Singapore Underwater Federation

[Caribbean Jake]

SINGAPORE : Divers may have every reason to rejoice.

 

The Singapore Underwater Federation is looking into developing a coral reef on the southern island of Pulau Hantu.

 

Contrary to common belief, Singapore has natural reefs on its offshore islands.

 

And the Singapore Underwater Federation is planning an ambitious project, called NOAH for Nurturing Our Aquatic Heritage, which aims to build a coral reef in the lagoon enclosed by Pulau Hantu.

 

They are also planning to move corals from other reefs to the island.

 

Mr Sydney Chew, Member of Singapore Underwater Federation, says: "Everybody that's involved in this project, from the engineers to the scientists, as well as conservationists have said it's doable, so I believe it is very possible that we can get this project on the road."

 

For the next few months, they will first conduct studies on the reefs around Pulau Hantu with a budget of $100,000.

 

Dr Geh Min, President of the Nature Society, says much can be done in marine conservation, and the young should be roped in to learn this lesson.

 

She says: "What I hope is that as the project proceeds, young Singaporeans will not be just spectators, they can actually participate. I think this is very important. If you want to use nature as a teacher, taking a specimen into a classroom is very different from taking the student going out into a nature area. "

 

Project NOAH is expected to be completed by 2008. - CNA/de

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin.../200698/1/.html

[Sharkb8]

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