Singapore, Nature and a World Reimagined
Singapore is widely admired for being clean, verdant and maintained with purposefulness and precision. The verdure is not accidental — Singapore as a “Garden City” was a bold and strategic vision that went far beyond the greening of our city.
Singapore developing into a “City In Nature”, however, was not preordained; its evolution was decades in the making, requiring a combination of coordinated urban planning, horticultural wizardry, ecological understanding, landscape design expertise, raising capacity, hard work and more. Most of all, becoming a City in Nature required a change in outlook, of how we view nature and its role in society.
The three-part IPS-Nathan Lectures on “Singapore, Nature and a World Reimagined” makes a case for the value of biodiversity for our City in Nature and beyond. The lectures will also suggest ways in which Singapore can better protect and value biodiversity, how we can make nature an integral and indispensable part of our lives, and how we can contribute to improving prospects for vibrant ecosystems far beyond our shores.
Shawn Lum, the 18th S R Nathan Fellow, is a scientist, a teacher and an active participant in civil society. His experiences in the study and conservation of nature and biodiversity are distilled into his three lectures, offering insights and inspiration for Singapore’s continued journey as a City In Nature.
Singapore, Biodiversity and a Thriving City
Singapore has, through visionary leadership, progressive policies and skilful management of green spaces, transformed its identity as a “Garden City” into a “City in Nature”. This is the first of three IPS-Nathan Lectures that explore the role of nature in Singapore and the role of Singapore in the wider world of nature conservation, beginning with an examination of the state of biodiversity in Singapore. The protection of green areas and the conservation of Singapore’s biodiversity presents an interesting paradox for its leaders and for the public. Conserving nature makes less land available for various critical needs; conversely, a Singapore with less nature could result in it becoming a less liveable — and less lovable — home. How can we maximise green areas and biodiversity in our city home without stalling the engines of economic, infrastructural and societal needs? More importantly, how vital is nature to a successful, thriving Singapore?
To find out more about Dr Shawn Lum, the 18th S R Nathan Fellow, click here.
Click here to read the event summary.
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• Speech by IPS Director Mr Janadas Devan at the IPS-Nathan Lectures by Dr Shawn Lum — Lecture I