Straits Times 22 Apr 11;
THE staff of Siloso Beach Resort are keen to expand their environmental initiatives but are often too busy conducting tours of its natural surroundings for guests.
With the launch of the Earth Helpers programme by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), they will be able to get a helping hand to do these tours, leaving them free to nurture other initiatives.
At SEC's Earth Day celebrations yesterday, chairman Isabella Loh said organisations have often raised the issue of having difficulty in finding the right people with the expertise and passion in managing or implementing environmental initiatives.
This is where the SEC comes in.
Under Earth Helpers, businesses and organisations keen on launching an environmental project - but lacking the resources to do so - will be invited to partner the SEC and tap on its staff and volunteers.
Management and staff from these organisations will also be encouraged to participate.
There are no restrictions on the type of projects that can be proposed but the commitment of organisations and how impactful the project is would count.
Moving beyond spreading general awareness, the SEC aims to engage at least 10 companies under the scheme this year.
It has more than 100 long-term, registered volunteers and hopes that this initiative will expand their number.
'It's a chicken-and-egg situation,' Ms Loh said. 'Volunteers will sign up when they see that there are projects that require their support.'
At next year's Earth Day celebrations, volunteers can look forward to being presented with awards under a new recognition programme announced yesterday.
Environmental journalism awards will also be given to media professionals from both traditional and new media.
YUEN SIN
