Engaging the global community

At a time of concern over climate change, environmental degradation and species loss, we stepped up efforts to make meaningful contributions as a responsible member of the global community.

In February 2009, we started work with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to formulate a Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity that would help cities benchmark their efforts in biodiversity conservation.

We have also initiated efforts to facilitate regional collaborations in biodiversity conservation through workshops and seminars. In April 2008, an ASEAN Urban Biodiversity Workshop was organised for member countries to share their experiences and develop a network of practitioners in the region. In March 2009, the international community of hornbill experts and researchers convened in Singapore to share ideas and best practices in hornbill conservation.

The Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity was proposed by Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, at the 9th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in May 2008.