearn more about sustainable seafood and what it means when you choose MSC certified seafood.

LOVE OUR FOREST ROADSHOWTell us what you hope for the forests of the world and hang your well wishes on the WWF christmas tree.

VENUE DATE

31 Oct - 13 Nov 2011Wisma Atria (Atrium)

Ikea Tampines and Alexandra

Suntec City (Fountain)

1 - 30 Nov 2011

16 - 30 Nov 2011

5 - 6 Nov 2011

12 - 13 Nov 2011

19 - 20 Nov 2011

26 - 27 Nov 2011

Cold Storage Jelita

Cold Storage Great World City

Cold Storage Kallang Leisure Park

Cold Storage Katong Mall

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USING FORESTS WISELY

reshly brewed coffee on a lazy weekend morning. Children drawing pictures or blowing out

the candles on their birthday cake. Lingering over a home-cooked meal, enjoying conversation late into the night.

But could you enjoy them in the same way if you knew species were dying out as their rainforest home was destroyed to provide the timber for your table?

What if indigenous people were moved off their land to get at the wood your table was made from?

What’s at stake?Forests are cradles of life – around four-fifths of all land species live in tropical forests. They play a vital role in regulating our climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and help maintain our soil and water.

Forests directly support around 1.6 billion people – nearly a quarter of the world’s population. And we all rely on them for the air we breathe and the countless products they provide.

F© Edward Parker

But over the last half-century, people have destroyed forests at an alarming rate. We’ve already lost around half of the world’s original forests.

The story so far In the early 1990s, WWF campaigned to stop the timber industry destroying and degrading the world’s forests.

At the time, few businesses believed they were responsible for where their timber came from. Those that did claim to sell products from well-managed forests had no way of proving it.

“Businesses didn’t think the environment was their concern,” recalls Jean-Paul Jeanrenaud, who led WWF-UK’s work on forests at the time.

“We had chief executives slamming the phone down on us. I even had people threaten to punch me.”

But things have changed. In September 1991, British DIY chain B&Q committed to working with WWF to buy only legal, sustainable timber. By the end of that year, 16 large UK companies had

3

committed to sourcing their timber products from well-managed forests.

That was the beginning of WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network. Today, it’s a global partnership of some 275 retailers, producers, community groups and other organizations from across the forest industry supply chain. Members are committed to safeguarding the world’s forests and the communities, economies and ecosystems that depend on them.

But there was a need to turn those commitments into reality. So in 1993, WWF helped form the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to certify timber and wood-based products that meet high environmental and social standards.

For a forest to be FSC certified, independent inspectors check that it meets the FSC’s strict criteria. All trees that are cut down have to be replaced or allowed to re-grow naturally, and parts of the forest are left untouched. The rights of indigenous people are respected, and local workers are employed on a decent salary. Often, companies support other

The kitchen table is the scene for some of the simple, innocent joys of life. social services, such as schools and clinics.

Inspectors also check every stage along the supply chain, so you can be sure that any product that bears the FSC logo is good for forests, people and wildlife.

What next?Today, 81 countries have FSC certified forests, but it means that 90% of products are still uncertified.

We believe some areas of forest need to be protected from any commercial logging. We’re supporting responsible forestry alongside protected areas to help conserve the world’s most important forests.

For example, in Borneo, we’re working to conserve and restore the “Heart of Borneo,” a 220,000 sq km area of the island’s species-rich rainforest. Currently, some 20,000 sq km is already FSC certified or in the process of certification. By 2020, we want the entire Heart of Borneo area to be protected or managed sustainably.

What you can doBuy any wood-based products or paper products that have the FSC label. By doing so, you know you’re not threatening the countless species and people that depend on the world’s forests.

If you don’t see the FSC logo, ask the store or manufacturer why not. Make sure they realize that you as a customer want to know that the products you buy don’t destroy forests. This message will swiftly get back to their suppliers.

THE PANDA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2011

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SMS “forest” to9888 9992 and help us

look after our forest

reshly brewed coffee on a lazy weekend morning. Children drawing pictures or blowing out

the candles on their birthday cake. Lingering over a home-cooked meal, enjoying conversation late into the night.

But could you enjoy them in the same way if you knew species were dying out as their rainforest home was destroyed to provide the timber for your table?

What if indigenous people were moved off their land to get at the wood your table was made from?

What’s at stake?Forests are cradles of life – around four-fifths of all land species live in tropical forests. They play a vital role in regulating our climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and help maintain our soil and water.

Forests directly support around 1.6 billion people – nearly a quarter of the world’s population. And we all rely on them for the air we breathe and the countless products they provide.

But over the last half-century, people have destroyed forests at an alarming rate. We’ve already lost around half of the world’s original forests.

The story so far In the early 1990s, WWF campaigned to stop the timber industry destroying and degrading the world’s forests.

At the time, few businesses believed they were responsible for where their timber came from. Those that did claim to sell products from well-managed forests had no way of proving it.

“Businesses didn’t think the environment was their concern,” recalls Jean-Paul Jeanrenaud, who led WWF-UK’s work on forests at the time.

“We had chief executives slamming the phone down on us. I even had people threaten to punch me.”

But things have changed. In September 1991, British DIY chain B&Q committed to working with WWF to buy only legal, sustainable timber. By the end of that year, 16 large UK companies had

committed to sourcing their timber products from well-managed forests.

That was the beginning of WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network. Today, it’s a global partnership of some 275 retailers, producers, community groups and other organizations from across the forest industry supply chain. Members are committed to safeguarding the world’s forests and the communities, economies and ecosystems that depend on them.

But there was a need to turn those commitments into reality. So in 1993, WWF helped form the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to certify timber and wood-based products that meet high environmental and social standards.

For a forest to be FSC certified, independent inspectors check that it meets the FSC’s strict criteria. All trees that are cut down have to be replaced or allowed to re-grow naturally, and parts of the forest are left untouched. The rights of indigenous people are respected, and local workers are employed on a decent salary. Often, companies support other

social services, such as schools and clinics.

Inspectors also check every stage along the supply chain, so you can be sure that any product that bears the FSC logo is good for forests, people and wildlife.

What next?Today, 81 countries have FSC certified forests, but it means that 90% of products are still uncertified.

We believe some areas of forest need to be protected from any commercial logging. We’re supporting responsible forestry alongside protected areas to help conserve the world’s most important forests.

For example, in Borneo, we’re working to conserve and restore the “Heart of Borneo,” a 220,000 sq km area of the island’s species-rich rainforest. Currently, some 20,000 sq km is already FSC certified or in the process of certification. By 2020, we want the entire Heart of Borneo area to be protected or managed sustainably.

What you can doBuy any wood-based products or paper products that have the FSC label. By doing so, you know you’re not threatening the countless species and people that depend on the world’s forests.

If you don’t see the FSC logo, ask the store or manufacturer why not. Make sure they realize that you as a customer want to know that the products you buy don’t destroy forests. This message will swiftly get back to their suppliers.

FACTS AND STATS

1.3 million sq km – area of forest certified by the FSC. That’s an area more than twice the size of France.

81 – number of countries with FSC- certified forests.

40% – forest area of Europe and North America certified by the FSC.

US$73bn – annual sales of forest- based products by members of our Global Forest & Trade Network.

© Edward Parker / WWF-Canon

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DID YOU KNOW?Just 10 years ago, only 300 sq km of forest in Russia was FSC-certified. Today, it’s 260,000 sq km – a quarter of its commercial forests.

THE PANDA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2011

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MAIN LINE :

+65 6730 8100FAX :

+65 6730 8122

354 Tanglin Road #02-11, Tanglin International Centre, Singapore 247672

WWF SINGAPORE IS NOW AT

MOVEDWE HAVE

NEWS

laine Tan comes to WWF Singapore with valuable experience in the

non-governmental organization (NGO) space holding key appointments at the Breast Cancer Foundation and World Vision Singapore. She was primarily responsible for the significant growth of World Vision Singapore during her

tenure with the latter. Her more than 18 years in marketing and communications started with a career in the public service leading strategic communications.

Elaine joins WWF Singapore at an opportune time in its development as the organisation continues to grow its engagement with supporters and forge strong relationships with stakeholders in Singapore to engender a future for both people and nature. We look forward to having Elaine's expertise guide the leadership for WWF Singapore .

WWF Singapore, CEO

E

Ms Yvonne Goh, WWF Singapore board member unveiled the panda painting to mark the inauguration of the new office.

n 20 Oct, WWF celebrated five years of business in Singapore and the inauguration of our new office. It was also an opportunity for WWF Singapore to welcome our new chief

operating officer, Ms Elaine Tan as well as bid farewell to the outgoing managing director, Ms Amy Ho who has been instrumental in establishing WWF Singapore.

That evening, close to 50 guests attended a small reception party at our new office. It was a simple and relaxing event where guests had a good time networking with one another and touring the new office premise. Dr Chris Hails, Chairman of WWF Singapore gave a short address thanking the Economic Development Board for facilitating the move, as well as to our partners for their support over the past 5 years. Our new CEO, Ms Elaine Tan then spoke about the pressing need for individuals and businesses to take charge and that everyone has to a part to play in protecting the health our planet for future generations.

OWWF Singapore Celebrates Milestones

WWF calls for poaching to stop on World Rhino Day WF called for an end to rhino poaching on World Rhino Day which fell on 22 September.

South Africa has lost at least 287 rhinos in 2011, including 16 or more critically endangered black rhinos.

Officials in South Africa, home to most of the world’s rhinos, have responded to the recent poaching crisis by increasing protection for rhinos, conducting more rigorous prosecutions, and imposing stricter sentences on wildlife criminals. Law enforcement officials have made over 165 arrests this year, and some convicted poachers have been sentenced to up to 12 years in prison.

“Asian and African governments must work together to disrupt trade chains and to bring wildlife criminals to justice,” said Dr Morne du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa. “Demand for rhino horn and elephant ivory is threatening to destroy a large part of Africa’s natural heritage. We want to see illegal markets for these products in Asia shut down for good,” he added.

W

This year at least 287 rhinos have been killed in South Africa. Among them are 16 critically endangered Black Rhinos.

© Martin Harvey / WWF-Canon

THE PANDA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2011

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Melting Sea Ice Forcing Polar Bears to Swim Longer Distances, Finds New Study

Sea ice loss from climate change is causing polar bears to swim longer distances to find stable ice or reach

land, resulting in greater risk to their cubs, according to a new paper co-authored by Geoff York, WWF Polar Bear expert.

Between 2004 and 2009, researchers collected data from 68 GPS collars deployed on adult female polar bears. Combining satellite imagery of sea ice,

they were able to identify incidences of bears swimming more than 30 miles at a time. In the 6-year period, the research team identified 50 long-distance swimming events involving 20 polar bears where the bears were found to be swimming up to 426 miles and up to 12.7 days.

Eleven of the polar bears that swam long distances had young cubs at the time of collar deployment, and 5 of those bears

© M

artin

Har

vey

/ WW

F-C

anon

recent tiger population estimation exercise showed that the numbers of the highly

endangered big cat in India have increased.

The estimated population of 1,706 individual tigers represents a 20% increase from the last survey conducted in 2006 which counted approximately 1,411 tigers. The increase is based on the survey of additional areas as well as an increase in the number of tigers within high-density populations.

These results are the highlights of the Indian Government’s report – Status of Tigers, co predators and prey in India 2010.

Despite the good news, the detailed report warns that tigers are still in danger due to an overall 12.6% loss of habitat. This means that more tigers are being squeezed into smaller areas which could lead to a lack of dispersal and consequent loss of genetic exchange between populations as well as an increase in human-tiger conflict.

ANEWS

While poaching may cause individual tiger populations to be wiped out, they can be re-established by reintroductions as seen in the Sariska and Panna Reserves. “However, once habitats are lost, it is almost impossible to claim them back for restoration,” said Dr YV Jhala, lead author of the report.

The report further states that tigers require good forests and prey, along with undisturbed breeding areas, for long-term survival. It is hoped that the recommendations in the report will lead to planning decisions that balance India’s long-term development needs with conservation concerns to secure a future for the country’s most iconic species.

Climate change is pulling the sea ice out from under polar bears’ feet, forcing some to swim longer

distances to find food and habitat.

© F

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ois

Pie

rrel

/ W

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lost their cubs during swimming — a 45% mortality rate. In contrast, only 18% of the cubs died when they were not compelled to swim long distances with their mother.

India’s tigers gain numbersbut not ground

Its Latin name is Ursus maritimus which means 'sea bear'. They weigh between 352 – 680 kg and can grow up to 3 m in length.

Long distance swimming puts polar bears at risk of drowning due to fatigue or rough seas. Like humans, polar bears can’t close off their nasal passages so they are at risk of drowning in rough water. Cubs face greater risk. Their smaller body size and limited body fat leaves them more prone to hypothermia, and they don’t have the energy reserves of an adult bear.

Artic sea ice extent has dropped to record low levels in July 2011; sea ice volume is now 47% lower than 1979 levels when satellite records began. (Source: University of Washington Polar Bear Science Center).

More about Polar Bears

THE PANDA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2011

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© WWF Singapore

GET INVOLVEDT-shirts, bags…all for a good cause

In addition to selling the merchandise, the group also gave out WWF postcards and seafood guides to remind the public about eating sustainable seafood. They also showed a presentation on some of the environmental problems that is happening around the world and what WWF is doing.

Thank you ladies, your passion and dedication towards conservation will make a difference in our work.

Note: If you would like to purchase the t-shirts and bags, we are afraid you may have to wait till the next time they start a similar project.

hey wanted to do something for WWF Singapore and there was a long break before university

starts for them. So, Gwendolyn, Amanda, Evelina, Grace and Elizabeth brainstormed for ideas on what they could do … and the idea came in the form of bags and t-shirts.

The five of them designed and produced cloth bags and cotton t-shirts for sale. There were a total of 3 designs and each design featured a tagline such as ‘Live and Let Live’. To these young ladies passionate about conservation, the tagline meant ‘live - but do not harm or destroy the environment’.

The items were mainly sold at Catholic Junior College where they recently graduated from. Friends, schoolmates and relatives were very supportive of their initiative. Some gave advice on how to improve their fundraiser while many bought the merchandise. The group sold approximately 110 bags and 120 t-shirts. The t-shirts were sold at $10 and bags at $6-$8. More than $1,000 was raised and the money was donated to WWF Singapore.

T

n July 8, Annemieke Gelder and Jean-Pierre Koolmees received 3

beautifully framed pictures at their birthday party celebration; and these were pictures of tigers that their friend took while on a trip to India.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the generous couple asked their guests to bid for the pictures and donations will go towards WWF’s conservation work. The couple went a step further and stirred up the crowd to get the highest bid for the pictures. A total of $4000 was raised that evening. Thank you Annemieke and Jean-Pierre for your generous support!

OBIRTHDAY SPECIALS

© W

WF

Sin

gapo

re

THE PANDA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2011

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EVENTS

Youngsters Say ‘No’ to Shark Fin SoupDuring the June holidays, a group of young children from Kidz Life Church visited the WWF Singapore road show at Milenia Walk and pledged their support against eating shark fin soup.

The youngsters aged between 5 and 8 years old learnt about the importance of these apex predators. As part of the outreach activity, they role played as different organisms in the marine food chain. The aim was to show these youngsters the effects of the ecological imbalance if sharks were extinct. WWF staff also addressed the misconception that humans are part of the sharks’ diet.In fact, shark attacks occur because sharks are naturally curious creatures and may have mistaken surfers or divers as prey.

Sharing Tips on Sustainable Seafood @ Green Living Family Carnivalto help consumers identify which type of seafood is recommended or should be avoided.

The public were also reminded of the need to abstain from shark fin soup and they were invited to sign on a whale shark display to pledge their support. Among them was Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of the North West division who pledged his commitment against consuming shark fin soup.

One of the highlight of the event was the hopeful speech made by world-renowned Primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr Jane Goodall. Dr Jane Goodall spoke about how we can help to reclaim our food, our health and our planet by eating local, organic and ethnically. Thank you everyone for supporting us and we hope to see you at our next events.

n 26 June, WWF Singapore participated at the “Green Living

Family Carnival @ North West” jointly organized by Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) and the North West Community Development Council. The event was a platform for WWF Singapore to share with everyone how we can help to protect our planet and our health by the way we live. In line with the sustainable living message of the event, WWF Singapore shared with visitors how they can help safeguard the future of our fisheries and marine life by choosing seafood from sustainably harvested sources. As a major seafood consumer nation in the Asia Pacific region, it is essential for all in Singapore to be aware of the damage our demand for seafood is causing to the oceans.

WWF staff and volunteers gave out the pocket sized Singapore Seafood Guide

O

Panda Visits the Tanglin Trust School

Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of the North West division pledged his support against consuming shark fin soup by signing on the shark display

he children at the Tanglin Trust School were delighted to see the WWF panda mascot at their school and many clamoured to hug their favourite furry friend.

The panda’s visit was part of the Tanglin Trust School’s World Environment Week activities.

That day, WWF staff spoke about “Heart of Borneo” to the Year 6 students. The talk touched on the imminent threats faced by forests in Borneo, largely caused by the incessant felling of trees for timber or to make space for agricultural land. Inevitably, this devastates the rich web of life it contains and many species are on the verge of extinction.

To raise funds for WWF, the children created art pieces which were then displayed for a silent auction during the school musical titled “Giraffes Can’t Dance”. Wildlife was portrayed in creative ways, and the bright colours depicted the beauty of nature, reminding us of the need to protect the Earth, our home.

T

Staff and volunteers posing for the camera with Dr. Jane Goodall (second from right)

© WWF Singapore

THE PANDA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2011

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BUSINESSES FOR THE ENVIRONMENTCOLD STORAGE STOPS SELLING SHARK FIN AT ITS OUTLETS AND COMMITS TOSUSTAINABLE SOURCING

The Role of Businesses in Shaping the Future of our Planet

old Storage has recently joined the WWF Singapore Sustainable Seafood Group and

marked its commitment with a “no shark fin policy”. It is the first supermarket in Singapore to stop selling shark fin and shark fin products across all its 42 outlets in Singapore.

It is also the nation’s first retail food chain to source and offer a wide range of sustainable seafood recommended by WWF. Consumers can also find Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified seafood such as the hake fillet from South Africa at the outlets.

“We want to play our part towards caring for the environment. Our team is committed to sourcing for quality, sustainable seafood and other products in our efforts to achieve long-term sustainability and marine conservation,” explained Mr Victor Chia, CEO, Cold Storage Supermarket.

WWF Singapore Sustainable Seafood Group was launched in April this year and provides businesses with the guidance they need to source and promote sustainable seafood while also playing a role in protecting the marine environment.

C

Our Corporate Partners

On 6 September, about 70 participants attended a dialogue session organised by

WWF Singapore and swissnex Singapore. The session, titled ‘The Role of Businesses in Shaping the Future of our Planet’, was generously hosted by His Excellency the Ambrassador of Switzerland in Singapore, Jörg Reding.

Speakers for the evening include Mr Ben Ridley, Head of Sustainability Affairs for the Asia Pacific region at Credit Suisse, Mr John Tobin, Head of Sustainability Affairs at Credit Suisse, Dr Sujit Ghosh, Chief Excecutive Officer, Holcim Singapore and Ms Zainun Nur binti Abdul Rauf, Executive Director, Human Resource and Group Corporate Affairs of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad and Dr Chris Hails, Director

International Relations at WWF International and Chairman of WWF Singapore.

The speakers spoke of how their companies play a part in protecting the environment. Among them was Dr Sujit Ghosh who shared how Holcim Singapore found a novel way of encapsulating vast amount of copper slag, a by-product obtained during smelting and refining of copper, into concrete. By doing so, Holcim was able to reduce the use of natural sand in cement production and avoided disposing this ‘waste’ into landfill sites.

The talk ended at 7.30 pm and participants stayed back for a session of networking and cocktails.

Presently, SODEXO Singapore and Fairmont Singapore are members of the WWF Singapore Sustainable Seafood Group.

An average of 100,000 tons of seafood is consumed each year in Singapore, making it one of the biggest seafood consumers in the Asia-Pacific region. Most of this is imported from the Coral Triangle, the world’s most diverse marine environment.

Sustainable Seafood Section at Cold Storage Jelita.

© WWF Singapore

Products certified by the MarineStewardship Council (MSC).

© WWF Singapore

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BUSINESSES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

© NIE

The Inaugural Asia Pacific One Planet Leadershe inaugural One Planet Leaders Asia Pacific Executive Education programme took

place on 24-27 May 2011.

Organised by WWF Singapore, the 4-day sustainability workshop was attended by business leaders from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India and Taiwan. They include the Head of Sustainability and CSR, Director of Sales and Business Development, Marketing Communications and Environment among others. Participants came with the aim of acquiring knowledge on sustainability and how they can lead their organization towards the journey of

T transformational business change.

They were definitely not disappointed with the workshop and speakers.

World renowned scientist, Dr Michael Braungart gave a paradigm shifting talk session about Cradle to Cradle design concluding that “less bad is not the same as good” in sustainability planning development. Mr Tim “Mac” Macarthy inspired the group with his enlightening teaching of finding true leadership and to be an agent of change. Mr Richard Welford, Chairman of CSR Asia led the group through the complexities of Corporate Social Responsibility Stakeholder Engagement and

Sustainability Strategy Development. WWF experts brought the environmental connection sustainability into the discussion on Fresh Water Management and Energy and Climate Change issues and how these issues relate to business operations globally.

Amara Sanctuary Resort in Sentosa, where the workshop was held, offered both a classroom settings as well as the opportunity to extend the classroom learning to its tropical outdoor gardens.

The conducive environment provided participants the chance to connect with nature and supported open communication and networking among the business leaders. Learning was enhanced through the small class size that allowed for individual time with the tutors and speakers to address specific challenges in driving sustainability within their organizations.

At the end of the 4 days, participants feedback that the workshop was “excellent” and that they “have improved understanding of sustainability and how to take action”. Participants also agreed “the topics covered were useful and relevant to their organization”.

WWF would like to thank all the speakers and participants for making the first One Planet Leaders Asia Pacific programme a success active participation, and the value each person added to the programme.

If you are interested in the programme for yourself or your organisation, please contact Sarah Ong at [email protected]

© WWF Singapore

© WWF Singapore

© WWF Singapore

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