Singaporeans are becoming increasingly more aware of the environment around them. Since the government wanted to carry out land reclamation on Pulau Ubin in 2001, we realise that Singaporeans value nature for several reason. According to Caroyln Merchant (1992), Singaporeans can value nature in three ways: for nature’s sake (eco- or biocentric), for the sake of other humans (anthropocentric or altruistic), or for an individual’s own benefit (egocentric). Based on the values people have, different attitudes and standards of behaviour toward nature arise.

The value for nature for it’s own sake refers to living things and the environment having their own inherent value which is more significant and consequential then the human part. Attitudes and behaviours that result from this value are fully pledged to sustaining the ecosphere and lie on the extreme of the behaviour spectrum.

The anthropocentric or altruistic value for nature refer to behaviours that conserve nature for the benefit of others and future generations. Groups such as the Nature Society of Singapore and nature-lovers just like Ron Yeo (author of tHE tiDE cHAsER, a nature blog) have been down in the mangroves to study and report their findings for the public’s pleasure. These findings create the bridge for people to appreciate organisms and spark interest in mangrove conservation of Ubin and other natural spaces. Another aspect is when parents bring their children to parks for a walk to expose and educate them about the environment.

Egocentric values have a smaller effect as it involves the benefit of only one person. This may include the usage of parks for one’s own recreational usage and for relaxation from the city. Activities include kayaking or even jogging and cycling round the island. Despite understanding and appreciating nature’s restorative or educational value, egocentric behaviours stop at the benefit of self.

Based on how different values and attitudes in nature result in different behaviours, we understand the extent to which sustainable conservation can be carried out.