Before we begin, you might be wondering what a fireside chat is. Our BFF fireside chats are sessions specially organised for BFF-ers to get to know an experienced member of the biodiversity scene in a small-group setting.
A Fireside Chat with Mr Kenneth Er, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Parks Board (NParks), was held on 6 April 2019, Saturday, at Function Room, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens. We were also treated with a surprise guest as Dr Adrian Loo, Group Director of Conservation & Wildlife Management in NParks, decided to join us to share more about NParks and the company’s conservation strategies and efforts.
The day began with Joy, Manager from the National Biodiversity Centre, providing some background information on NParks and Mr Kenneth Er through a Kahoot! session.
Following which, the participants were split into two focus groups where NParks interns Lesley and Rena each facilitated a group. The groups were brought through a short discussion session where they reflected on how the efforts of NParks have helped connected them with nature, and shared their concerns on biodiversity and NParks’ conservation plans.
After a short break, Mr Kenneth Er shared about his personal journey in the biodiversity scene. In addition, he shared about the successes of NParks’ conservation efforts as well as future conservation strategies.
With the end of Mr Kenneth Er’s sharing, participants were invited to direct any relevant questions to him and Dr Adrian Loo in a question-and-answer session.
Rounding up a fruitful fireside chat were refreshments! Over fruit tarts and sandwiches, participants got the chance to network with Mr Kenneth Er and Dr Adrian Loo and interact with them on a personal level.
Overall, it was a very enriching morning with Mr Kenneth Er, Dr Adrian Loo and some 20 like-minded individuals who came together to learn more about the role of the public sector in biodiversity conservation as well as to voice their own thoughts and concerns!
Biodiversity Friends Forum 