NParks and WRS Launch Mangrove Conservation Initiative - Project to Study the Effects of Refuse on Mangrove Reforestation at Sungei Buloh

Singapore, 20 August 2011 - National Parks Board (NParks) and Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) are working together on a mangrove conservation project in Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, a site of international importance for migratory birds.

This project, the first of its kind for NParks, will examine the effects of flotsam on coastal mangrove regeneration and ecology. The results from this one-year monitoring programme will help NParks manage Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve better.

Staff researchers from both NParks and WRS, with the assistance of volunteers, will monitor the growth of saplings and their establishment and survival rate in relation to the effects of refuse. The volunteers from Anderson Junior College, Institute of Technical Education and WRS will be involved in clean-ups of the study site twice a month. A tree census will also be conducted once every quarter to ascertain the mangrove species, abundance and growth in the study sites.

"The Sungei Buloh coastline is often littered by refuse brought in by the tides. This monitoring project goes beyond our regular coastal clean-ups and will document the impact of rubbish on our mangroves. Results from this monitoring project will allow us to manage our mangrove wetlands better," said Mr Wong Tuan Wah, Director, Conservation, NParks.

Mr Biswajit Guha, General Manager, Singapore Zoo said, "Mangroves are important habitats for many unique species and are ecologically important to nutrient cycling and coastal protection. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the only gazetted mangrove wetlands in Singapore and we should try our best to conserve it. Its rich habitat of interesting flora and fauna is an important part of our natural heritage. We are excited to be involved in this joint initiative with NParks, because we can contribute both our manpower and expertise to local habitat conservation."

Project leaders from WRS will work closely with NParks on project methodology, logistics and data collection, as well as the coordination of field staff and volunteers. WRS will be providing a core group of up to 50 staff and volunteers in this project.

The project is launched on 20 August 2011 with the help of volunteers in a clean-up of the study sites.