singapore botanic gardens

Gardens of Unesco

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The Singapore Botanic Gardens was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining 11 other newly-inscribed sites announced at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Bonn, Germany. In particular, SBG’s bid was noted for its “well-prepared” nomination dossier, which means that in the Singapore context, Singapore was extremely diligent in doing our homework. Here … Read more

The panda that trampled on the true orchids

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Ravi Philemon

“Earth Hour Singapore is taking place this Saturday March 28 at 8.30 pm…(and) official celebrations will be taking place at the Botanic Gardens…”, announced World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Singapore recently. 

The Online Citizen was invited to the press conference which was to be held at the Botany Centre in the Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG).  But the press conference was not to be.  If there was a proper media conference as announced, a question was begging to be asked, “Why was Singapore Botanical Gardens chosen as the venue for the press conference and the multimedia presentation for the Earth Hour?”

This question begs the asking because SBG recently hosted an orchid naming ceremony for Thein Sein, the Prime Minister and the fourth-highest ranking general of the junta which rules Myanmar.  The junta is well known for its atrocities against its own people and for the curbing of social and political rights. 

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