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Why We Are Here 1995 saw the birth of the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), which was formerly recognized as the National Council on the Environment. The SEC evolved from Singaporean's growing awareness and convergence to a more sophisticated understanding of being part of the global community's "Green-Consciousness". Internationally, the nations were united in their search for practical solutions to environmental problems such as climatic change (eg. global warming); accelerated industrialisation and urbanisation. The 1992 United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development or better known as the "Earth Summit" saw the climax of this mood. Their objective was to implement highly efficient and practical green policies, practices and standards. Singapore has become an outstanding model for other nations already. It has qualified as a modern, industrialised city state that maintains clean air, pure water, modern housing and excellent health facilities for its people. It has a global recognition as a green, garden city with 5% of its island reserved for nature. This has proved to be something of a miracle in such a tiny island of 50% built up area with a high population density. At the time of the SEC's conception, it was recognized that the demographic side effects needed to be faced head on and challenged creatively in order to achieve sustainable development. Green issues such as future limitations on growth; land use; water supply; pollution control; refuse disposal as well as the quality of life became a focal point for debate in Singapore. The government has been an active initiator on the environment front in the 1990s. However, it was realised that much more was needed to involve the individual Singaporeans in an out going effort. Real action and lifestyle changes at grass-roots level were urgently needed. Green awareness has been bubbling to the surface over the last decade, nurutred by widespread education and literacy, not to mention the globetrotting habits of newly affluent Singaporeans. As a result of this ferment, many energetic but small and resource-weak special-interest groups were formed, complementing the few older and stronger societies already in existence. This situation called for a coordinating umbrella body of some kind. The Council, sees itself both as a catalyst to individual action and responsibility , and also as tree offering shelter and roots to green groups, in aid of a better world and a better Singapore. The Origin The Singapore Environment Council evolved from the National Council on the Environment (NCE) which was formed in November 1990. The NCE was restructured to form a nationally oriented, independently managed body, to nurture, facilitate and co-ordinate environmental causes and groups in Singapore. Status The Singapore Environment Council is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 2nd November 1995. It is a non-profit organisation with the status of an institution of public character and it is an approved charity which therefore offers tax exemption for donors. Objectives 1. To promote
greater public awareness of and concern for the living and natural environment
in Singapore. Target Groups Our programs
are aimed at specific groups whose support is essential for the Council's
mission; Schools and Tertiary Institutions We want to nurture in young people knowledge and appreciation of their rich environmental heritage, and to inspire them with the desire to preserve and protect it. We also hope to encourage learned academics and scientists to share their research findings with us and so contribute to our environmental groundwork, whether at the local, regional or international levels. Green Groups Most green
groups in Singapore have only recently been formed. The Singapore Environment
Council aims to link Community Centers The Singapore
Environment Council wants to work closely with Community Centers as they
are another useful Media This is
a crucial target group for the Council, as the media is the quickest route
to the masses. We aim to provide Private Sector Business Organization The business
sector is the decision-making body for our consumption-oriented society
and as such, is an important Youth The Council
hopes to empower young people by using facts and fun to bring home the
importance of environmental Women We intend
to reach all home-makers, most of whom are women in local society today.
As the teachers of their children Logo The Council
retains the NCE's original logo: it captures the essence of the Universe,
with the three strong icons |