Singaporeans get a chance to meet Dr. Zeb Hogan in person at exclusive environmental forum and exploration trail

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND National Geographic

Singapore, 18 May 2012 - The National Environment Agency (NEA) has partnered National Geographic Channel (NGC) to present Nature Journeys  featuring Semakau Landfill’s eco-haven through the eyes of National Geographic Explorer and marine ecologist, Dr. Zeb Hogan. Dr. Hogan will visit Semakau Landfill for the first time to provide insights into the wide variety of marine life living in the mangrove mudflats and western shorelines of the island.

There will be a Nature Journeys Environmental Forum on 9 June 2012, whereby Dr. Hogan, having spent fifteen years researching on the world’s freshwater ecosystems, will share with members of the public his experiences on being a National Geographic Explorer, Ecologist, Photographer and as Host of “Monster Fish” National Geographic Channel. Participants at this forum will experience Semakau Landfill in a different light as Dr. Hogan takes his audience through an eye-opening introduction on life on Semakau Landfill.

Garbage of Eden

Semakau Landfill is one of the world’s first few offshore landfills made almost entirely from sea space and is proof of how urbanised Singapore can fulfil an urban necessity while allowing biodiversity to thrive. The Landfill started operation on 1 April 1999 and is expected to meet Singapore’s landfill needs up to 2045 or beyond. The natural habitats surrounding the landfill have also been carefully preserved as a home to many rare species of plants and animals, and this has been documented in a book - “Habitats in Harmony” - published in 2009. Since then, almost fifty per cent more biodiversity has been documented on the landfill and a second edition of “Habitats in Harmony” will be launched at the forum.

Two organisations, one goal

“We are pleased to partner National Geographic Channel and welcomes Dr Zeb Hogan’s visit to Semakau Landfill. We look forward to Dr Hogan’s perspectives as a National Geographic Explorer on the rich biodiversity on Semakau Landfill, which is a living testament of sustainable waste management co-existing with nature. With Dr. Hogan’s extensive experience in the world’s freshwater ecosystems and devotion to the conservation of marine life, we hope to cultivate Singaporeans’ love for nature and in turn inspire everyone to play their part to conserve our resources, minimise waste, and safeguard the environment for future generations to enjoy,” said Mr Andrew Tan, CEO of NEA.  

Ms. Yvonne Tay, Vice President & Territory Head, Singapore, FOX International Channels, said, “National Geographic has been inspiring people to care about the planet and every living creature on it. The National Environment Agency’s efforts in preserving the extraordinary diversity of life on Semakau Landfill and setting a global example for the future of conservation is indeed commendable, and is similar to what our Explorers dedicate their lives to – engage, conserve and restore to create a sustainable environment. On these grounds, there is much synergy between the valuable partnership between NEA and NGC, and we look forward to a fruitful working relationship between the two organisations.”

Dr. Zeb Hogan, also the host of highly-rated NGC television series Monster Fish, said, “Semakau Landfill has a vibrant biodiversity that is unique to Singapore, and is a destination that has piqued my curiousity. I am looking forward to exploring the waters surrounding the island, and in particular, I hope to inspire the youth living in urban environments today to have a greater appreciation of our environment by seeing and touching Mother Nature’s beauty for themselves.”

For the nature lovers

40 lucky winners will be selected from submitted registrations to join Dr. Hogan on the Nature Journeys Trail, a narrative journey on Semakau Landfill on 10 June 2012. Interested participants must fill up an additional section on the registration page stating why they would want to go on the trail with Dr. Hogan.

Admission to the Nature Journeys Environmental Forum is free to the public, and will be held on Saturday, 9 June 2012, from 10.00am to 12.00noon (Venue to be confirmed closer to date). For more information and registration, please visit www.naturejourneys.com.sg.

Dr. Hogan will also be the judge for a mini documentary/film making contest presented by the Nature Society (Singapore) and NEA, titled Through Green Lenses. Budding film-makers will have to submit a three-minute or less video clip showcasing the unique co-existence of waste management and rich biodiversity on Semakau Landfill. The contest is limited to the first 45 teams to submit their entries, with top three prizes worth more than S$2,000 cash in total. Winners will be unveiled at the environmental forum and they will also get to meet Dr. Hogan in person on the Semakau exploration trail on 10 June 2012. 

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Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg