From kampongs and plantations to public housing and nature parks, Singapore’s land-use story is one of rapid transformation. In the process of building a global city, what have we gained and what has nature lost? Can development and nature find common ground?
In this workshop facilitated by the Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity, participants will explore Singapore’s development landscape and how evolving priorities over the past two centuries are reflected in our patterns of land use. The session invites us to reflect on how planning decisions have altered our natural landscapes in novel ways, and traces the difficult trade-offs between development and conservation.
As Singapore pushes forward with the City in Nature vision, this workshop offers a space for reflection and imagination: How can green and grey spaces coexist more meaningfully? Through case studies, collaborative dialogue and creative inquiry, this session opens up possibilities for reimagining how cities grow alongside nature, not over it.
This programme is designed to engage and empower youth as the primary audience, providing them with a dynamic platform to explore and learn. At the same time, it warmly welcomes participants of all ages, recognising that environmental advocacy, and the pathway towards a sustainable future, is a collective undertaking.
Whether you are a young changemaker just starting out or someone passionate about supporting youth-led initiatives, this inclusive space invites everyone to join the conversation, share perspectives and contribute to building a more just, sustainable and biodiverse future together.
About Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity (SYVB)
Founded in 2019, SYVB is the local chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), serving as the official youth constituency to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The youth-led network empowers Singaporean youth to actively engage in biodiversity conservation by providing a platform for participation in policy dialogues, consultations and international forums. Through initiatives such as policy advocacy, youth consultations and collaborative projects, SYVB aims to align local efforts with the global vision of "Living in Harmony with Nature" by 2050.
About the Facilitator
Isaac Ong Zi En serves as the Programmes Head at SYVB, where he leads the design and delivery of youth-driven biodiversity and climate initiatives. In this role, he oversees a diverse portfolio of policy workshops, interactive convenings and education programmes that empower youth to engage meaningfully with environmental governance and conservation issues. He also coordinates part of SYVB’s outreach efforts, curating content for social media and making biodiversity more accessible to broader audiences.
For more details about the programme, please visit this link: https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/events/syvb-tracing-our-terrain