Perspectives from a Biodiversity Researcher
By Professor Peter Ng
11 May 2006

"Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give
In the circle of life"

In modern Singapore, environmental issues are becoming increasingly salient to our way of life. More than just a movie soundtrack for the Disney animation film, the Lion King, the words to the song Circle of Life succinctly sums up the need to have a balance. With the demand for a clean, green and healthy physical environment and the threats of SARS and Avian flu looming over the region, good environment management is of an even higher priority now.

What does biological diversity have got to do with environmental management? Why should the man on the street be concerned about animal and plant conservation, the smuggling of endangered species, alien species invasion and the destruction of natural habitats like forests and swamps?

Using relevant case studies from the various biodiversity-related research projects conducted by staff from the Raffles Museum and the Department of Biological Sciences, Prof Peter Ng will discuss why good, forward-looking environmental management almost mandates a strong knowledge of the resident biodiversity and the preservation of animal and plant lives in our living environment.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Professor Peter Ng is Director of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR) of the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore. The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR) has its origins in the Raffles Museum, which was founded in 1849. Established on 1 October 1998, the RMBR is built on the academic strengths of faculty and postgraduate researchers of the department involved in the research on various aspects of biodiversity, and also on the facilities and personnel of the very extensive animal, plant and fungal collections totaling over half a million specimens. Fondly known as ‘The Crabman’, Prof Ng's areas of research interest include all kinds of crabs, fresh water fishes, marine biodiversity and Southeast Asian conservation biology. With more than 510 technical papers published over the past 15 years, Prof Ng has also obtained many scientific awards for his research work.

Last updated on 25 Jun 08

Prof Peter Ng

DATE: 11 May 2006 TIME: 3.30pm to 5pm VENUE: SEI Training Room, 40 Scotts Road, Environment Building, #06-00, Singapore 228231 COURSE FEE: Nil Click to Register

ENQUIRIES:
Please call 67319208 or email nea_seicustomer@nea.gov.sg