Patron of the Elephant Parade Singapore

I am honored and extremely happy to be the patron of the Elephant Parade Singapore for the following reasons.

First, I believe that there is an inextricable link between man and nature. The future of humankind is dependent on the health of the earth's ecosystem. If we continue to extinguish various forms of biological diversity, at the rate we are doing, we will eventually destroy the earth's ecosystem. When that happens, we will endanger life on earth. This important truth is the reason which led the Earth Summit, in 1992, to adopt the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Second, it is therefore both morally right and in our own self-interest to respect and preserve the natural world. Animals are part of nature. As a result of the loss of habitat, illegal trapping and hunting and unethical habits of consumption, many species of Asian animals are either extinct or critically endangered. Of the larger animals, the Asian elephant, tiger, rhino, bear, orangutan and snow leopard are on the critical list. Let us do everything we can to preserve these magnificent animals in their natural habitats.

Third, the Elephant Parade Singapore is the largest public art installation ever held in Singapore. Come November, the streets and public spaces of Singapore will display over 100 life-size baby elephants. The elephants have been decorated by artists, designers, celebrities, students and corporate leaders. It will be an inspiring experience and will raise public awareness of the importance of conservation in general, and saving the Asian elephant from extinction in particular.

Tommy Koh
Chairman, Preparatory Committee for the Earth Summit and
Chairman of the negotiations at the Summit
UNEP's Champion of the Earth (2006)