Best of our wild blogs: 6 Jun 17

Celebrating World Oceans Day in Singapore!
Psychedelic Nature

Having a blast at Balik Chek Jawa!
Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs

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Sustainable businesses can create 230 million jobs in Asia by 2030: Report

Elizabeth Neo Channel NewsAsia 5 Jun 17;

SINGAPORE: Sustainable businesses can unlock new market opportunities worth US$5 trillion and generate about 230 million jobs in Asia by 2030, which represents 12% of the Asian labour force, according to a report by the Business and Sustainable Development Commission (BSDC).

The findings were presented in the Asia edition of its report called Better Business, Better World, which was presented at an annual Ecosperity conference organised by Temasek Holdings. It brings together CEOs, innovators and policymakers from around the world to discuss issues on sustainability growth.

The BSDC report stated that the US$5 trillion in potential market opportunities spread across four areas – food and agriculture, cities, energy and minerals as well as health and wellbeing.

It also found that about half of the opportunities could be found in China, US$1.1 trillion each in India and emerging Asia, and the remaining US$0.7 trillion in developed Asia which include Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.

In his opening remarks, Temasek chairman Lim Boon Heng noted how businesses are putting sustainability at the core of their operations.

“Consumers are also driving businesses to focus on sustainability, especially millennial and female consumers. Based on a recent Goldman Sachs study, 93 per cent of millennials and 73 per cent of women agree that environmental and social impact is important in their investment decisions,” he said.

“Investors are also starting to take note of sustainability-themed investments. From 2012 to 2016, such investments have grown 14.6 per cent on a compounded annualised basis, to US$2.3 trillion," Mr Lim added.

Delivering his address, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean outlined Singapore experience on the path of sustainable development: “Today natural gas generates around 95 per cent of our electricity and we are among the 20 most carbon efficient countries in the world. This means we produce low levels of carbon emissions for every dollar of GDP generated."

Mr Teo added that Singapore will intensify its efforts to achieve its commitment under the Paris climate agreement.

Source: CNA/gs

Asian cities set to benefit most from green growth as US retreats
As Donald Trump pulls the US out of the Paris climate accord, a report points to $1.5tn in increased growth and millions of jobs heading to Asia’s cities
Fiona Harvey The Guardian 5 Jun 17;

Asian cities will gain by about $1.5 trillion (£1.1tn) a year by 2030 if predictions on green and sustainable growth are proved correct, with tens of millions of new jobs created, and cities across the region seeing improvements in their liveability and environment.

But achieving those goals, and the attendant growth, would be dependent on governments and businesses investing in sustainable cities, and targeting green growth above high-carbon infrastructure.

The report, from the non-profit Business and Sustainable Development Commission (BDSC), found that Asian cities would be among the biggest beneficiaries of the move to achieve the global sustainable development goals. It points to improved air and water, better-designed buildings and public spaces, investment in low-carbon transport, and better use of physical resources, with less waste.

Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN deputy secretary-general and chairman of the BSDC, predicted that businesses would continue to invest in low-carbon growth and not take fright at the withdrawal of the US, the world’s second biggest carbon emitter, from the Paris agreement on climate change.

“I suspect [President Trump] will be surprised how unpopular this decision will be with business,” Malloch-Brown said. “This tilts things back in a way that is not just disruptive for business, but potentially highly dangerous for all of us as citizens. Therefore he may be even more surprised to find how few take the chance to march backwards with him.”

The report found that affordable housing in China, closely followed by other developing countries, was the biggest single economic opportunity. Across the Asia-Pacific region the construction of affordable housing was expected to be worth $505bn by 2030. This would have huge knock-on benefits in reducing consumption, better health, cutting greenhouse gases and staving off dangerous climate change.

“Improving the design and construction of houses will reduce household operating costs and reshape the world’s energy consumption patterns and environmental conditions for years to come,” the report’s authors noted.

Electric vehicles, meanwhile, are projected to make up at least 35% of all car sales in Asia by 2040, transforming cities and reducing air pollution. Shared transport business models, such as carpooling, are also forecast for strong growth.

Ho Ching, chief executive of Temasek Holdings in Singapore and one of the commissioners of the report, said cities should aspire to an “ABC world”: the “active” traits of a robust economy and good life opportunities for citizens; a “beautiful” environment with cohesive and inclusive communities; and “clean” surroundings, characterised by fresh and unpolluted air, clear waters, and measures to combat climate change.

The BSDC forecast that 230m new jobs would be created in cities and across the economies of Asia by 2030 in sustainable goods and services, with benefits from improved agricultural methods to renewable energy and better access to healthcare. By 2030, this would represent an economic boost of $5tn a year, the study found.

Monday’s report is one of a series of projections that have been appearing since January, examining the prospects for sustainable development around the globe. For the growth to be realised, governments and businesses across the region would need to cooperate in stepping up efforts to make their activities more environmentally sound: reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, investing in cleaner fuels and using resources more efficiently.

Although the potential prize may be large, the report also found that governments, businesses and others would need to invest $1.7tn a year in order to reap the greatest potential benefits.

The BSDC’s commissioners are made up of business, organised labour and civic society leaders, with a remit to examine the potential economic and social effects of achieving the international sustainable development goals.

Paul Polman, chief executive of Unilever and one of the commissioners, said of the latest report: “the opportunities for businesses serving consumers in Asia are obvious: strategies that sustainably meet the demands of the growing middle-class, while tackling urgent environmental and social challenges, will be successful in unlocking market value. Aligning these strategies with the global goals is not just good for society and the environment, but makes strategic business sense.”

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Singapore's public sector outlines plans to go green

Afifah Ariffin Channel NewsAsia 6 Jun 17;

SINGAPORE: Singapore's public sector is taking the lead in going green when it unveiled its first action plan on Monday (Jun 5), outlining its collective efforts in environmental sustainability.

Specifically, it aims to reduce electricity and water consumption by 15 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, by 2020. From 2013 to 2015, the sector accounted for about 4 per cent of the country's total electricity consumption and 3 per cent of total water consumption.

The public sector comprises of 16 institutions and 64 statutory boards, with more than 145,000 workers and operates about 1,000 facilities across the island.

The plans also include embarking on innovative initiatives and projects, such as food waste recycling in public sector premises and a floating solar testbed in Tengeh Reservoir.

Speaking at the opening of the Singapore Sustainability Academy on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said: "We will expand our green procurement policy to cover more products and adopt green practices for public sector events. Such efforts will help the Government reap cost savings, and build up capabilities in urban sustainability.”

The Singapore Sustainability Academy is a joint collaboration led by property group City Developments Limited (CDL) and the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore. It is the first major "people, public and private" initiative in support of Singapore’s environmental and climate change goals.

As a nod to its green credentials, the Singapore Sustainability Academy's new building is self sustainable for its energy needs. For instance, solar panels installed on the building's roof are able to generate enough energy. It is also made of wood from responsible sources and uses smart technology to control lighting and air conditioning.

"It will be a hub for thought leadership, sharing of best practices and we want - whether it is public sector, private sector or people sector - everybody to come and contribute to conserve the environment,” said Ms Esther An, CDL's chief sustainability officer.

Source: CNA/de


Public sector to cut water and electricity usage by 2020, saving S$62.5 million annually
NEO CHAI CHIN Today Online 5 Jun 17;

SINGAPORE — The public sector will use less electricity and water in its bid to do more for the environment, under an inaugural three-year sustainability roadmap unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

The water and electricity saved can fill up 360 Olympic-sized pools and power 50,000 households a year respectively, translating into annual savings of some S$62.5 million in total for the Government.

On Monday (June 5), Mr Teo, who is also Minister-in-charge of the Civil Service and Coordinating Minister for National Security, announced the public sector’s plan to cut electricity consumption by more than 15 per cent, and water consumption by more than 5 per cent by 2020, from Financial Year 2013 levels.

Comprising 16 government ministries and 64 statutory boards, the public sector is Singapore’s largest employer with about 145,000 staff.

From 2013 to 2015, the public sector accounted for 4 per cent of Singapore’s total electricity consumption and 3 per cent of total water consumed, on average.

The electricity savings will amount to S$60 million a year, with the reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to that of almost 28,000 cars in a year, according to the Public Sector Sustainability Plan 2017-2020, which is available on the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ website.

Electricity-saving measures include replacing or upgrading aircon systems and lights, and promoting good consumption habits.

The water saved will translate into cost savings of almost S$2.5 million annually. Water-saving measures include having water-efficient fittings in buildings, efficient irrigation systems and replacement of inefficient aircon cooling towers.

All new public sector buildings will also attain the Green Mark Platinum standard, and existing buildings will strive for at least the Green Mark Gold standard. The new Our Tampines Hub – whose second and third phases will be completed this year – is an example of a Green Mark Platinum building.

Agencies that lease office spaces are to lease them from buildings with at least a Green Mark Gold Plus rating, when their current lease expires.

Plans are also in place to buy “green”. The public sector plans to hold events and functions only in venues with at least Green Mark-certified rating. Since 2015, the public sector has been buying only printing paper with the Singapore Environment Council’s Green Label certification.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Singapore Sustainability Academy at City Square Mall, Mr Teo said the public sector can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and “have a demonstrative effect”.

By 2020, 5,500 public housing blocks will have solar panels, tripling the deployment of solar energy to 350 megawatt-peak, from the 126 megawatt-peak today. The plan is to have more than 1 gigawatt-peak after 2020, which will represent about 15 per cent of electrical power demand at peak during the day, said Mr Teo.

Under the global Paris climate agreement, Singapore has committed to cut its emissions per dollar of gross domestic product by 36 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and stabilise emissions with the aim of peaking around 2030. “To achieve our objectives, we will require a concerted effort – from government, from businesses, and from everyone in Singapore,” said Mr Teo.

The Singapore Sustainability Academy, jointly created by property developer City Developments Limited and the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore, is fully solar-powered. The facility, which is used for training and networking, is also the first in Singapore to have its construction materials – Cross Laminated Timber and Glued Laminated Timber – verified as coming from responsible sources, said CDL deputy chief executive Sherman Kwek. This entails scientific tests such as DNA analysis to minimise the risk of the wood coming from illegal logging.


PUBLIC SECTOR BY THE NUMBERS
145,000 Number of public officers
4% Its share of Singapore’s total electricity consumption (on average, 2013 to 2015)
3% Its share of Singapore’s total water consumption (on average, 2013 to 2015)
50,000 Number of households which the electricity savings can power for a year (or 290 GWh)
360 Number of Olympic-sized pools which the water savings can fill each year (or 900,000 cubic metres a year)


Public sector to lead green push by cutting electricity, water use
It will also occupy environmentally friendly premises and buy more green products
Melissa Lin Straits Times 6 Jun 17;

Singapore's biggest employer plans to slash its consumption of electricity and water as part of a nationwide "go green" plan unveiled yesterday.

By 2020, the public sector will use 15 per cent less electricity and 5 per cent less water compared with 2013 levels, according to the Public Sector Sustainability Plan 2017-2020 announced by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

As part of this, the temperature setting for thermostats in air-conditioned public-sector offices will be set higher, Mr Teo said.

Such steps could save about $62.5 million a year, apart from being gentler on the environment.

For a start, premises will be greener. All new public-sector buildings will attain the highest Green Mark Platinum standard, and existing buildings will aim for at least the Green Mark Gold standard - to take their place in the certification scheme for environmentally friendly buildings.

Events and functions will be held in venues with at least a Green Mark Certified rating - the basic certification grade.

The public sector will also buy more green electronics and paper products for its offices. Food waste will be recycled in public-sector premises and a floating solar test-bed will be set up in Tengeh Reservoir. The sector will also continue to invest in green technologies and seek innovative ways to harness renewable energy.

"This will help transform the way the public sector operates and set an example for the wider community to adopt sustainability as our way of life," added Mr Teo, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security.

The public sector is Singapore's largest employer, comprising 16 ministries and 64 statutory boards, and about 145,000 officers.

From 2013 to 2015, the sector accounted for an average of 4 per cent of Singapore's total electricity consumption and 3 per cent of total water consumption.

Under the Paris Agreement, Singapore has committed to reduce emissions intensity by 36 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, hoping to peak around then.

"To achieve our objectives, we will require a concerted effort - from government, from businesses and from everyone in Singapore," Mr Teo said at the official opening of the Singapore Sustainability Academy, a major training and networking facility focused on promoting sustainability.

The zero-energy academy - it will produce its own power using solar panels - is located on the rooftop terrace of City Square Mall in Kitchener Road, and was jointly created by developer City Developments and a non-profit organisation, the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore.

Welcoming the public sector's action plan, the Singapore Environment Council said it has seen increased interest among private- sector firms in going green.

"One major driver behind this is the growing number of discerning consumers who are choosing which product to buy and which company to support based on their ethical and environmental cultures," said a spokesman.

"As ethical green consumerism grows in Singapore, it will increasingly make good business sense for companies to act sustainably."

The plan was one of several green initiatives announced yesterday. These include the launch of an eco-label to help consumers identify products with reduced packaging. Singapore Post and Singtel have also started a nationwide recycling programme for unwanted electronics.


Getting Singapore to go green
Melissa Lin Straits Times 7 Jun 17;

On Monday, the public sector unveiled an action plan to slash its consumption of electricity and water in a bid to fight climate change.

By 2020, the public sector will use 15 per cent less electricity and 5 per cent less water compared with 2013 levels, according to the Public Sector Sustainability Plan 2017-2020.

Meeting the targets could result in cost savings of about $62.5 million a year.

The sector will also embark on green initiatives. These include food waste recycling in public-sector premises and the procurement of sustainably sourced paper products.

As a low-lying island state, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as higher sea levels, hotter weather and more extreme rainfall.

In its Second National Climate Change Study, which was released in 2015, the Centre for Climate Research Singapore projected that the average temperature in Singapore could increase by up to 4.6 deg C by the end of this century.

The study added that the sea level could rise by up to 1m if no action is taken.

The latest move to go green by the public sector demonstrates the Singapore Government's commitment to the Paris climate change agreement.

The Republic has pledged to reduce its emissions intensity - the ratio of carbon emissions to each dollar of the gross domestic product - by 36 per cent from 2005 levels, by 2030.

It has also pledged to stabilise emissions, with the aim of peaking around 2030.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean has said that achieving these objectives would require a concerted effort from the Government, businesses and everyone in Singapore.

With the public sector - Singapore's largest employer with about 145,000 officers - taking the lead to go green, the hope is that businesses and individuals will follow suit.

Melissa Lin

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1,600 volunteers clear trash at East Coast Park to mark World Environment Day

Channel NewsAsia 5 Jun 17;

SINGAPORE: To mark World Environment Day on Monday (Jun 5), more than 1,600 students and staff members from Temasek Polytechnic, together with Mediacorp staff volunteers, teamed up to clean 6km of the East Coast Park beach on May 24.

This was the largest beach cleanup organised by Mediacorp. Cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles and Styrofoam containers were some of the marine litter collected.

The effort is part of Mediacorp’s Saving Gaia green initiative, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The media company first launched its month-long green campaign across its television, news, radio and print platforms in 2007 to spread its message on the importance of protecting the environment.

Mediacorp undertook its first beach cleanup in 2013. Through staff volunteerism and partnership with institutions such as Temasek Polytechnic, more organisations, institutions and the public have since stepped forward to do their part for the environment.

“Besides making the beaches dirty, litter such as plastics, metal or glass that travels to the seas can suffocate marine life. I urge more families to pick up their own litter after family outings or picnics at the beaches,” said Mr Anandh Gadhadharan, a first-year student at Temasek Polytechnic who took part in this year’s cleanup.

Logos of Mediacorp’s key platforms including television channels, websites and social media sites will adopt a green hue – symbolising the environment – for 24 hours on Monday in celebration of World Environment Day.
Source: CNA/cy

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Malaysia: Has the ‘No free plastic bags’ ruling helped the environment?

WONG LI ZA The Star 6 Jun 17;

My car boot is half occupied with at least three reusable bags, two sets of tiffin carriers and an empty box.

The reusable bags are for weekend grocery shopping, the tiffin carriers for when I pack hot foods, while the box is for, well, “just in case”.

It has been over five months since (free) plastic bags and polystyrene food containers have been banned in Selangor and the Federal Territories.

Under the ruling (first implemented in January), plastic bags can only be dispensed for things like raw meat, plants (or roots covered in sand or soil like potatoes and ginger), and products like seafood. Otherwise, consumers are supposed to pay 20 sen for each plastic bag they require from stores.

The reason for the ruling was to reduce “everlasting trash” – plastic bags take 20 to 1,000 years to decompose in the environment, while polystyrene does not biodegrade under natural circumstances.

Coupled with the Malaysian habit of throwing rubbish everywhere, such bags and food containers have plagued our landscape and clogged our waterways, requiring much cost and manpower for clean ups. When they reach the sea, they break down into microplastic particles, which are then eaten by marine life – which we then eat!

The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association estimates that the average Malaysian uses 300 plastic bags a year (almost one every day), bringing the total to nine billion bags (based on a population of 30 million).

Festive shopping

However, what impact has this ruling had on the environment? This is especially relevant with the upcoming Raya festivities, where there will be much more shopping involved.

Environment and Solid Waste Management specialist Dr Theng Lee Chong said that the impact has been rather minimal so far.

“Personally, I feel the impact on the environment is not very significant as a whole. People still rely on plastic bags, at least for trash, so that means they may have to buy rubbish bags which are larger and heavier,” explained Theng, who is also deputy chairman of the Association of Environmental Consultants and Companies of Malaysia.

“Nevertheless, from my observation, more people are bringing their own shopping bags nowadays compared to before. They are (sort of) forced to do it and also, it has become a habit,” he said.

“However, should we raise awareness by education or by force? People who bring shopping bags may still litter and use plastic bags whenever they are available for free,” added Theng.

Anthony Tan, executive director for the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia (Cetdem), observed more shoppers bringing and using reusable shopping bags at supermarkets.

“I think people have grown to see the monetary benefit of carrying their own reusable bags or carriers. But unfortunately, I have also seen shoppers pull off 10 to 20 clear (free) plastic bags at the grocery sections (of supermarkets)!” said Tan.

Are paper bags a good alternative to plastic bags?

Theng noted that not all types of paper can be recycled.

“If people get it for free, they take it for granted and a wasteful attitude will contribute to more paper waste. Always bear in mind that paper is made from trees. And how many paper production (companies) have so called ‘reforestation’ policies?” said Theng.

Rethinking bags

Tan felt that there is a need to re-think the basic purpose of bags.

“Is it for single use, for dry goods or for wet produce? Is it to transport goods from payment counter to vehicle?” he asked.

“Maybe shoppers can adapt to using boxes in their vehicles to store the items until they get home.”

What then is a more effective way to reduce the use of non-degradable plastic bags and reduce its impact on the environment?

“Instead of reducing the use, I would rather focus on disposal. Only if plastic bag prices are high will people use it more wisely and segregate it for recycling. Almost all plastic bags can be recycled, just like your newspaper or aluminium cans (which have a ringgit value for recycling),” said Theng.

“Is banning plastic bags or polystyrene making Malaysia cleaner as a whole? From the waste management point of view, it is simply a tiny (part) of a (bigger) issue.

“We have over 160 landfills in the country. More than 90% of those are still open dumps with serious pollution issues. We still have so many unsolved problems in waste management,” said Theng.

Tan said that manufacturers have to innovate and find new eco-friendly alternatives for plastic bags.

The 20 sen story

Currently, many retailers use the 20 sen collected from sales of plastic bags towards green causes.

For leading retailer AEON, the money collected goes to the AEON Green Fund which supports the company’s environmental and corporate social responsibility activities.

Projects under the Green Fund include:

– Reforestation and rehabilitation of an orangutan sanctuary at North Ulu Segama, Lahad Datu, Sabah, in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia and Sabah Forestry Department

– Conservation work at Bidong Island, and a beach clean-up at Pantai Batu Burok (both in Terengganu)

– Tree planting activities at Bidor, Perak, and

– Special reusable shopping bags in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

It was also reported that retailer 99 Speedmart had contributed RM1mil to the Shah Alam City Council and Klang Municipal Council to clean up the Klang River.

The Giant chain of hypermarkets and supermarkets also uses the money collected from dispensing plastic bags for its “Sentuhan Hijau” (Green Touch) environmental campaign.

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Borneo Could Lose 75 Percent of Its Forest by 2020: WW

On World Environment Day (05/06), World Wildlife Fund Indonesia and Malaysia released an executive summary of an upcoming publication titled 'The Environmental Status of Borneo 2016,' predicting that Borneo could lose 75 percent of its forest by 2020 due to the alarming level of deforestation on the island.
Jakarta Globe 5 Jun 17;

Jakarta. On World Environment Day (05/06), World Wildlife Fund Indonesia and Malaysia released an executive summary of an upcoming publication titled "The Environmental Status of Borneo 2016," predicting that Borneo could lose 75 percent of its forest by 2020 due to the alarming level of deforestation on the island.

Borneo is home to a diverse range of plants and animal species, with rich resources that sustain the livelihood of 11 million people — including 1 million indigenous people — from Brunei, the Indonesian province of Kalimantan, and Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

Only 71 percent of the 74 million hectares of Boreno's forest was left in 2005, and only 55 percent was left in 2015.

Projections indicate that if the deforestation continues at this rate, a further 6 million hectares of forest will be destroyed by 2020, leaving less than a third left by 2020.

Lowland forest areas — which are a critical habitat for the conservation of many unique species — are by far the most in danger in Borneo due to logging, palm oil plantation and production, and other agricultural activities. As a result, lowland forests in Borneo are expected to lose 10-13 million hectares of forest area between 2015-2020.

This also means that certain species, including the critically endangered orangutans, are more at risk of losing their habitat.

"This World Environment Day is a good opportunity to draw attention to the state of the environment that we are passing on to the generations to come," WWF Malaysia executive director and chief executive, Dionysius Sharma said in an official statement.

"We need to act now and act fast to save Borneo's forests. Together, we can help make one of the world's last remaining expanses of forest in Borneo a better place to live in, both for us humans as well as the biodiversity that thrives in this unique tropical rainforest island," he said.

The data, which will be explained further in the full report, which is scheduled for publication by the end of this month, is expected to raise awareness to encourage more people to save Borneo's forests.

"It is important to have a clear and comprehensive overview of the current and previous environmental status of Borneo, including the Heart of Borneo, to see where major changes of the ecological conditions are occurring, "WWF Indonesia acting chief executive Benja V. Mambai said.

"As this report presents as such, we hope that the result of this regular environmental analysis would guide the authorities and our stakeholders to take effective steps to address the declining state of the environment," Benja added.

Heart of Borneo

However, there is positive news for the area known as the Heart of Borneo, which has fared far better than Borneo's lowlands and coastal areas.

The Heart of Borneo is a conservation agreement initiated by the WWF for Nature to protect 22 million hectares of forested region on Borneo and is one of the parts of the island where the forests remain intact.

Considerable work has been carried out under the Heart of Borneo Initiative by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, who signed a declaration in February 2007 to conserve the area's natural heritage.

"The Heart of Borneo Initiative has been ongoing for 10 years now and has gained increased support from all of our major stakeholders," WWF Indonesia acting chief executive Benja V. Mambai said.


WWF releases exclusive summary on Borneo on World Environment Day
Antara 5 Jun 17;

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia and Malaysia released an exclusive publication of "The Environmental Status of Borneo 2016" to commemorate this years World Environment Day.

Acting CEO of WWF Indonesia Benja V. Mambai highlighted the importance of having a clear and comprehensive picture of Borneos forests, including the Heart of Borneo, currently and earlier, to analyze where major changes in the ecological conditions occur.

"This will help us to better monitor and plan our future business on this island," he noted in a press release received by ANTARA on Monday.

As being stated in the report, Mambai expressed hope that results of the existing analysis would guide the authorities and stakeholders to adopt effective measures to address the declining environmental conditions in Borneo.

The Heart of Borneo initiative has been running for a decade and has received full support from all key stakeholders.

Although several challenges still remain, the report provides positive progress in some areas of the ecosystem. The Heart of Borneo, which is located in the middle of the island, fared much better than the lowlands and coastal areas.

Along with WWF Malaysia, WWF Indonesia has put in every effort to help make one of Borneos last remaining forest areas in the world a better place for humans and the biodiversity that thrives on this unique tropical rainforest island.

The island of Borneo is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species and is rich in natural resources essential for the survival of 11 million people, including a million indigenous people living in the Heart of Borneo area, who have been managing its natural wealth sustainably for centuries. However, not all is fine.

The exclusive summary of the latter report reveals that Brunei Darussalam, provinces in Kalimantan, and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo are in danger, as they are slowly losing their key ecosystems that are critical to the long-term survival of local and economic communities, both nationally and regionally.

According to the report, approximately 74 million hectares, or 55 percent of the forest cover, had been lost by 2015. In closed forest areas, fragmentation is widespread, with deforestation on the rise. In a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2020, it is estimated that Borneo could lose 75 percent of its forests.

According to the projection in the report, if the deforestation rate during the 2005-2015 period continues in line with the BAU scenario, another six million hectares of forests are likely to vanish in the next five years from 2015 and 2020.

The full report of the WWF Environmental Status of Borneo 2016 will be released at the end of June 2017.

It is the third edition of a report detailing the critical condition of ecosystems and plant and animal indicators to assess changes in landscape and reduction in forest cover by drawing references from the historical levels in the past three- to five-year intervals, from 2005 to 2015.(*)

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Indonesia: Helicopter drops 40 tons of water to extinguish Riau fires

Antara 5 Jun 17;

Pekanbaru (ANTARA News) - Riau Provinces forest and land fire task force has deployed an MI-8 helicopter to drop 40 tons of water to extinguish forest fires in Kampar District, spokesperson of the Roesmin Nurjadin airbase Maj. Sus Rizwar stated.

"We conducted water bombing 10 times on several hotspots on Sunday," Rizwar revealed in the provinces capital city, Pekanbaru.

Fires in some major hotspots were successfully extinguished after three hours of water bombing operations.

The air forces Super Puma helicopter had earlier detected fire at the first hotspot on Sunday afternoon, the spokesperson added.

Following the report, the task force continued conducting patrols in two different districts: Rokan Hulu and Kampar.

During the patrols, the task force was assisted by the province Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency in mapping out other hotspots in the areas.

"After extinguishing fires in Rokan Hulu District, the task force received a report on fires in Kampar District. We have coordinated with the local authority to take immediate action," he remarked while adding that the task force, military, and other stakeholders will continue to maintain coordination in battling fires that potentially rage during the dry season.

The air force has readied five helicopters, including MI-171, MI-172, MI-8, and S-61, at the Roesmin Noerjadin airbase in the province, according to Rizwar.

"We planned to deploy the helicopters at three main hotspots, including Dumai City and Indragiri Hulu," Head of the Riau Disaster Mitigation Agency Edwar Sanger remarked.

He further explained that the National Disaster Management Agency and the provincial governments had established coordination to tackle fires, which likely rage during the dry season in June and November.

Earlier last month, the climatology agency had spotted seven hotspots in the provinces several areas, including Pelalawan, Kuantan Sengingi, Indragiri Hilir, and Siak.(*)

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Best of our wild blogs: 5 Jun 17

Reaching out with R.U.M. in May and June!
Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative

Awesome Chek Jawa Open House!
wild shores of singapore

Lifers and Losses at Kranji Marshes
Winging It

Twin-barred Tree Snake (Chrysopelea pelias) @ Upper Peirce
Monday Morgue

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Meet some of HDB's exotic and illegal tenants

Exotic pets are finding homes and thriving in high-rise Singapore, despite strict laws and stiff fines against ownership. Insight examines the scene here.
Matthew Mohan and Aqil Haziq Mahmud Straits Times 4 Jun 17;

Fatty the bearded dragon crawls around a Housing Board executive flat on its stubby legs. The blotchy orange beast belongs to a species of lizards named for its "beard" - the underside of its throat that turns black when it is stressed.

Four leopard geckos curl up nearby under plastic rocks in tanks.

"Fatty's very docile," says their owner, 23-year-old undergraduate Nina, as she strokes the scaly animal. (All names of exotic pet owners, smugglers and sellers have been withheld owing to the illicit nature of the industry.)

The half-metre-long bearded dragon is so well behaved that even Nina's mother can handle it.

However, under the Wild Animals and Birds Act, it is illegal to keep, trap or kill wild animals such as Fatty without a licence. If found guilty, Nina could face a fine of $1,000 per animal and have her five reptiles confiscated.

If the animals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), offenders without a Cites permit can be fined up to $50,000 per specimen (up to $500,000 in total), and/or be jailed for up to two years.

On Wednesday, Tai Qi Hui, 32, was fined $6,900 for having illegal wildlife in her possession, including 14 exotic lizards, a snake, an ornate horned frog and an endangered veiled chameleon.

The only live animals allowed for sale and possession in Singapore are dogs, cats, small rodents, licensed fish and birds, as well as three species of reptiles and amphibians - red-eared terrapins, green tree frogs and Malayan box turtles - and land hermit crabs.

However, the keeping of exotic animals as pets, and the trade in them, is on the rise. The number of cases involving their possession or sale doubled from 10 in 2014 to 20 in 2015, says the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA).

Cases involving illegal live wildlife seized in Singapore have also gone up. The number more than doubled from 12 in 2014 to 25 in 2015, according to news reports. Last year, 31 cases were reported.

And it can be a lucrative trade. One Singapore dealer says he sold a tiger for $40,000 and a clouded leopard for $12,000.

The AVA notes that animals such as reptiles, amphibians and primates are unsuitable as pets because they disrupt the ecosystem and affect Singapore's biodiversity if released into the wild.

Yet, some are calling for the laws to be relaxed, claiming that the authorities are lax in enforcing them. The AVA could not immediately be reached for comment.

Others say the high demand in the region for the exotic animals is driving them to extinction, and want enforcement stepped up.

SINGAPORE A 'SMUGGLING HUB'

Wildlife trade monitoring network Traffic has ranked Singapore among the world's top 10 wildlife smuggling hubs. Traders exploit the Republic's efficient transport links and strategic geographical location to fuel the desire for exotic pets in the region.

This is in spite of the country being a signatory to Cites - an international agreement signed in 1986 to ensure that trade does not threaten wildlife species with extinction.

What's more, exotic pet ownership among Singaporeans means the Republic is more than just a conduit for illegal exotic animals, say wildlife activists.

"A lot of the animals are stopping here," says Mr Kalai Vanan, deputy chief executive of wildlife rescue group Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres).

Last year, Acres handled 133 wildlife trade cases, including those involving live animals and animal parts. It also receives two to three illegal exotic pet-related calls per week. In cases where exotic pets are abandoned, the non-profit group houses them at its Wildlife Rescue Centre before repatriating them to their countries of origin.

"It's definitely a problem," says Mr Kalai. "We've no idea how many out there are being owned. The numbers are probably staggering."

WHAT'S THE APPEAL?

Sneaked across the Causeway last year, Tako the hedgehog was a surprise gift for 24-year-old barista Jo, who keeps the eight-month-old creature in her HDB flat.

"I just made a random comment like, 'I wish I had a hedgehog'. Then, I went overseas and came back, and my friend was like, 'I bought you one'," she says.

Experts note that people are motivated to own the animals by a variety of psychological factors. These include the prestige factor, or the desire to be different, says Dr Michael Gumert, a psychology professor at Nanyang Technological University.

"If you have something that is rare and unique, that's more valuable than something common," he says."(Also) some people like exotic things more than others. They want something cool."

This resonates with owners such as Dut, 41, who has been keeping exotic pets for the past 15 years.

"If you look at the people who keep reptiles, there's a certain type. It is because they don't like the mainstream," notes the graphic designer, who owns two bearded dragons and a black tarantula from Brazil.

PROBLEMS IN CAPTIVITY

James’ Indian star tortoises (above) were a gift from his late grandfather. PHOTO: MATTHEW MOHAN
The welfare of exotic pets in captivity is a concern that the authorities and animal rights groups share.

According to the AVA, exotic pets are likely to be subjected to "unsuitable living conditions, poor diet and pet owners' lack of knowledge of proper care".

Acres founder and Member of Parliament Louis Ng agrees. "In the vast majority of cases we see, these animals are housed in appalling conditions."

But Nina insists: "Reptiles die easily because of irresponsible people. You have to be disciplined as an owner."

Fatty swivels its chunky head to stare at her as she explains how she paid close to $1,000 for it: "Its former owner was about to emigrate, and if I didn't take Fatty, he would have let it go in the wild."

However, the AVA points out on its website that there is the risk that exotic pets might sneak out and traumatise neighbours.

Indeed, a metre-long ball python owned by Li, who is in his 60s, escaped. "I forgot to put the weight on top of its tank, and the snake came out and caused my talking mynah bird to have a heart attack."

According to Moses, the 25-year-old owner of three snakes and a baby caiman, ball pythons are "escape artists". Just three years ago, his juvenile pastel ball python, which he had kept in a plastic box, slithered out of his flat.

Residents in his estate say they are wary of such pets. One said she would be concerned if her neighbour owned a pet snake that might threaten her daughter's well-being.

But Nina's 15-year-old neighbour has no qualms about visiting Fatty. The secondary school student says: "Reptiles are cool."

CAN MORE BE DONE?

So is the current ban on keeping exotic pets necessary?

Acres thinks it is. "Somewhere along the line, they were all wild caught, bred in horrible conditions just to cater to those people trying to make money," says Mr Kalai.

Some say more could be done to enforce the ban. They claim that the AVA does not prioritise clamping down on the illegal pet industry.

"Because the pet trade is one of our big industries, the AVA doesn't want to rock the boat," says wildlife consultant Subaraj Rajathurai. "So, they are not as efficient in the enforcement as they should be."

Traffic South-east Asia's regional director Chris Shepherd, meanwhile, says the local authorities "have been doing a lot more than other countries in the region, but still could do more".

"We really need to see these wildlife traders put in jail," he adds, urging enforcement agencies to impose stricter penalties and conduct more thorough investigations.

When it comes to enforcement, the AVA works with Acres to conduct raids in illegal wildlife cases, especially after receiving tip-offs.

During raids, AVA officers can also seize laptops and mobile phones belonging to those suspected of operating large-scale illegal wildlife businesses.

In 2014, Acres called for harsher reprisals against a man who illegally kept 32 wild animals. He was fined $41,000, an amount Acres said was less than a tenth of the maximum he was facing.

A year later, Acres also proposed tackling the trade by using sniffer dogs at border checkpoints, but the AVA said it was less cost-effective than existing methods like routine or random checks.

Mr Bernard Harrison, who was executive director of the Singapore Zoo for nearly two decades, says the authorities could do better: "If they felt it was important, they would."

Addressing the problem will take more than just a change in mentality, though. Mr Ng says the AVA's wildlife section does not send a "very strong deterrent message to would-be offenders or traders" because it has insufficient resources.

"I want to increase the number of enforcement officers - there are only three senior inspectors to manage the entire wildlife trade in Singapore," he says, adding that he will take the issue to Parliament.

SHOULD BAN BE EASED?

Despite the argument against keeping exotic pets, however, some experts feel that it is time to review the current wide-ranging ban.

Dr Fred Chua, a veterinarian who has treated exotic pets for more than a decade, wants exceptions for certain animals like Indian star tortoises. He explains that reptiles like tortoises are not big eaters, so they will not affect local biodiversity if released. They also have little chance of survival in the wild because of Singapore's tropical environment, he adds.

Sugar gliders, too, can be kept at home, provided they are given ample space, says Mr Harrison. "You can keep exotic animals pretty well in captivity, and if you treat them well, there isn't a problem with the animal welfare side."

He calls for serious exotic pet enthusiasts to lobby for legalisation. "If they worked out some strategies that would allow them to abide by certain protocol, and breed these pets so they'd be disease-free, I'm sure it could be done."

Together with the National Parks Board, the AVA studies how an escaped pet would affect native wildlife before permitting an animal to be kept. Nearly a decade ago, the green tree frog and Malayan box turtle, both previously banned, were legalised as pets.

CONTINUING TO BREAK THE LAW

Until efforts are stepped up, illegal pet dealers and owners continue to be one step ahead of the authorities.

Retired army commando Freddy, 50, once whisked seven African helmeted turtles from under the noses of three AVA officers.

His friend, who kept the turtles illegally, called him for help and stalled the officers. Before they could return later that evening, Freddy went to his friend's flat and stuffed the turtles into a bag. The AVA officers returned that evening to find nothing illegal. "I was puzzled. If the AVA really wanted to check, they would have stayed."

Some owners show off their illegal pets on social media without fear of getting caught. Marketing executives Charlotte and Rachel, both 24, own a Mexican kingsnake, corn snake and two ball pythons. The close friends have no qualms about sharing photos of their serpents on Snapchat and Instagram.

Charlotte says: "There are friends who ask if I'm scared of getting caught, but I can say that I'm in Malaysia or at my friend's house."

She suggests introducing a permit system that requires exotic pet owners to pass a rigorous course on handling such animals. After permits are issued, she says, the authorities could conduct routine checks on the pets.

"Then again," she concedes, "this is not exactly a 'must-have'."

This feature is adapted from a final-year project by three journalism students from Nanyang Technological University’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

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Teens' book teaches kids about wildlife

Tang Fan Xi Straits Times 5 Jun 17;

Hershie the Hermit Crab was created by a group of four teenagers from Raffles Institution for a book to educate young children about Singapore's intertidal wildlife.

And the story of Hershie's quest for a new shell in the book A Crab, A Shell And A Little Help came to life all over Singapore the week before last as part of the Biodiversity Week for Schools, an event organised by the National Parks Board (NParks).

A workshop for pre-schoolers, Playtime with Hershie the Hermit Crab, was conducted across 224 pre-schools from May 22 to 28.

The book project began in 2015 and ended last year as part of the Raffles Ecological Literacy Programme by Ms Han Rae Ann, Mr Bertrand Yan and Ms Natasha Hoong, all now 19, and illustrated by Ms Renee Chua, also 19, then a H2 Art student.

Students who take part in the programme at Raffles Institution embark on field trips to different places rich in biodiversity, such as Sisters' Islands and Tioman Island. The team was inspired to make their book marine-themed through these field trips.

After their graduation last year, Ms Han and Ms Chua went on to take part in the making of a video and the development of an interactive activity book with stickers and colouring activities with NParks for the workshop.

Along the way, themes such as the impact of pollution on marine wildlife were introduced as Hershie encounters different animals.

In one such encounter, Hershie meets Timmy the sea turtle, who is eating a plastic bag that it thinks is a jellyfish.

It is the first time NParks is partnering a school to develop an activity book for a workshop specially for pre-schoolers during Biodiversity Week for Schools.

On the book A Crab, A Shell And A Little Help, Ms Han said: "It was a challenging process, especially since we had to juggle both our studies and this project last year, which was also our A-levels year. We didn't realise the actual impact of our work until we actually saw it ourselves."

Their project proved to be even more fulfilling when NParks incorporated their story into Biodiversity Week for Schools this year.

After attending one of the workshops which was conducted at My First Skool at Block 329, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, on May 23, Ms Chua said: "We thought that the impact of our storybook would be limited to its distribution to primary schools. But now, seeing the children enjoy our story and the interactive activity book we designed is especially rewarding."

Ms Cheryl Tan, 36, principal of the pre-school, pointed out that teaching children about the importance of conservation is crucial so that "they know how to play their part even as children".

The pre-school has been seeking to inculcate the importance of conservation among its pupils through teaching them about the 3Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle - and weekly gardening sessions at its own garden.

English lead teacher Shanthinayagi, 48 , said she is heartened to see her pupils' growing grasp of the concept of environmental conservation.

"Seeing them ask more questions and hearing from parents how they have taken such knowledge home is a huge satisfaction as it proves that they truly understand the importance of conservation," said the teacher.

The teachers and pupils at My First Skool also took part in Green Wave, another activity under the Biodiversity Week for Schools, where they planted a belinjau tree in their garden.

The young ones were eager to help. When asked how they felt, one of them - Olivia Ho, six - said with a chuckle: "I am very happy because I never got to plant trees before!"

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Don't hurt or kill that snake - call Acres

Charmaine Ng Straits Times 5 Jun 17;

When Acres' deputy chief executive, Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan, arrived in Buona Vista last week to remove a paradise tree snake from an office, he did not expect to see the 50cm-long snake taped to the carpet with industrial tape.

The adult snake also had a bleeding wound on its back as someone had tried to impale it.

"People are usually afraid of snakes and that's okay. But by doing this, you're really asking for trouble - the animal will feel scared and threatened, and things can go wrong," said Mr Kalai, 31, who was a wildlife rescuer for about four out of his seven years at Acres.

Acres does not keep numbers on cases of wildlife abuse but Mr Kalai, who still helps with rescues when manpower is short, has been noticing more of such incidents.

The non-profit organisation receives about 600 calls a month on its 24-hour wildlife rescue hotline, the only one of its kind in Singapore.

While those who call the hotline mostly leave the animals alone, some hurt the animals when they try to pin them down, he said.

This is particularly so for reptiles such as snakes, as well as birds. For every 10 calls related to snakes, Mr Kalai estimated that up to two are abused. Acres once responded to a snake-rescue call from a pre-school only to find a dead young spitting cobra. Someone had stacked at least three cardboard boxes on top of the reptile, which was 30cm to 40cm long, killing it.

Ms Anbarasi Boopal, who is also Acres' deputy chief executive, said such actions stem from inadequate education on the native wildlife.

"Singapore is creating a lot of greenery and it's never going to be just butterflies and flowers. There's going to be lizards, snakes."

Acres often gets calls about sightings of animals where a rescue is not necessary, she said. Last year, it received about 55 such calls a month, including sightings of small snakes on trees and monitor lizards in community gardens.

To curb this, Acres is ramping up efforts to educate the public on what to do when they encounter some of the common wildlife here.

Earlier this year, for example, it started working closely with and educating property managers of town councils, who are usually the first responders when the public encounter wildlife in a housing estate.

Acres said it hopes the campaign will help reduce misconceptions about Singapore's wildlife.

What to do if you spot a snake

Some of the common snakes native to Singapore include the reticulated python, paradise tree snake, common wolf snake, oriental whip snake, and the venomous equatorial spitting cobra.

While the paradise tree snake and oriental whip snake are mildly venomous, their bite is not dangerous to humans.

Snakes do not seek to attack people and are generally timid, said wildlife naturalist Serin Subaraj. They strike only if cornered or handled inappropriately.

"If you respect the distance, they will eventually move on," said Mr Serin, 22, co-founder of the Herpetological Society of Singapore. Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles.

If you encounter a snake in trees, drains or green spaces, leave it alone as these are their natural habitats. When walking along waterways or trails, be mindful of your pathway.

Snakes may end up in urban areas when they are tracking their prey. In these areas, they may end up injured if they are hit by a vehicle.

If you encounter a snake under these circumstances, keep a distance and monitor the snake's movement.

You can call the Acres wildlife-rescue hotline on 9783-7782 and provide information on the snake, such as its length, thickness and colour or markings.

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Malaysia: Outrage over hunting photos on FB

SIM LEOI LEOI and SHARON LING The Star 5 Jun 17;


PETALING JAYA: Conservation groups have expressed concern over the recent flood of “sport hunting” pictures of many protected species on Facebook.

Among the pictures – believed to be taken in Sarawak recently – were hunters posing with a slaughtered sun bear, a dead clouded leopard, and pangolins readied for the cooking pot.

Also seen were several dead river terrapins, silver leaf monkeys, and what looked like wild boars or deer, other than a Facebook page advertising a baby leopard cat for sale.

Many of the species featured are listed as near threatened, vulnerable or critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Expressing concern, Danau Girang Field Centre director Dr Benoit Goossens said the animals are totally protected in Malaysia as they are highly endangered.

“This is going on and on and on ... How can these guys parade on social media without being arrested?” he said in a Facebook post, arguing that this is far from any form of “subsistence hunting”.

Dr Goossens, who is based in Sabah, said the pictures are unlikely to be linked to the recent Harvest Festival celebration in Sabah or Sarawak.

“I would say the festival has an influence when it comes to the sambar deer or the bearded pig, but not those highly endangered species. This is sport hunting – for fun!”

“These guys have no fear. They post pictures of their crime on social media,” he said, adding that it was also in contact with an expert on cybercrime to trace those involved.

He said he had posted the pictures on Facebook after receiving them on Monday

“Hopefully, with those images, the Wildlife Department of Sarawak can arrest them,” it said.

Dr Melvin Gumal, director of Sarawak-based Wildlife Conserva­tion Society Malaysia Programme, said the laws to protect endangered wildlife such as the Malayan sun bear must be upheld.

“If not, all the planning for sustaining diversity and the environment in the future, including TN50, will be futile,” he said.

When contacted, Assistant Minister of Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said he had asked both the Sarawak Forest Department and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation to investigate the pictures.

State Forest Department director Sapuan Ahmad said it would be writing to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to get information on the Facebook users and IP addresses, before lodging a police report.

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