Conservation forum targets teens

TEENAGERS here will be given an insight into conservation issues and will find out how these issues will affect their lives at a one-day forum led by conservation experts.

It will be held at the Singapore Zoological Gardens on Saturday.

The theme of the forum, Wildlife Conservation - How Far Can We Go?, reflects the urgency of many conservation issues, both in Singapore and worldwide.

Among those attending will be Mr Frank Momberg, a conservationist involved actively in protecting threatened animals in Cambodia, and members of the Nature Society, among them Associate Professor Clive Briffett, who will talk about issues closer to home, such as why there is a need to protect Singapore's trees.

Organised by the zoo with support from the worldwide group, Asian Conservation Awareness Programme, and sponsored by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), the event is designed to promote awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation among young Singaporeans aged 13 and above.

'We hope that through activities like this forum, more Singaporeans, especially youths, will appreciate the limited wildlife resources that we have and the effect environmental destruction has on animals, and eventually on human beings,' said Mr Liew Kim Siong, senior manager of corporate communications at SPH.

A mini-fair with a conservation theme will be held at the same time, where participants can check out such activities as a glass painting demonstration using recycled bottles. Entertainer Nadya Hutagalung will autograph them.

The event will also include an exhibition showcasing the zoo's efforts to conserve wildlife.

The students can also learn more about the SPH Junior Conservationist Award, which was launched here in March by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, a holding company for the zoo, the Night Safari and the Jurong BirdPark.

The forum will be held at the zoo's Learning Centre. Participants need to register for it. It costs $10 to do so.