Singapore Garden Festival 2010 - Launch on 25 Mar 2010 - The Man Who Planted Trees

Over 400 members of the community came together at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to plant a 5-metre tall display titled "The Man Who Planted Trees" that will take centre stage at the Singapore Garden Festival 2010. The display is inspired by a timeless eco-fable of the same name. This charming tale by award-winning French author Jean Giono has inspired generations of environmentalists, as well as reforestation efforts worldwide. It traces the story of a shepherd who set out to reforest the ruined eco-system of a desolate and abandoned valley in the foothills of the Alps, near Provence in France. Painstakingly and patiently over a span of more than 40 years in the first half of the 20th century, he cultivated an entire forest and transformed the valley into a thriving community.

The story underscores our duty as stewards of the environment that we reside in, and speaks volumes about how one persons reforestation efforts, through sheer determination, could leave an indelible mark on our planet. It also bears strong similarities with the greening movement in Singapore. Our greening journey began about four decades ago when Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yews vision of a Garden City took shape. Up to today, Minister Mentor continues to plant a tree annually. Local heroes, with their tireless efforts, too played an important part in nurturing Singapore into the Garden City that we are renowned for today.

"The Man Who Planted Trees" celebrates the International Year of Biodiversity 2010, and pays tribute to all the local heroes who have contributed significantly to the greening of Singapore. Do drop by to see "The Man Who Planted Trees" take shape at the Botanic Gardens' Holttum Lawn.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Singapore
• Garden
• Festival;
• SGF;
• garden
• show;
• flower
• show