18 July 2023
The move aligns with Singapore’s green ambitions and positions TNC as a key player in Asia’s sustainability efforts.
In a significant move aimed at tackling the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a renowned global environmental nonprofit, has officially announced its expansion into Singapore. Backed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), TNC’s newly established Singapore office will serve as a strategic global center, focusing on partnerships, innovation, and scientific research.
TNC’s decision to expand into Singapore aligns seamlessly with the nation’s ambitious Singapore Green Plan (SGP) 2030, which aims to position Singapore as a leading hub for green finance and services. The partnership with EDB demonstrates TNC’s commitment to supporting Singapore’s sustainability agenda while furthering its own goals for 2030.With the establishment of its Singapore office, TNC is poised to make a lasting impact in the Asia-Pacific region by leveraging its extensive international network and scientific expertise. The expansion will enable TNC to actively contribute to Singapore’s vision of becoming a low-carbon and sustainable powerhouse and a carbon services hub in Asia.
As part of its expansion plans, TNC intends to bolster its team in Singapore by hiring a minimum of 20 new staff members over the next five years. This investment in local talent showcases TNC’s dedication to building a solid foundation and cultivating expertise within Singapore, ensuring tangible and enduring results for both people and nature.
TNC’s strategic areas of focus in Singapore include driving sustainable solutions, bridging climate and conservation funding, transforming business practices, and collaborating with leading academic and research institutions. By supporting the growth of a high-integrity market for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) carbon credits, TNC aims to benefit people, nature, and the climate. Through partnerships with organizations like the Southeast Asia Climate and Nature-based Solutions Coalition (SCeNe Coalition), TNC will accelerate the adoption of triple-benefit NbS in the region.
To bridge the financing gap for climate and conservation initiatives in the region, TNC will collaborate with NatureVest, its in-house impact investment team, to develop investment products and raise capital for projects that deliver positive conservation outcomes.
TNC will also work with trading companies and the finance sector to address commodity-driven land conversion, such as deforestation, and help implement sustainability programs that prioritize positive outcomes for both people and nature. Furthermore, TNC aims to deepen the understanding of nature’s role in addressing climate change by partnering with leading academic and research institutions in Singapore.
Jennifer Morris, Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Conservancy, expressed excitement about the expansion, emphasizing the importance of Singapore in the ecological landscape of the Asia-Pacific region. She emphasized TNC’s commitment to working with Singapore partners to deploy nature-based solutions that offer triple benefits for climate, nature, and people. Morris also highlighted Singapore’s remarkable position as a hub for green finance, climate action, and ecological stewardship, paving the way for a sustainable future in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Damian Chan, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board, welcomed TNC’s presence in Singapore, highlighting the organization’s global conservation experience and research and project development capabilities. He expressed confidence that TNC’s contributions would drive sustainable solutions and foster new partnerships, both in Singapore and the wider region.
The launch of TNC’s office in Singapore comes at a critical time, not only for Singapore but also for the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. With a population of over 4.3 billion people and diverse landscapes, the region faces mounting pressures from urbanization, consumption, and resource demands. TNC’s presence in Singapore will play a vital role in safeguarding the region’s unique ecosystems and mitigating the effects of climate change.
As TNC expands its operations into Singapore, it is poised to make a substantial contribution towards the conservation of nature and the fight against climate change. Through partnerships, innovation, and scientific research, TNC and its Singapore-based team will work tirelessly to create a world where both people and nature can thrive.
