Project Orion III: Team Advisor

Introduction

Project Orion III - Rovering with Turtles is the 5th Scouts of the World Award (SWA) Voluntary Service Project of the SWA Singapore Base.

The 3rd instalment of this project will be led by 9 Singapore Rovers. They will return to Setiu, a main district in Terengganu, Malaysia where previous instalments of Project Orion were featured.

The primary aim of this project would be the conservation of sea turtles. In addition, the team of 9 will also be involved in Mangrove Replanting, Repair Work for the Village and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature - Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) who has an Information Centre at Seitu, as well as educating the youths about Conversation efforts and the English Language from the 16th to 30th June 2011. The team will also take charge of the construction and installations of signboards at hatchery and mangrove reforestation sites.

Name: Tan Sijie
Unit: Griffin Rovers (O)
Occupation (s): Free-lance
Hobbies/Interests: Scouting, Outdoor, Sports, Gaming

1) What is your personal goal or aim with regards to the contribution to Project Orion III, in addition to the effort of Turtle conservation?

This project is the success of almost two years of relentless pursuit and discussion with WWF Malaysia before the first Project Orion took place in 2009. Now into its third instalment, I can't help to feel proud and committed to ensure that this project continues to benefit both Scouts and the villages and turtles for many years to come.

2) What motivates and inspires you to take up Project Orion III?

Well, I started it. Probably that's a good reason enough. =D

3) What are your views on Turtle conservation?

Most turtles spent their life as what we called the 'lost years' in the vast oceans once they leave the beach as hatchlings. Only those who survive the long tedious ordeal (1 in a thousand) come back to the very beach they were born to nest once again. Nature would ensure this cycle continues indefinitely, but unfortunately humans have to interfere by their means of living (overharvesting of fishes, drift nets, consumption of turtles and their eggs etc). Since we have a hand in their downfall, we must also have a hand in their conservation so that their kind will not go extinct in our lifetime.

4) How do you hope to further maximize the effort of the team in Turtle Conservation?

I'll definitely try my best to spread the knowledge of both the conservation work and the village to the team so that everyone will be able to fully understand the purpose and goals of Project Orion.

Introduction

Team Advisor - Tan Sijie