Change the Present, Save the Ocean – An Exhibition on the Ocean Crisis and Global Commitment on Marine Conservation
- Jointly organised by City Developments Limited, the National Parks Board and Ocean Geographic, this marine-themed exhibition aims to support global and national climate goals
- Net zero-certified exhibition leverages energy-efficient fittings, on-site solar generation and off-site renewable energy
- World-renowned marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle shares her journey in marine conservation and protection at the exhibition launch
Singapore, 11 April 2022 – City Developments Limited (CDL), the National Parks Board (NParks) and Ocean Geographic (OG) have jointly launched an exhibition themed “Change the Present, Save the Ocean” on marine conservation. Held at the net-zero CDL Green Gallery in the Singapore Botanic Gardens[1], the exhibition will run from 12 April to August 2022 in support of global and national climate action. The exhibition showcases Singapore’s commitment towards coastal and marine conservation, especially as the nation transforms into a City in Nature, a key pillar in the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to advance sustainable development. Through the exhibition, CDL, NParks and OG hope to illustrate the interconnectedness of climate change and the health of our oceans, people, and the planet, as well as highlight the importance of coastal and marine conservation.
The exhibition was officially launched today by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development. He was joined by world-renowned marine biologist and oceanographer, Dr Sylvia Earle, at the opening ceremony.
Exhibition: Change the Present, Save the Ocean
Leveraging contactless displays, this exhibition represents the second edition of the Climate Action Exhibition series (the first edition was held last year and entitled, “Change the Present, Save the Future”) and takes visitors across four zones:
- Global Action: Protecting the Ocean, Our Life Source – spotlighting COP26 and global efforts across sectors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
- Local Action: Marine Conservation in Singapore – showcasing NParks’ role in protecting marine biodiversity and habitats, including the Marine Conservation Master Plan and various species recovery and community engagement efforts
- The Private Sector: CDL and the Green Building Movement towards Net Zero through innovation and partnerships beyond borders
- Your Part in Ocean Action: A showcase of breathtaking photos and videos from Ocean Geographic and partners, underscoring the threats to ocean and marine life
Mr Sherman Kwek, Group Chief Executive Officer of CDL, said, “Over time, mankind has caused devastating impact on the ocean and marine life. However, through education and positive behavioural changes, we can mitigate the destructive practices and allow the ocean to gradually heal over time. Post COP26, this ocean-themed exhibition is a timely reminder of the importance of collaboration across sectors and borders in order to protect our oceans. In line with CDL’s longstanding commitment to engage and advocate for sustainability issues, this second edition of our Climate Action Exhibition series at the CDL Green Gallery spotlights ‘SDG 14: Life Below Water’. We hope that visitors will gain a better understanding and appreciation of the pressing issues surrounding marine conservation and biodiversity, spurring them to support national and global efforts in climate action.”
Professor Leo Tan, Chairman of the Garden City Fund, NParks’ charity arm and an IPC, said: “Singapore’s coastal and marine habitats, though small in size, support a rich assemblage of biodiversity. For instance, more than 250 hard coral species can be found in Singapore’s waters out of over 500 species within the region. New discoveries are also constantly being made. Collective action with the community, on both a regional and international level, is therefore key in conserving these habitats for native biodiversity to thrive. Together, we can grow Singapore into a City in Nature, protecting its natural heritage for ourselves and the generations after us.”
In line with the thematic focus on climate action, the exhibition is held at the net-zero CDL Green Gallery located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. All energy required for the running of the exhibition and its energy-efficient multimedia fixtures are offset by on-site solar generation and off-site renewable energy. The exhibition will feature global leaders in climate action, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and C40. To extend its outreach, a virtual exhibition is also available on the CDL Sustainability website (www.digital.metafusion.com.sg/websites/2023/cdl) for overseas visitors to tour the exhibition online.
Before heading down to the Gardens to view the exhibition, the public can check the Safe Distance @ Parks portal (safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg) for the latest updates on visitorship levels. They can also refer to the NParks’ website for the latest advisories for gardens, parks and nature reserves in response to the COVID-19 situation.
[1] Since its opening by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2013, the Gallery has hosted 18 exhibitions on biodiversity, gardening and sustainability-related subjects.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ry-Anne Lim (Ms)
Manager, Communications
National Parks Board
Tel: 8218 0357
Email: [email protected]
Jill Tan (Ms)
Asst Manager, Corporate Communications
City Developments Limited
Tel: 6877 8484
Email: [email protected]
About City Developments Limited
City Developments Limited (CDL) has been Singapore’s property pioneer since 1963. It is a leading global real estate operating company with a network spanning 104 locations in 29 countries and regions. Listed on the Singapore Exchange, the Group is one of the largest companies by market capitalisation. Its income-stable and geographically diverse portfolio comprises residences, offices, hotels, serviced apartments, retail malls and integrated developments. As a socially responsible corporation, CDL is fully committed to environmental sustainability and has been initiating and supporting sustained outreach programmes to deliver a lasting and positive impact in the communities where it operates.
For more information on CDL, please visit www.cdl.com.sg.
For details on CDL’s sustainability journey, please visit www.digital.metafusion.com.sg/websites/2023/cdl.
Follow CDL on social media:
Instagram: @citydevelopments / instagram.com/citydevelopments
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/citydevelopments
Twitter: @CityDevLtd / twitter.com/citydevltd
About the CDL Green Gallery
Developed and donated by CDL in 2013 in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, the 3,380 sq ft CDL Green Gallery @ SBG Heritage Museum is an eco-friendly building sited on Holttum Lawn in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was conceptualised as an extension of the Heritage Museum and features botanical or green-related exhibits that are changed every six to nine months.
Designed to be sustainable right from the start, the project introduced two eco-features for the first time in Singapore: the use of Hempcrete, a bio-composite material; and a prefabricated modular system that reduced on-site construction time to under 24 hours. Rooftop solar panels harvest solar energy to generate an annual energy yield of over 31,000 kWh. This is greater than the gallery’s estimated annual energy consumption of about 30,000 kWh/year, making the CDL Green Gallery Singapore’s first purposefully built zero-energy Green Gallery.
Other eco-friendly features at the CDL Green Gallery @ SBG Heritage Museum include:
- Green walls. The east and west facades are clad with fauna-attracting plant species to enrich biodiversity.
- Green roof. Selected drought-resistant plant species help to lower the Urban Heat Island effect around the building.
- Energy-efficient interior fittings. The gallery is fitted with LED lights and energy-efficient air-conditioning systems.
About National Parks Board (NParks)
The National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for enhancing and managing the urban ecosystems of our City in Nature. We are the lead agency for greenery, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife and animal health, welfare and management. We are also working closely with the community to enhance the quality of our living environment.
NParks manages around 400 parks, 3,347 hectares of nature reserves, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Jurong Lake Gardens, Pulau Ubin and the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. Adding to this is the extensive network of Nature Ways, and the over 300 km Park Connector Network that links major parks, nature areas and residential estates island-wide. Every year, we run over 3,500 educational and outreach programmes across our various green spaces.
NParks has developed an urban biodiversity conservation model, which aims to conserve representative ecosystems in land-scarce Singapore. NParks also monitors and coordinates measures to enhance the presence of biodiversity in our urban landscape.
NParks is working closely with partners in the landscape, horticulture, veterinary and animal sectors to increase productivity, and provide training for all levels of the workforce. Enhancing competencies of the industry will support Singapore’s vision of being a City in Nature.
For more information, visit www.nparks.gov.sg and www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz.
About Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG)
Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens played an important historical role in the introduction and promotion of many plants of economic value to Southeast Asia, including the Para rubber tree. Over the years, the Gardens has continued to introduce and rejuvenate its horticultural attractions while continuing its mission of connecting plants and people.
Today, the 82-hectare Gardens is a key civic and community space, and an international tourist destination. Attracting an annual visitorship of more than 4.7 million, it is also an important institution for tropical botanical and horticultural research, education and conservation.
The Gardens showcases the best and most spectacular of tropical flora, including more than 10,000 types of plants and the region’s most significant living collection of documented palms, orchids, cycads and gingers. Its historic 19th-century garden landscape is well preserved and includes the earliest ornamental designed lake in Singapore. Home to numerous heritage trees and a tract of primary rainforest, the Gardens is less than a 10-minute walk from the shopping belt in Orchard Road. The Gardens was inscribed as Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
The Gardens was ranked the number one park in Asia in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for attractions in 2014. In 2012, it clinched the inaugural Garden of the Year Award by the Canadian Garden Tourism Council. In 2008, it was awarded the Michelin three-star rating and selected by Time Magazine as Asia’s Best Urban Jungle.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is managed by the National Parks Board. For more information, visit www.nparks.gov.sg/SBG and www.facebook.com/singaporebotanicgardens.
About Ocean Geographic (OG)
Ocean Geographic explores the dynamics of our ocean – the source and cradle of all life on Earth. Ocean Geographic also looks at human cultures which have been dependent on the sea, and delves into deep and shallow sea exploration. Ocean Geographic Society inspires awareness, beauty and the importance of preserving the health of our ocean using arts and sciences supported by imagery from the world’s leading underwater artists and photographers. Ocean Geographic was launched in 2007 by OceanNEnvironment Ltd, a charity organisation registered with Environment Australia.
Annex A: Change the Present, Save the Ocean
The exhibition comprises four zones:
- Global Action: Protecting the Ocean, Our Life Source
- Local Action: Marine Conservation in Singapore
- The Private Sector: CDL and the Green Building Movement
- Your Part in Ocean Action
[Zone 1] Global Action: Protecting the Ocean, Our Life Source
[Zone 2] Local Action: Marine Conservation in Singapore
[Zone 3] The Private Sector: CDL and the Green Building Movement
[Zone 4] Your Part in Ocean Action
Visitors will be “immersed underwater” as they enter the exhibition, mimicking the view of life below water.
[Zone 1] Global Action: Protecting the Ocean, Our Life Source
Partnerships and collaboration are key to driving a sustainable future. From innovative technological solutions to stakeholder engagement initiatives, visitors will learn about CDL’s transformative efforts in greening the built environment.
[Zone 3] The Private Sector: CDL and the Green Building Movement
Visitors will be greeted by stunning underwater photographs of marine life and images of the polar regions, transporting them to the depths of the seas.
[Zone 2] Local Action: Marine Conservation in Singapore
[Zone 4] Your Part in Ocean Action