NParks to Improve Access to Central Catchment Nature Reserve to Bring Singaporeans Closer to Nature

Part of NParks' efforts to enrich biodiversity in our urban environment and transform Singapore into a City in a Garden

26 May 2012, Singapore - Minister of State for National Development and Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin today announced that the National Parks Board (NParks) would be developing a 30km cycling loop, a nature park and two towers around the Central Catchment Nature Reserve to make nature more accessible to Singaporeans.  Speaking at the inaugural Festival of Biodiversity, jointly organised by NParks and the Biodiversity Roundtable, Mr Tan also announced NParks' new plans to bring nature closer to people, such as infusing more biodiversity into urban spaces.  These developments are part of Singapore'tos transformation into a City in a Garden.

Launched by President Tony Tan Keng Yam, the Festival celebrates the efforts by many individuals, groups, and organisations to conserve Singapore's natural heritage. Held at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the two-day Festival also includes free activities for the public, including exhibitions, workshops and guided walks.

President Tony Tan said, "Our green assets are an important part of our heritage and identity as Singaporeans. This cannot be taken for granted and we must continue to raise public awareness of the importance of our flora and fauna and involve more Singaporeans in our nature conservation efforts. I am heartened by the passion, energy and enthusiasm displayed by the many people involved in today's event.  I hope that through them, many more Singaporeans will learn about our biodiversity and be inspired to do their part in safeguarding our natural reserves and heritage."

New amenities to make nature more accessible to Singaporeans

By 2018, nature lovers, hikers, joggers, and cyclists who enjoy long distance trails will be able to travel around the Central Catchment Nature Reserve via the new cycling loop, about 30km long. The new loop will also be linked to the Western Adventure Park Connector Loop and other park connectors.  Visitors will be able to travel from heartland areas such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and other areas such as Dairy Farm Nature Park, to experience the majestic wonders of nature and catch a glimpse of our wildlife.  The loop will be built around the perimeters of the forests to safeguard the high biodiversity cores of the reserve.

An 80-hectare plot of land just outside the Central Catchment Nature Reserve will be developed into Chestnut Nature Park. Serving as a buffer to the nature reserve, the new park will include amenities for nature walks, hiking, and mountain biking.  Through interpretative signage, visitors will learn about the park's rich biodiversity, which includes the mousedeer, pangolin, monitor lizard and birds such as Striped Tit Babbler, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Sunbirds. Visitors will also enjoy panoramic views of the nature reserve at a new seven-storey tower.  It will also enable NParks and its partners to conduct more research on animals that live among the tree canopies. The park will be completed by early 2015, and as part of its development, the community will be involved in enriching the biodiversity of the park by planting native plants and trees.

Another seven-storey tower will be built at MacRitchie Reservoir Park by 2018. Located near the car park and other amenities, visitors will be able to enjoy scenic views of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the reservoir. 

Bringing nature closer to Singaporeans

To bring nature closer to Singaporeans, NParks will be working with nature groups to infuse more biodiversity into the city's urban landscape in a sensitive manner. Earlier efforts by NParks and its partners have been promising, with increased sightings of butterflies, dragonflies, and birds. Some new species that NParks hopes to attract into urban green spaces include the Crimson Sunbird, Common Birdwing Butterfly and Lesser Whistling Duck.

Another new initiative by NParks is the 'Animal Cam'. Four cameras will be installed around the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to stream 'live' video to the NParks website. From mid September this year, visitors to www.nparks.gov.sg/animalcam will be able to view 'live' footage of otters frolicking in a pond, as well as migratory birds feeding at the wetlands via their computers or mobile phones.

Festival of Biodiversity

Held on 26 and 27 May at Singapore Botanic Gardens' Botany Centre, the Festival of Biodiversity is organised in conjunction with the International Day of Biological Diversity, celebrated worldwide every 22 May. More than 40 partners comprising nature groups, volunteers, biodiversity experts, schools, corporate organisations and government agencies, contributed to the Festival's two-day programme and exhibits, with free activities for visitors of all ages to learn more about Singapore's flora and fauna.

Highlights of the Festival include the launch of two books: "Our Fragile Rainforest", which features new wildlife discoveries in Singapore, and "Caterpillars of Singapore's Butterflies", which details little-known facts about our caterpillars; an exhibition on Singapore's marine wildlife titled "Follow the Tide: from Mangroves to Coral Reefs"; a photography exhibition featuring winning images from the BiodiverCity theme of the "City in a Garden" competition; interactive booths, talks, art and craft workshops, film screenings, guided walks and more.

For more information on the Festival, books, and exhibitions, please refer to attached fact sheets, and websites www.nparks.gov.sg/festivalofbiodiversity and www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz