The Pan Pacific Conservation Foundation (PPCF) has provided more than $73,000 in funding to environmental organizations in Singapore for the first time, officials announced at a beach clean-up on May 22 at Changi Beach Park [1, 2, 3, 4]. The event coincided with the International Day for Biological Diversity.

PPCF revealed support for the People’s Movement to Stop Haze (PM.Haze), Nature Society Singapore, and the Institute of Technical Education. During the clean-up, volunteers and participants collected 171 kilograms of marine debris, helping to reduce pollution along the coast [1, 2, 3, 4].

PPCF chairperson Peter Zhu described Singapore as a philanthropic hub in Southeast Asia, pointing to the region’s environmental significance. “I see Singapore as a hub for philanthropy in South-east Asia, where there are many opportunities to take action against the accelerating pressures of climate change and environmental degradation,” he said [2].

Southeast Asia holds nearly 15% of the world’s tropical forests and one third of coral reef species, making conservation efforts critical [1, 2, 3, 4]. PPCF currently supports peatland restoration projects in Indonesia alongside PM.Haze and Yayasan Gambut. Zhu noted, “Our philanthropy enables local partners to educate and work with indigenous communities to become stewards of these ecosystems” [1]. He added, “These projects are sustainable because the communities are also taught how to responsibly manage the conserved areas on their own while tapping on the land’s resources for their livelihood” [1].

PM.Haze will use the funding to cover costs for RE.Peat 2026, an expedition aimed at empowering youth. Beatrice Baquero-Salah explained, "The funds will help cover cost of RE.Peat 2026. This expedition to the peatlands will give young people the opportunity to learn about environmental issues in Indonesia, and apply their experience to implement projects within their own communities" [2].

The beach clean-up included participation from Poh Li San, co-chair of the PAP Climate Action Group, and Pasir Ris-Changi GRC MP Valerie Lee [1, 2, 3, 4]. The PPCF’s announcement marked a concrete step in supporting environmental causes within Singapore and the wider region.