Hello! We just got back from an exciting trip tto Malaysia! While we did a lot of great things, my favorite part was going to the Tanjung Piai Johor National Park on the first day. This park is meant for the conservation of the Mangrove trees at the southern most tip of mainland asia. It was like taking a breath of fresh air when we got to the park. In contrast to Singapore, this national park was wild and not controlled. Regardless of the wooden trail that guides tourists through, there was the potential to see wild animals, bugs and insects were everywhere, and there wasn't any air conditioning!

There is this sign at the tip of Mainland Asia where we all took pictures- here is a picture of me and Nina!



This southern most tip is very interesting because of its significance with the both historical and present day trading and shipping routes. Here is a picture of modern day trading routes. Clearly there is heavy traffic around Singapore and Malaysia. (Courtesy of http://www.supplychainleaders.com/provider/evergreen-marine-corporation/324/).

As we were standing there amidst the mangroves these massive container ships, more than anyone could count, were drifting by as though they were simply far to heavy to move quickly.

Moreover there was a ton of plastic and debris that was around the mangrove trees. At first guess I thought that maybe the tourists had littered but I think the more plausible explanation is that this is all waste coming in off the sea. Seeing all the plastic and debris around the national park was a bit discouraging because of how damaging it is for the ecosystem. Mangroves act as filters for their ecosystems. They have adapted to their salt water environment (e.g. their intricate root system) and support many types of life especially the creatures that are at the bottom of the food chain. In fact one of the first "things" to greet us at the site was a monkey! It moved quickly so I couldn't get a good picture of it but there were several monkeys around the mangroves. But other animals include mud skippers, pythons, and wild boars. Mangroves also provide protection against flooding and typhoons. However, it seems as if these mangroves are fighting against the massive amount of ships and cargo that float by them leaving a trail of toxins and debris.

While being in Singapore and while traveling through Malaysia I have tried to take note of how the environment is treated. I consider myself a "green" person so I notice immediately when there is a recycling bin here, a water saving device in the bathroom, and energy efficient appliance there. The difference between Malaysia and Singapore is quite distinctive. While Singapore has managed to control its environment every park, green space, and in fact every space on the island is carefully planned out. Whereas in Malaysia things are more sporadic. The palm oil plantations and rubber plantations are signs of control but there is still a very wild and natural feel to Malaysia. I have seen examples of the Malaysian approach to the environment before in other developing countries so I wanted to learn about Sinpgapore's approach to its environment. I thought I would start by interviewing the Office of Environmental Sustainability here at the National University of Singapore. They allowed me to ask them about their program, their initiatives, the students and faculty response to sustainability, and moreover they reach they think they have into the overall community of Singapore. What I found the most interesting was that this is a really young program. The idea of sustainability has really only been around for two years here at NUS. However, it seems as if things are already changing. While I was there the students and interns working on changing the type of container the stands in the canteens give out (they found a biodegradable and sustainably made container instead of the plastic containers) got the go ahead to make all the stalls on campus use this new type of container. Yet, the reason why? Economics. Now whether this is a good thing or bad thing, that the environment and making better choices are contingent upon economics is another matter. it is clear that the Office of Environmental Sustainability knows how they are going to ensure that their initiatives are going to be completed. It is through economics. I am hoping to visit more "environmental sites" in Singapore and continue my exploration of environmentalism in Southeast Asia when we go to Thailand but for now there is a lot to think about in terms of what does it mean to be environmentally conscious in Southeast Asia.

-Mary